Portugal. The Man's Evil Friends
The Portland rockers set out on a "crazy" nationwide tour for their 8th album
From the LifeMInute team
October 15, 2013
Portugal. The Man's Zachary Carothers and Kane Ritchotte sat down before their Terminal 5 gig to chat about their latest record Evil Friends. The bandmates broke down the album and gave us a glance at what concert-goers will see on their nationwide tour.
The American rock band now calls Portland, Oregon home but lead singer John Gourley and bass guitarist Zachary Carothers actually hail from Wasilla, Alaska.
"I think growing up there had a huge influence on the music we write," says Carothers.
The two were originally in another band, Anatomy of a Ghost. After the breakup of their initial band they quickly went on to form Portugal. The Man in 2003.
"Pretty much that night we started Portugal," says Carothers.
L.A. native Kane Ritchotte later joined the group. Fun fact...Ritchotte was in DeVo 2.0, the kid cover band and an actor. He adds his talent on drums and backing vocals to the band.
When it came to producing their 8th album they turned to Brian Burton, aka Danger Mouse, known for his work with Gnarls Barkley and Jack White and producing the award winning albums of the The Black Keys, Gorillaz and Norah Jones.
Carothers confesses the band wanted to be a mix of the The Beatles meets The Wu Tang Clan even though he doesn't know if that is actually what they sound like. However, he does know that Evil Friends sound is a shout out to music the boys discovered growing up.
"Nirvana I found on my own, bought all the records learned how to play every song on guitar," says the bass player, "I definitely think it's a shout out to '90s stuff."
Besides their throwback sound the guys say to look out for lots of lights and "killer projections" on their seven week nationwide tour.
They love to play for their fans who they admit get "pretty crazy" especially for songs like "Creep in a T-Shirt" and "Hip Hop Kids."
"Or just ask for Zach's number and he will give it to you," says Ritchotte, "If you're lucky."
For more visit http://www.portugaltheman.