Since forming in 1998, L.A.-based quartet Rilo Kiley have steadily earned acclaim with their subtle blend of indie rock and country. For their latest album and major label debut, More Adventurous, the band hit the studio with producers like Mike Mogis, Dntel/Postal Service mastermind Jimmy Tamborello, Beachwood Sparks/All-Nite Radio’s Dave Sher and Mark Trombino. The result is the most layered and sonically-rich Rilo Kiley album yet. Drummer Jason Boesel took time out from Rilo Kiley’s busy touring schedule to brave mtvU’s Hot Seat and fill us in on freezing vans, his drumming hero and the magic of Mickey Dolenz.
Q: Tell us about your craziest touring experience.
A: Probably getting caught in a blizzard in Wyoming. We had to sleep in the van, and in the middle of the night we all woke up at the same time, possibly because our bodies all realized they were dying at the same time, and there was ice on the inside of all the windows. Either that or the time our bass player and his Brazilian jujitsu master friend almost laid waste to an entire security staff in Boston.
Q: What type of college class would you most want to take and why?
A: I would like to take a masters level creative writing course. I would like to pressured into having to complete some stories.
Q: What city in America is the most fun to visit and why?
A: Austin, Texas is up there. Texas has real problems that cause almost immediate and deep depression, and Austin has captured all the good things about Texas and horded them for itself. Houston is a shit cracker.
Q: What’s some of the best advice you were ever given?
A: That high school is not that important.
Q: What’s in heavy rotation in your mp3/CD player right now?
A: Townes Van Zandt, Mars Volta and Bob Dylan, Basement Tapes.
Q: The last good book you read or TV show you’re addicted to.
A: Old School by Tobias Wolff
Q: What’s the first concert you ever saw? How was it?
A: I saw the Monkees reunion tour in ‘87 or ‘88. It was awesome. I almost cried when I saw Mickey Dolenz going backstage before the show.
Q: What are three items you can’t live without on tour?
A: Computer, headphones, and very cold Coca-Colas.
Q: Who are your major musical influences?
A: Jon Theodore from the Mars Volta is my current drumming hero. I really liked the first PJ Harvey record and the first Porno for Pyros record. Bob Dylan’s the best there will ever be, and Townes Van Zandt is a close second.
