2008 Woodie Awards
Notes from Lucinda
Lucinda Albers
Issue date: 2/27/08 Section: Juice
Two minutes into my phone conversation with Derek Smith, I've already pegged him as a lively, fun and, well, normal guy who I seem to talk to like a 'long-time-no-see' friend.
Only difference is he's currently touring parts of the United States with his band, Four Letter Lie.
These Maple Grove, Minn., natives have just released their sophomore record, What A Terrible Thing To Say, on Victory Records (home of Sioux Falls natives Nodes of Ranvier, pre-breakup, of course). Now vocalist Brian Nagan, vocalist/guitarist Kevin Skaff, bassist John Waltmann, guitarist Connor Kelly and drummer Smith are playing everywhere and anywhere in support of it.
While Four Letter Lie's first album sounded more rough, the second album gives them a polished imprint in the musical world.
"The first record was to get our foot in the door," says Smith. "It was our first real record, and we didn't have a full understanding [of the process] and the producers didn't really know anything about our band. On this new record, the producers really cared about us and the record."
The screamo verses of Nagan set over the pop-punk crooning choruses of Skaff set a perfect balance to reach both hardcore emo-scene kids and softy girls with hair cut into a million layers. But don't squash Four Letter Lie into just one genre quiet yet.
"We pull inspiration from all over," says Smith. "Everybody brings in a different vibe. We don't have just one style."
And you can definitely tell the differences in their music when you compare songs like the pop-punk hit "Feel Like Fame" to their racing title track "What A Terrible Thing To Say."
Another attribute that sets the band apart is their pride in making a connection with their fans.
"We've heard a lot from people who don't support us," says Smith. "So we try to really get to know those that do support us."
And they certainly put that philosophy to use. I had the opportunity to see these guys play a while back, and they brought a very impressive energy level to a less-than-impressive venue.
You can make a connection with Four Letter Lie March 2 at Nutty's North in Sioux Falls. The all-ages show starts at 6 p.m. and costs $8. Openers include locals Avery and Dawning By Day as well as Minneapolis natives Camera Can't Lie.
Only difference is he's currently touring parts of the United States with his band, Four Letter Lie.
These Maple Grove, Minn., natives have just released their sophomore record, What A Terrible Thing To Say, on Victory Records (home of Sioux Falls natives Nodes of Ranvier, pre-breakup, of course). Now vocalist Brian Nagan, vocalist/guitarist Kevin Skaff, bassist John Waltmann, guitarist Connor Kelly and drummer Smith are playing everywhere and anywhere in support of it.
While Four Letter Lie's first album sounded more rough, the second album gives them a polished imprint in the musical world.
"The first record was to get our foot in the door," says Smith. "It was our first real record, and we didn't have a full understanding [of the process] and the producers didn't really know anything about our band. On this new record, the producers really cared about us and the record."
The screamo verses of Nagan set over the pop-punk crooning choruses of Skaff set a perfect balance to reach both hardcore emo-scene kids and softy girls with hair cut into a million layers. But don't squash Four Letter Lie into just one genre quiet yet.
"We pull inspiration from all over," says Smith. "Everybody brings in a different vibe. We don't have just one style."
And you can definitely tell the differences in their music when you compare songs like the pop-punk hit "Feel Like Fame" to their racing title track "What A Terrible Thing To Say."
Another attribute that sets the band apart is their pride in making a connection with their fans.
"We've heard a lot from people who don't support us," says Smith. "So we try to really get to know those that do support us."
And they certainly put that philosophy to use. I had the opportunity to see these guys play a while back, and they brought a very impressive energy level to a less-than-impressive venue.
You can make a connection with Four Letter Lie March 2 at Nutty's North in Sioux Falls. The all-ages show starts at 6 p.m. and costs $8. Openers include locals Avery and Dawning By Day as well as Minneapolis natives Camera Can't Lie.
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