John C. Kelley fronts Austin-based The Balcony, which is also the title of the recording he made. Below is an excerpt from a g-chat I had with John before writing a bio for the band. The chat produced some waxing about bands recording and touring and playing live. John also tried to explain the confusing notion of what The Balcony actually is (band or record or both?). I still don’t get it. But I do get the music, and it’s terrific. Hear the record/band for yourself.
- John’s the dude in the middle. Also pictured (left to right) are Topher Hyink, Jonathan Standefer, Joshua Huck, and Cody Ground. Photo by Justin Cox
jkelley: okay, here’s the idea. ha.
“the balcony” is that specific group of songs that appear on the record, the record is “the balcony” as interpreted by me. like, how i made them. and the band is named after these songs, and interprets them to their best live representation, whereas the record is interpreted as a record…esoteric i know
FORTLANDER: hm…yeah. this next question is tough because it’s entirely stupid: do you have any goals for the album?
jkelley: WORLD WIDE FAME!
FORTLANDER: Hooray!
