Sunday, September 25, 2011

In the Pen with Great Spiders.

So what's it like having a conversation with Great Spiders' Omar Schambacher?
Here's a tip... the responses you receive sound something like:
"Well, I'm very passionate about the sonic realm, meaning and universal symmetry of music. It's the superficiality in the music world that I am complicit in that I struggle with. I feel as though we are all teetering on existential crises."
So basically, it's fucking AWESOME having a conversation with Omar.
This guy can talk...about pretty much anything you want. Rodeos? Check. Aliens? Check. Socks with sandals? No problem.

Read our interview to find out more wacky shit about Omar, and check out some more photos on our Tumblr to see his fascinating fashion choices.





Do you believe in aliens?
Yes.

Ever seen a UFO?
As far as something I couldn't identify in the sky? Sure.

Which do you think is more fascinating--earth or space?
It's just a matter of taste. Personally I think they are both very fascinating.

What are 5 bands you have been listening to lately?
I will always listen to Guns N' Roses like its scripture. Thats my primo shit. Ever since I was ten. For music, melody and interval appeal to me instead of time periods. I listen to pop music mostly. I believe there are two kinds of pop songs: catchy and beautiful, and catchy and awful. I'm also way into "CD chic", if you will.

What was your first CD?
The American Tail soundtrack and Madonna's True Blue. I like that one the best.

What, in your opinion, is best thing to complain about?
The best thing is the environment probably. It's the only thing that matters any more really. Environmentalism is the new racism. We are so environmentally reckless.

Who are some musicians that inspired you?
Well, I started out as a guitar player, so all the old blues guys. A lot of K Records stuff like Calvin Johnson. Also Alan Jackson and Marilyn Mansion--that's actually true.

Is there anyone you would really like to perform with?
Beck. I have dreams about it. Because he's the best.

Do you have a favorite animal?
I like squirrels.

Growing up, did you have the coolest name out of your friends?
I thought my name sucked when I was young. Now I guess its nice to be distinguished. It's not like a "John" or whatever. Well, unless I was in Dubai.

Did you have a pet growing up?
I had some guinea pigs and a parrot.

What do you do with your spare time?
Worry--about myself, and about people I'm close to. And animals and nature. Also, as a covert political crusade, I like to pose in the neo-tea party phenomenon. I go on TeaBag websites. I have several different personalities to create dissent or wax truth within the over-materialistic faction of the American demographic.
(**Note: I had to have Omar repeat that one a few times.)

What beverage best describes you?
Water--we're all made of water. I have ingested my fair share of crap, but I aspire to be solely a water drinker.

What is the worst job you've ever had?
Delivering food for an Indian restaurant: within 3 weeks I got punched in the face and 5 traffic tickets.
I was also a commercial fisherman in Alaska. That was definitely the hardest job I've ever had.

Were you born in a hospital?
No. I was born at home. And I'm uncircumcised.

Where are you from?
I lived near Neverland Ranch. I lived in Europe for a little while, too. I'm originally from Ellensburg. I'm not really into it but you can certainly get cool knick-knacky stuff there. I grew up with the rodeo.

Oh yeah? Tell me about rodeos.
It's sheer abuse. I saw a heifer get a broken leg once.
You see, my stepdad is a truck driver. He turned me on to ZZ TOP, and going to the stockyard. I once fell into a big pool of shit at the stockyard. I thought it was solid ground... but it went up to my chin. My step dad just laughed at me.


According to Omar, each of us is teetering on existential crises. In that case, let's all do it together! Great Spiders will be playing at Cairo with Seapony and ORCA TEAM on OCTOBER 7th. Come get weird.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Silkscreen Workshop Monday, September 26, 7 p.m.




$45 gets you this great workshop, teaching you the basics of silkscreening shirts and posters + 1 month's worth of 7 day a week access to our studio to create your very own goodies. Stop by or email alchemy.of.time (at) gmail.com to reserve a spot!

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Stripping Down with ORCA TEAM

What's black, white, and pop all over?
Leif Anders and his band of babes is what.
ORCA TEAM, who has recently relocated from Portland to Seattle, came in for a band photoshoot recently and I asked to do an interview. Turns out they have a soft spot for horror movies and all things 1950's. Oh, and taking their clothes off.
Note the special guest appearance by Peter Lowe and some serious Psychic Feline product placement...way to be subtle.

Here are some cool photos of this fashion-backward band.





Care to see more photos? Look no further than here.

And here are some cool questions:

Where do you hide your diary?
L- Right here in my bag.
J- In between my mattress and my box spring.
D- I don't hide it, I leave it out in the open.

What is your staple article of clothing?
L-My bowtie.
D- My jeans. Levi 511's.
J- My black pencil skirt… I have a few.

What is your worst fashion faux pas that you can remember?
L- I wore sweat pants and velcro until I was in 4th grade…Is that bad enough?
J- I had three different pairs of overalls.
D- I wore ribbed baggy knee jeans, New Balance sneakers and a tight Fox racing T-shirt. Even f it was functional, it was 8 years late.

What is something Portland does better than Seattle?
L-There are better food options for vegans.
D-Yeah, and better nightlife and coffee.
J- I think the scene feels really supportive. Everyone is really close in Portland.

Can you remember the best show you saw in Seattle?
L- It's going to be something really embarrassing… But I saw Shoplifting open up for the Yeah Yeah Yeah's in 2004.
D- I saw Regina Spektor and Kings of Leon opening for the Strokes once…

What band musically inspires you, personally?
J-I would say Young Marble Giants.
D- Tupac.
L-Dusty Springfield.

Do you have a favorite seattle band?
L- I like Witch Gardens a lot. And the Intelligence, Idle Times, and Unnatural Helpers. I really appreciate USF for what they do, too.
J- Stephanie and M Women. Leif just took all my answers!
D- Uhhhh, Sir Mixalot?

Where does the name "Orca Team" come from?
J- That's all Leif...
L- It started at school in Bellingham. I liked the PNW and I wanted to be on a team. Like a pack of sea wolves...or something.

What was your worst job?
D- Dairy Queen. I once was asked to kill a rat.
L- I worked at Noodles & Co as a dishwasher.
J- I worked at a Christian conference center…I win!

Describe the look of the band aesthetic, please.
J-We prefer to wear a lot of black…we like the simplicity of early mod's classic silhouettes, before the crazy colors. Oh...and bowties.

Can you all agree on one movie that is perfect for a first date?
(After several minutes of debate) Spyria.

What is your favorite soda?
L- A Shirley Temple…mmmm.
D- I think I just really like Mexican Coke.
J- I low Blue Sky Jamaican Ginger Ale.

Are any of you superstitious?
L- Yeah. I don't walk under ladders. And we don't practice the day we play unless do it twice... never three times.

As a youth, what did you want to be when you grew up??
J- I wanted to be a marine biologist… of course.
L- I wanted to be a scientist until I realized you had to be smart. That was in Kindergarten. Also, a secret agent.
D- I wanted to be a firetruck.


Trying to see them live? ORCA TEAM is playing at Ground Zero on September 24th, before their West coast tour with Pony Time in late Sept/Oct. Then they'll be at the Wildrose on Nov. 12th, sans pants if I have any say in the matter.

Adios muchachos.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Cairo at Bumbershoot!


Cairo is at Bumbershoot this weekend with a huge selection of vintage and handmade clothing and accessories. We're located near the Fisher Green stage. Stop by and say hi!