Interview with Misty Perholtz from The Newbees

the newbeesinterview and photos by Scott Preston

I had the chance to ask fellow Ohio University alumni (GO BOBCATS), Misty Perholtz (The Newbees) a few questions about life and music.

Cincy Groove: How did The Newbees end up writing a song for Gold Star Chili?

Misty Perholtz: It was a really a snap decision. On a Wednesday in March, GS’s ad agency called me. Someone had recommended us for the spot. My guess is because, our personalities tend to be pretty lighthearted and they knew we’d have a good time doing it. They allowed us to write our own tune simply because we asked if we could instead of doing the one the ad agency had written for us and because Jeff moonlights as a jingle writer anyway. The following Wednesday, we recorded at Ultrasuede and on Friday did the video shot. We had no idea how frequently it was going to be on t.v. or about the billboard. We just did it for a new experience and actually had a fun time doing it.

Cincy Groove: Whats it like to have 5 songwriters in one band?

Misty Perholtz: Great. There is definitely no shortage of variety. Jeff and I had always wanted to form a multiple writer, singer, no front man ensemble. In older rock, this concept was pretty common. Tons of bands met this description, like The Beatles, The Band, CSNY, The Grateful Dead, Fleetwood Mac, and even Prince and the Revolution.

Cincy Groove: I understand you are giving away your newest album, who brought up the idea of doing
that?

Misty Perholtz: All along, we’ve all kind of felt strange asking for money for our discs and have given most of them away anyway. We make music because we love it and want other people to hear it. And the best way for them to get excited about trying something new is to give them a free cd. We all have day jobs and self-finance our musical endeavors, but luckily, don’t have to pay for studio time, since Jeff and I operate a recording company for a living. Basically, we want to pass on our good fortune to anyone kind enough to want our record.

Cincy Groove: Did you have any interesting experiences in Amsterdam?

Misty Perholtz: How can you not?

Cincy Groove: If the Newbees could open for anybody they wanted to , who would it be?

Misty Perholtz: Today, I’d say Wilco. We all love the band and their fan base is incredibly loyal and receptive to improvisation and experimentation. Ben Folds would be cool, too. Since his fans love piano, they’d adore Sharon.

Cincy Groove: Did The Newbees play any shows while you were over in Europe?

Misty Perholtz: Just an acoustic set in a German family’s backyard.

Cincy Groove: How many side projects do the members of the Newbees participate in?

Misty Perholtz: Currently, a lot less, but even still, tons. Let’s see, and sorry if I miss anyone. For Algernon, Lines and Spaces, Liz Bowater, Tristen Shields, Minni-Thins, Dave Davies and the Southgate Boys, The Fabulous Pickups,
The Beau Alquizola Band
, Matthew Shelton, and Sharon’s in about nine more that I can’t think of right now.

Cincy Groove: Whats the weirdest experience you have ever had with a fan?

Misty Perholtz: Nothing odd, just your typical drunk guy stuff.

Cincy Groove: Everybody in the band seems to like having fun and has a sense of humor. Does anybody ever play any practical jokes on each other?

Misty Perholtz: Only once on April fool’s day, but there is definitely your fair share of ribbing going on.

Cincy Groove: What was the first album you ever bought?

Misty Perholtz: With my own money? It had to been either, Cindi Lauper’s “She’s so Unusual”, “Thriller” or Chicago “17”. I usually could only afford 45s.

Cincy Groove: What was the first concert you went to?

Misty Perholtz: I’ll tell you Jeff’s, since I was a little girl and you’d never remember the group anyway. He actually got to see Prince on the “Purple Rain” tour. Insane, right?

The Newbees will be releasing their 3rd cd titled “Amsterdam” on Dec 28, 2007 with a performance at The Poison Room in Cincinnati, OH. To celebrate the completion of their 3rd album, The Newbees are giving it all away. Every bit of Newbees merchandise, including “Amsterdam” is free for the taking, at the door, until it’s gone. So come early.

12/28/2007
The Newbees CD Release Party
also performing: Mike Fair and the Adventure Seekers and Chaselounge
The Poison Room
301 W. 5th St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-333-0010

The Newbees – http://www.thenewbees.com