Artist of the Month: The Postelles


Photo Credit: Harper Smith

This month ESBMusic is featuring one of NYC’s own, The Postelles. June 7th will see the release of the band’s self-titled debut album on 1+ Records. The record, co-produced by band and The Strokes’ Albert Hammond, Jr., exudes explosive and exciting rock that takes you back to the sweet sounds of the 50’s and 60’s.

Comprised of Daniel Balk (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), David Dargahi (vocals/lead guitar), John Speyer (bass) and Billy Cadden (percussion) the quartet formed in high school and started playing shows around Manhattan by the time they were seniors. Along the way, they ran into Albert Hammond, Jr., who provided encouragement and co-produced their debut EP, White Night. The EP created a buzz both in the States and in the U.K., where influential Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe began playing the title track.

With their EP gaining traction, they took to the road and were soon sharing a stage with the likes of Kings of Leon, Interpol, Free Energy, The Kills, Vampire Weekend, The Wombats and Jack Penate. In addition to playing major festivals such as Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo (twice) and CMJ, The Postelles performed at The Who Tribute Concert at New York City’s Carnegie Hall and even recently supported the legendary Chuck Berry. Looking to harness the energy of their time on stage and parlay it into their full-length, they headed back into the studio with Hammond in 2010.

Throughout their career, the band has seen their music getting mainstream exposure. Songs “123 Stop,” was featured in the trailer for How Do You Know, which starred Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Owen Wilson and Jack Nicholson, while “White Night,” another track from the album, was tapped by Fox’s Raising Hope and the CW’s Vampire Diaries and 90210. Additionally, their video for “White Night” was named Video of the Day by FUSE and Paper Magazine and “Sleep on the Dance Floor,” premiered on Nylon this past March.

While I wasn’t around in the 50’s and 60’s, listening this band I feel transported back in time. With the first notes of “White Night” I was instantly charmed by their old time rock n’ roll sound. Their geared up, retro rock is something that you will want to listen to over and over again. The album never fails to disappoint; song after song flows into the next giving the listener head bobbing and dancing melodies featuring slick guitar licks and drums that will keep you dancing and put a smile on your face. Fans of artists like Buddy Holly and Same Cooke are sure to fall in love with this record.

Stand out tracks: “123 Stop,” “Boys Best Friend,” and “Can’t Stand Still”

ESBMusic has the chance to touch base with the band to talk about their musical influences, what is was like opening up for Chuck Berry, thoughts on the music industry and what their plans are for the upcoming summer.

ESBM: How did you come up with the name “The Postelles?”
Postelles: It was a few days of going through a lot of ridiculous names that brought us to The Postelles. It was a throwback name, a nod to the Motown era.

ESBM: The Video for “Sleep On The Dance Floor” has a 50’s type theme to it. Your songs have been described as 50’s esque rock, who are some of the bands from that era that have influenced you? What is it that draws you to this era? What did you grow up listening to?
Postelles: The 50’s was when it all began, in terms of rock n’ roll bands getting together to create a sound. Before that it was more one person, in terms of early blues players like Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters but than all of the sudden Buddy Holly formed the Crickets and Elvis had his amazing band featuring Scotty Moore. It’s very inspiring to hear how they created this amazing sound so early on without thousands of bands to listen to as you can nowadays on the internet.

ESBM: You had the chance to open for the legendary Chuck Berry. What was that experience like?
The Postelles: It was like going back in time. For one night we felt like we were there with Chuck when Rock n’ Roll began. Chuck is one of the only people around who people like Paul McCartney, Keith Richards and Eric Clapton would be amazed to play with, so for us to say, “Hey, we did it!” is pretty amazing.

ESBM: You have a tour kicking off in June with two nights in your hometown. Being from NY and having played here, what is your favorite venue to play? Does NYC have the best audience?
Postelles: NYC has a special audience for us, because it’s our hometown but I know the New York audience can be harsh on bands coming in from out of town, so it’s all relative. I would say our favorite venue to play is the Bowery Ballroom. We’ve played there so many times, we almost feel like the house band.

ESBM: Your music have been featured in movie trailers and television shows like Vampire Diaries and Raising Hope. Do you like the mainstream exposure?
Postelles: Sure we do. We want as many people as possible to hear our music. When our songs were featured on those shows, it was tasteful and fun, so we were down with it.

ESBM: New York Magazine’s “Vulture” entertainment blog recently featured the video of the track “Hold On.” What will be the next music video?
Postelles: We are working on a few as of now. We are hoping to do a video for “123 Stop,” so that’ll probably be the next one.

ESBM: You guys offer a free music download on your website, what are your thoughts on the future of the music industry? Do you feel like giving away free music is a way to get more people exposure and create a larger fan base?
Postelles: Giving away music for free is definitely going to make people more inclined to listen to your music. But at this point, if any listener wants music for free, they can have it. Its unfortunate that music has lost it’s value, but that is why more bands like us are having our music in television shows and all that. Touring and syncs are the ideal ways to make money. The future of music is bright, there will always be great bands around, but the music industry is a different story. There will have to be a drastic change in the industry’s strategy to promote music and thrive as well.

ESBM: This June you are going out on a tour in support of your new album, are there any other plans for a further summer tour?
Postelles: We are planning our summer right now. We will definitely be playing more shows this summer, where and when is what we are figuring out now, but keep checking up on our website and hopefully we’ll be coming to your town.

For more information on The Postelles check out their official website, MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter pages. The band is giving a download of their song “Hold On” FREE Get it below and check out the full album when it drops this June.

1 thought on “Artist of the Month: The Postelles”

  1. Pingback: The Postelles Featured on Flavor Pill’s Stomping Grounds Video Series

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