Rhett Frazier Inc. is a synth- based soul band, originally from Detroit, currently playing out of Southern California. The band IS Rhett Frazier and Donny Gruendler. Their sound crosses all genres, but are most often compared to the Roots. It is a sound that they have labeled, “rock soultronic,” incorporating elements of many different styles, ranging from rock to soul to electronica.Rhett and Donny went deep with me on a wide variety of topics.
Listen here to the entire conversation:
Our long conversation covered such topics as:
The origins of the band. (1:00)
Naming the band. (1:30)
Why have a band? (2:55)
Who does what in the band? (3:15)
Working together (5:00)
What the heck do they sound like? (7:30)
The band is a family? (10:00)
“A deep brotherhood”? (11:45)
Describing the sound (14:30)
“Rock soultronic” (15:30)
Integrating sounds (17:35)
How long they have been making music together (19:15)
“The record made them” (20:50)
The first song, “U can't stop.” (21:45)
The future, the past and the difference. “the future is coming from behind/the future's caught you from behind.”(24:00)
The song, “Mirrors” and the opening line “don't hate the player, hate the game.” (25:45)
“If you were a douche bag when you got to L.A, you'll still be a douche bag late.” (27:15)
Why is Detroit so much better than L.A? (28:30)
Your label is Digi- Soul. (30:15)
The label will not rescue you. (30:45)
“Being on with you is like being on with Barbara Walters.” (33:10)
Rhett and Donny are great guys. They were very open and it made for a fantastic conversation. The humor and honesty they brought to the table made for a wonderful interview.
Stay tuned for updates on Rhett Frazier Inc. in the coming year, here as always, in the Continuum.
Find more from the band at:
http://www.myspace.com/rhettfrazierinc
