This week on The Hot Seat Postelles guitarist David Dargahi talks about violent adolescents, Nashville BBQ, the loudest thing he’s ever heard and more.
1. Tell us about your craziest touring experience.
John and I got swarmed by a group of about 20 middle-schoolers in Philadelphia. One of them ended up smacking John on the head which put us in the awkward position of fighting back little kids or walking. We like to think we took the moral high ground and walked away!
2. What type of college class would you’d most want to take and why?
Anthropology is always a fascinating subject. Being on tour takes you to some pretty interesting places so we could be more informed about the cultures had we taken more classes. That or Jazz History is something you’d probably find a Postelle in.
3. What city in America is the most fun to visit and why?
Nashville is a pretty amazing town. The authentic country vibe is great and the bbq is delicious. We’re addicted to Jacks BBQ on broadway! We’re looking to get to all the cities in America so expect a tour of Alaska, North and South Dakota and Nebraska soon. Tours just don’t stop there these days.
4. What’s some of the best advice you were ever given?
Bring extra strings. We surprisingly underestimated this advice in the early days of shows. We always tended to get out of tune and break strings because nerves would get to us and cause us to break strings on our guitar. One time I remember I broke them and had to search for extra strings. While I did that the rest of the band played a lovely cover of “Respect” by Aretha Franklin.
5. What’s in heavy rotation in your MP3/CD player right now?
We’ve been listening to The Basement Tapes by The Band With Bob Dylan quite a bit. Also MGMT’s album has some really great stuff.
6. The last good book you read or TV show you’re addicted to.
“Travels With My Aunt” by Graham Greene was really fun to read while traveling through Europe. We’ve been trying to watch The Wire on tour but haven’t had enough time.
7. What’s the first concert you ever saw - how was it?
My dad took me to see The Who at MSG about 12 years ago, I remember it being the loudest thing I had ever heard.
8. What are three items you can’t live without on tour?
Gold-fish crackers were the big snack of choice last tour. A new album you’ve never heard before is always nice because there’s some long drives on tour and you can pay attention to an album in a way you may not in regular life. Also, bringing acoustic guitars is always nice. We had an impromptu gig of sorts at a gas station in Texas a few months back.
9. Who are your major musical influences?
Quite a big range but to pick a few, 70’s Punk- The Stooges, 60’s Motown- The Temptations, 50’s Rock- Buddy Holly.
10. Any random messages or tips you’d like to give to mtvU watchers?
Stay in school unless you want to be in a rock band, in that case leave school and pursue your band.
