March 27th, 2013 
Brian Leak 
Today we have an exclusive interview for our readers with up-and-coming rock and rollers, The Weekenders. As we recently shared with the group’s music video for “Chin Up,” there is a lot of story that coincides with, and influences, the work of Rob Reinfurt’s SLC fuzzrock outfit. You can go watch their video at that link provided and read the accompanying story to have a more in depth perspective going into this interview.
Reinfurt took the time to speak with us about his band’s recent debut album, Don’t Plan On, as well as his primary influences and a little about money and crowdfunding. So read through and get familiar with The Weekenders, a new, passionate rock band with a lot to offer!
Don’t Plan On is a very impressive debut. What themes would you say are prevalent in the sound and lyrical content?
Thank you for taking the time to listen.
It’s really a collection of all of my thoughts and emotions from the past 3 years. It was a chaotic time in which I needed to make sense of all the distortion. I also needed to vent and music was my only outlet for expression. I couldn’t talk to anyone about my case but I needed to release. I had never written lyrics much less songs before but I picked up the guitar again and it all just kind of poured out. I’m a drummer and gravitate towards groove and improv music so I’m not sure how it happened. It just did. I didn’t have a consistent band so I bought some recording gear and started putting together these tunes — one instrument, one track at a time. About half of the album was done solo. The other half was recorded as a two-piece with my old drummer John Murphy. Then I added in bass and keys to round it out with some help from a few friends. I tried to mix and master the album but I’m not an engineer — not even close — so I brought the recordings to Mike Sasich and he brought them to life.
Would it be safe to assume that “Missy” is about Missy Giove?
Beyond safe. A lot of people think I hate her but I don’t. There’s no sense in that. When it first went down I was quite aggravated. Every time I play that song I feel a burden lifted.
And beyond that, what kind of influence has your legal troubles had on your creative efforts?
It sparks creativity for me. In an odd way I beg for this kind of strain.
I know you had written “Chin Up” for Eric and have heard that it had reached him. How did you find out that he had seen the video?
Through some mutual friends that I’m very thankful for.
Have you been working on any other new material since Don’t Plan On released?
In the last few months I’ve been writing a ton. There have been weeks where I’ve written close to an album’s worth of material. Lately I’ve been reworking all these ideas with the band and letting them run naturally. Mike has just finished building his dream studio and we’re getting ready to record our next album.
It would seem that some obvious influences would be Led Zeppelin, The White Stripes, etc., but are there any other people/bands that have been a heavier inspiration to you?
As a groove drummer I love Bonham and Zeppelin is for sure an influence. It’s hard not to be influenced by them, but I wouldn’t say I’m heavily inspired by Led Zeppelin or The White Stripes. We often get these comparisons and they’re valid. There is a certain heaviness to our music that is reminiscent of their music, but the inspiration to create that music came from my experiences. When I made the record I wasn’t feeling funky. I felt like bashing the drums and what came out was a dirty rock record.
Musically I’m most inspired by artists like Medeski, Martin and Wood, Marco Benevento and on the rock side Smashing Pumpkins, Beck.
I see that you only have a couple one-off shows on your schedule for now. Any touring plans in the works?
We are starting to plan a tour right now for early summer. We want to head up to Seattle and work our down down the coast.
Who are some bands that you’ve been listening to that should be on our radar?
Locally we have some young and fiery artists. The North Valley, Holy Water Buffalo, Joshua James. All these guys play with a lot of passion.
Why did you decide to release your debut album for free?
There’s so much music out there today and it’s tough to get people to listen. I sound like a broken record. The fact is everyday people have to sift through crap – you can’t turn on anything without seeing or hearing an ad. It’s overload. I don’t want to shove my music down anyone’s throat. But, if they like this type of music I would like them to listen to it – no strings attached. You gotta pay your dues as an artist today. I’ll take on the burden of these recording costs. I know people will come to shows and support us with their presence if they dig it. That’s enough for us.
What are your feelings regarding crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo?
I see a lot of bands use these platforms with great results. Personally, I don’t feel comfortable asking people for money. If people want to support our music, come out to a show and let loose. The other night we played a huge auditorium. There were only a few people there. It felt so empty and the stage sound was bad, but a kid from the audience came up and danced on the stage. At one point he was break dancing and busted into a head stand. That’s all the Kickstarter I ever need.
What is your ultimate goal as an artist?
Start traveling, sharing our music and keep creating.
Written and conducted by: Brian Lion – Follow him on Twitter
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