Denton-conceived band El Gato is really special. We don’t mean that in the “short yellow bus” sense of the word, we mean that in the “creation of extraordinary sonics” sense of the word.  They are local legends in Texas for their Flaming Lips/Secret Machines-esque sound and their energetic live performances.  They somehow manage to do the near impossible - please both fellow musicians and rabid fans alike with their innovative melodies, intense percussion builds and slyly poetic lyrics.

Their 2002 full-length release, We’re Birds, blew a lot of people’s minds in the best way possible. And a new record is due out anytime - it is currently being mixed by Stuart Sikes (Modest Mouse, The Walkmen) and promises to be as headphone-friendly and full of sonic goodness as their prior releases.

Not only did El Gato lead singer John Vineyard answer our 5 Questions, he also gave us 2 new tracks from the upcoming album for your downloading pleasure…“Bangin On Doors” and “The Frustrated Cowboy.”  And also an old favorite by request, entitled “Christmas in My City,” a lovely song which just happens to be one of Joie’s favorite original holiday tunes.  We highly recommend downloading all three and adding this band to your list of necessary aural treats.

1. When historians listen to your most recent CD 1000 years from now, what will they say?
Well in 1000 years, all humans will communicate telepathically, so they won’t “say” anything out loud. Also, they will not be able to comprehend human emotions as we know them today because anti-depressants and mood control pills will have been perfected, and there won’t be any real suffering (except by people who can’t afford to be properly medicated).
Mystery and spirituality will no longer exist, and any dark humor that makes us smile today will not be funny to the humans of 3006 A.D. (Especially historians for chrissakes!). Also, everyone will have robotic arms. So, I don’t think our album will make much sense to them, but if they do have an opinion, my guess is they would say, “I like their old stuff better.”

2. If you could have any band/musician living or dead open for you, who would you pick?
I think I’d have to pick someone that would be completely out of place in a rock club. I think I’d like the awkward tension of seeing either Celine Dion or Ludwig Van Beethoven warm up the stage for EL GATO. Ludwig Van would be up there saying, “Can I get a little more piano in the drum monitor?” or something like that.

3. What is the strangest band-related dream (one of) you have had?
Kevin had a dream that we were playing on a deserted island, and naked ladies were throwing pickles at us. (?????)

4. What do your fans look like?
Our fans come in all shapes and sizes. A lot of them tend to wear tight white jeans. Most of the girls wear faux mink coats, and the guys usually don’t wear shirts at all. There is something extremely high-fashion, and at the same time very primitive about this look.

5. What bullshit do you run into at most every show that makes you think “man, this bullshit again?”
Hmmm… Well nothing comes to mind that happens at EVERY show. There are certain sound guys that make me want to punch myself in the “toilet-area”. I have panic attack issues, and my amp is real heavy. One time I got kicked out of Fitzgerald’s in Houston when we played for a full house and they tried to pay us $8 at the end of the night. I was a little irritated. Most of the time I try not to let things at the club get to me.

Bonus question: why won’t you forget to tip your bartender?
I used to date a bartender, and I know it’s a lot of work… They have to put up with a lot of drunk idiots. They have to clean up vomit sometimes. They have to reason with people that can’t be reasoned with… That’s why they deserve tips. Oh yeah, and I also know at least one bartender that carries a gun.

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