Introducing:
City Windows
Reminiscent of Strike Anywhere and Rise Against, San Diego-based City Windows are attacking punk rock with vigour and adding their unique touch to it along the way. With their debut EP out in the world, we chat to drummer Aaron Weislogel about Oxbow, their beginnings and more.
Interview
Tell us a little about yourself. Where the name came from, how long you’ve been going for and anything else new fans would want to know.
City Windows came from a list of names our previous bass player had pulled together. We all resonated with it and liked the idea of how every window in the city has someone behind it with a different story to tell.
We have been playing together in the current lineup for two years in October 2020. Myself and guitarist/vocalist Ryan Steele had been trying to put a group together for a year or so prior, with revolving doors at bass and guitar. When we finally found Sean Sullivan (Bass) and Lyle Pavuk (guitar/vocals) it all come together quickly. We have played a lot of great shows around San Diego and were slated to play the Fest19 in Gainsville, of course, COVID put an end to that.
Can you recall your very first memory of music?
My dad taking me to a Moody Blues concert in Erie, PA. I was very young, don’t remember the age, but it was my first live music experience. I remember how loud and excited the crowd was. Everyone knew the lyrics and were singing along. I also remember everyone was smoking inside and you could barely see the stage with all the second-hand smoke in the air.
Who’s on your wishlist of artists that you’d love to collaborate with and/or open for on tour?
A couple of current bands we are all fans of are Mercy Music, Propagandhi, Iron Chic, Such Gold, Drug Church and Direct Hit. We could list dozens more but we’ll spare you all the additional reading. (Typesetter, Western Settings, Spanish Love Songs, Movin in Stereo, Wolves&Wolves&Wolves&Wolves, None More Black, A Wilhelm Scream, Off With Their Heads….ok that’s enough).
Speaking of live shows, what’s your favorite story from a show so far?
One favorite show was opening for Typesetter and Tiny Stills at Tower Bar in San Diego. Ryan is old friends with some Typesetter members from his days in Chicago, and Tiny Stills (LA) has some great songs. It was fun to be playing with friends from across the country and there was such a good vibe during the show.
Another favorite show was opening the Western Settings release party at Space Bar in San Diego, for their new record, Another Year. They are a great band and awesome people, and their guitarist Will also runs La Escalera Records, who put out our EP and helps us with booking shows and much more.
You recently released your debut EP, Oxbow – congratulations! What were some of the most fun and also the most challenging aspects of recording it?
Thank you! The most fun is hearing all the songs come together. We tracked everything together in one live room, and once when finish and get to listen to the output in the control room… that’s exciting. Ben Moore at Singing Serpent is an amazing engineer and working with him was a pleasure.
The most challenging was recording vocals. Our budget was thin (or non-existent) and we had a hookup to record at a studio after hours. Finding the time to complete it was tough, but that’s usually what happens when you are not paying for it. In the end, Mat Pav at CDMS did a great job capturing Lyle’s and Ryan’s raw vocals and we are all stoked with how it ended up.
Settle an argument for us (and the rest of the world) pineapple on pizza?
Acceptable… but only with quality ingredients. Don’t try telling us that Little Ceasers makes a decent Hawaiian slice. Also, it can only be pineapple -or- ham and pineapple. Don’t start throwing a bunch of other junk toppings on it.
Music
Inspiration
Rising to the challenge, City Windows have put together an electrifying collection of songs that best encapsulates the artists and music that inspire them as a band.
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