An Interview With The New ‘Gold Coast Dreaming’ Band, PET FANGS!

Photo Credit- Steven Taylor

Meet the newly launched band, Pet Fangs. It’s made up of brothers Joe and David Stark from band Baby Bee (Republic Records), plus bassist, songwriter and creative visionary Jory Cordy, as well as Ben Alleman, multi-instrumentalist and keyboardist for Ryan Adams.

Pet Fangs have a fun, adventurous Spoon-meets-Beck sound, with a dose of Foster The People, Danger Mouse, and even Tears For Fears. Just a few weeks ago they released their debut single, “Gold Coast Dreaming,” and today they dropped the official music video, directed by the band’s own Jory Cordy.

Learn more about Pet Fangs in the following All Access interview:

Q: Thanks for your time! Where does this interview find the band today? Is there music playing in the background? What music do you all like to listen to when you are relaxing or answering interview questions? 

A: Thank you! I’m currently in my apartment and some Steely Dan is playing in the background. RIP Walter Becker.

Q: How does 2017 so far compare to last year? How differently did you all approach this year then you did 2016?

A: Musically, we are starting to let all our stuff out of the bag so that’s a whole other thing than last year when we were hunkered down and just being creative. We are having fun with the process though.

Q: Can you recall the moment you all realized that you could really make music together and be this band? Why do you think your name truly represents this group and the music that you create? Where did your name come from in the first place?

A:  We had a sense that we should all be in a band because we had all crossed paths so many times with other projects and there just seemed like there was something in the universe pulling us together. It’s not easy to be in a super democratic situation but we always come away with the feeling that our music is better because of that collaborative spirit. We were talking about a name one night at our studio (The Tackle Box). I think I liked the word “pet” in front of “rhino” or something but the dudes didn’t want an animal in our name. I know once we wrote Pet Fangs down on paper it just looked so fucking cool. We couldn’t believe it didn’t exist so Jory secured all of the domains in like 10 minutes.

Q: I always like to ask artists how their hometown has been an influence on the kind of music they make and really what kind of a band they are today. So how do you think your hometown has affected you and the music that you create?

A: I’m not sure about the towns specifically. We’re all from different suburbs of New Orleans. I will say that South Louisiana has some crazy stuff going on musically… and otherwise!! Ben spent some time in Dr John’s band. I’ve played in George Porter’s (The Meters) band. Those guys have some heavy shit going on. Even if that’s not what we are stylistically doing exactly, it’s got to be in the subliminal DNA.

Photo Credit- Steven Taylor

Q: You have all been a part of so many other bands so I am curious to know how Pet Fangs is different or similar to those previous experiences? Are any of you balancing more than one act right now? Has then been difficult or an easy transition to make?

A: It’s different for me because I really feel like it takes everyone involved to make the sound. In the past I’ve been in bands where you could replace someone’s part or just have them not around. It’s definitely all or none with this band.

Yeah, I’m touring with a great soul singer named Marc Broussard through the fall… and same with Ben.. he’s touring with some guy called Ryan Adams. We start playing Pet Fangs shows this winter and will release a full album early next year.

Q: Let’s talk about your recently released debut single “Gold Coast Dreaming.” What was the inspiration for this song? How do you think it accurately introduces listeners to you guys and your sound in this band?

A: I can remember getting the first verse and chorus together and just feeling like I was high for a month. Every time I’d listen to the demo to finish writing the lyrics I’d feel like I got a steroid shot or something… just totally stoked. The groove is definitely inspired by southern R&B, and the lyric is about longing for more. Being dudes from small towns with weird ambitions, that kind of thing. Jory wrote the “pink hair” line and Dave got that whole groove just bangin’. It was fun to write the lyric too and get Ben to go all unicorn on it.

Q: When do you hope to release more music and a full album of songs?

A: New single out late fall… album early next year.

Q: Do you have any upcoming shows planned for the fall season? Where can people see you perform next?

A: We are working on shows in NOLA, Nashville, LA, and a few connectors now.

Q: Where do you think you are all happiest- on stage performing, in the studio recording new music or elsewhere?

A: The studio has been a tug of war between “team torture” and “team euphoria.” I prefer live but it’s only just starting, so maybe the torture is lurking around the corner. 😬

Q: With the summer being just about over, what was your favorite part about it? What was something fun that this group did or tried? 

A: Favorite part was less clothes and cerveza. We took a few trips this summer to our favorite studio. It’s called Dockside and it’s in Maurice, Louisiana, right next to the Vermillion River. Apparently it was a brothel before it was a studio. It’s got crazy, weird and spooky vibes.

Q: We are living in a crazy and at times rough world right now so I am curious how you think being in this band gives you the most joy in life today? Do you think that new music being created today is going to reflect these hard times?

A:  Times are definitely strange. A few of the dudes got super down after the election and we’ve all gone through some personal stuff. I think we use our band as an escape from all of that. Some of those environmental sentiments leak into the music emotionally and lyrically but we certainly like the escape and freedom that the band gives us. I personally need it.

Q: Who are some of your favorite artists? Is there anyone that you would still love to work with in the future?  What would be a dream collaboration for this band? 

A: Beck, CAN, James Brown, Eagles Of Death Metal, Rod Stewart, INXS... the list goes on and on. I would like to collaborate with Josh Homme. That seems like it would rule.

Q: What do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope people continue to take away from your songs?

Photo Credit- Steven Taylor

A: You used the word “hope” to propose the question… that seems like a good sentiment… hope. Others might be fun, and love, and a little sex… all the good shit.

Q: What advice would you give to a band just getting started? Or even to someone young that is thinking of becoming a musician one day?

A: That there aren’t any rules to follow on making art or succeeding as an artist. Follow your gut, stay true to yourself, and work hard. Try to have a little fun as well.

Q: Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about the band or your music?

A: Just to say thanks for tuning in. ✌🏻