Talking to Tempe band the Necronauts is a laugh-out-loud, in-your-face experience.
Vocalist/guitarist/keyboardist Billy Goodman speaks with a carefree attitude, insulting corporations straight off (including this publication) and expounding on his love for his hair—at one point, he insists that it would be fun to lay down in.
Despite how silly the band may come across, the Necronauts have solidified themselves as one of the most well-known indie bands in the local scene. The group has been around since 2000 and consists of brothers Billy and drummer Dale Goodman, and their friend-of-a-friend bassist, Chris Warmuth. They consistently play at such venues as Yucca Tap Room and have garnered about 30,000 friends on MySpace while offering all their music for free online at thenecronauts.com.
The band's last release was in 2004, and they're currently working on an 80-minute double album. Billy's also managing his High School Football Records. It's a Web-based label that features free downloads by local bands.
The Necronauts play the Wyndham Phoenix's Star Swim on Saturday, June 20, with What Laura Says. Billy and Dale talked about why the group's worth checking out.
How's recording going for your new music?
Billy Goodman: We've been working with all the top studios in Arizona (including Flying Blanket Recording and Overeasy Studios). We're about to drop some serious flavor on the United States. Hopefully someone can be the broker of our deal that we want to make with the devil so we can play in Europe and Japan.
Why put out a double album?
BG: I have so much material. I've been working on putting out a record since 2005. Nothing has really pushed me to actually want to release something, and now I have enough good material to put out a double record and for it to just be (expletive) mind-blowing.
Tell me more about High School Football Records.
BG: My goal is to give good artists exposure and to give Phoenix an identity musically because it really doesn't have one. (High School Football Records) is all-free Web distribution. We are doing label showcases, and we are going to do label compilations. We might do traditional releases and the like, but who knows? Things are different these days.
You guys have been together for almost 10 years now. What's the key to your longevity?
BG: You have to be from the streets. You have to be real. We've got mad (expletive) flavor, and we're not gimmicky.
Why should people come see your show this weekend?
Dale Goodman: We have a really powerful sound. They can expect a great live performance.
BG: We're just a rock band, and I'm a really sexy guy.... Come be enlightened.
