Pigeon Spins Rock: Newborn Fossil

"We are a Detroit-based post-hardcore (or something) group that prides ourselves on throwing equal parts guts, brains, musicianship, and stories into a blender, setting it to "honest intensity," and letting it rip. It had been too long since our 2018 debut record, and we like to think we've made up for lost time on this new one."

(•)> Cru cru! What first got you into music?

Kevin from M:tAP!: Cru cru! Thanks for taking the time with me! I can't remember a time in my life without music. It was always on in my house when I was growing up. My earliest musical memories are of the University of Michigan Marching Band on football saturdays in Ann Arbor, Michigan (Go Blue!), and buying Michael Jackson's Thriller and the Ghostbusters soundtrack from Toys R' Us when I was a kid.

(•)> What's your favorite album of all time?

Kevin from M:tAP!: If I had to choose just one, it's "Relationship of Command," by At the Drive-In. I don't think I've ever been more blown away by a record than when I first heard that.

(•)> What record from the 2020's do you replay the most?

Kevin from M:tAP!: "Formal Growth in the Desert," by Protomartyr. Protomartyr (from Detroit, Michigan) is one of my all-time favorite bands and their most recent record is their best. I think I have worn through the vinyl at this point.

(•)> What should the Pigeon listen to next?

Kevin from M:tAP!: After you go back and listen to M:tAP's back catalog, you should listen to anything by Protomartyr!

(•)> What memorable answers have you had to your work so far?

Kevin from M:tAP!: Ha ha! We have had some absolutely terrific reviews of Newborn Fossil from some truly amazing writers. But I did recently read one that, while positive, was a bit puzzling. It compared us to Collective Soul and Bad Religion in the span of about four sentences. I mean... OK...

(•)> Who is your inspiration when creating music?

Kevin from M:tAP!: Musically, we have a lot of influences: ATDI, Queens of the Stone Age, the Clash, Fugazi, Jawbox, Metallica, Public Enemy, Jawbreaker, Husker Du, and on and on. Spiritually, I believe music is one of God's greatest gifts and Nick (M:tAP! drummer) and I feel that we're duty-bound to put that blessing to work.

(•)> Which film do you rewatch the most?

Kevin from M:tAP!: I think I've seen Commando (Arnold Schwarzenegger) about 50 times. Collectively, I would say I've seen movies (and TV shows) from the Star Wars franchise more than anything else. I'm a huge Star Wars nerd.

(•)> How is your perfect day?

Kevin from M:tAP!: Watching the University of Michigan Football team win a big game (preferably over Ohio State) with my family, and then celebrating by spinning records and drinking a few beers with my friends.

(•)> Will you tell us something embarassing about you?

Kevin from M:tAP!: Before I met my wife, I did not know how to use my dishwasher and I never watered my lawn. I also had almost no pictures or artwork on my walls and had never tried pesto. You might say she's been an important influence on me and my social standing in the neighborhood.

(•)> Do you sing in the shower? If yes, what's the setlist?

Kevin from M:tAP!: I wake up before my wife, so I have to be quiet in the shower. As much as I would love to belt out Dolly Parton or Al Green in the shower, it's just not happening.

(•)> What's your Hot Take - your most controversial music opinion?

Kevin from M:tAP!: I sometimes have my doubts, but I don't think AI, Spotify, TikTok and all of the "new hotness" will ever eclipse the power of hearing amazing music performed live, among a group of fellow human beings. If you look at footage of Woodstock or the early Lollapalooza shows, or just think of seeing your favorite band in its infancy in a sweaty bar--there's nothing like it. No computer, bot, or algorithm will ever replace that spiritual human experience and as long as some sliver of humanity keeps that alive, there is a chance for rebirth and awakening.