Member Since: 06/05/2006
Band Website: www.nakedbarbies.com
Band Members: Well let's see -- currently my band consists of Mike Conner on keyboards, Dan Lashkoff on drums and Evan Eustis on bass.I have gone through count 'em 5 lead guitarists: Dan Vickrey (currently with the Counting Crows), Hans Raag (really good -- I wish I appreciated him more at the time), Ben Decker (not really a lead guitarist, but one of those incredibly gifted musical folks who can play anything), Michael Zapruder, grandson of the guy who shot the famous Kennedy Assasination film; unbelievably gifted musician -- one of the best melodic senses I've ever come across, his playing used to make me weep -- but desired to write his own music so after it became apparent we were going nowhere, left to pursue his own muse. He's on Myspace right now with a new album. Lastly, Ted Keaton. Founder, main songwriter and lead singer and guitarist for the fondly remembered power pop trio the Fistners. Incredibly talented performer -- left in July 2005 because . . . well too complicated to explain here but No Hard Feelings!!! Before the Naked Barbies my partner was Eve Decker, who I still see once a week -- we walk around Lake Merritt and support each other in our middle age. I love her. Also worked with Dave Revelli (remember "Dave Duty" picking him up three times a week out by SF State for rehearsal in RICHMOND because he didn't drive--we were young and had lots of energy) -- great drummer. Steve Cornell - lead guitarist for the Brambles who shaved his head after we "broke up" -- Ralph the drummer who always sped up but had lots of equipment. Lovely Emily the keyboardist who left the band because she got a boyfriend, oh, Gretchen the bass player who left the band because she got a boyfriend (there's a pattern here). Charlie Gillingham -- keyboards -- also currently a Counting Crow (I felt like a Counting Crows farm club for a while there). I met Charlie when we were both in our early 20ies. What a talent. Him and Zapruder, they both play from their souls, so talented. I love them all. I really do. If you've never played in a band, you'll never understand what it's like to know people in this way.
Influences: The first record I ever bought was in 1968 (I was 8) -- the Monkees. Actually maybe that says it all. Whatever music you first buy when you are 8 determines all musical influences. It was unpretentious, clean pop music written mostly by professional songwriters working in the Brill Building, whose progenerators were Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, etc. Now don't get me wrong, I've since that time discovered the Beatles and Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell. I reached my prime loving the Pretenders, Elvis Costello and the Talking Heads. I admired and felt connected to PJ Harvey, Sheryl Crow, Lucinda Williams, Aimee Mann, Liz Phair, Sinead O'Connor. Through my dude bros in my band I learned to appreciate and love and connect with as much as a chick can to the Rolling Stones, Neil Young, the Who, Green Day, the Smashing Pumpkins, the Samples, Tom Petty. I have developed serious crushes on Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Townes Van Zandt, Mark Eitzel of American Music Club, Chuck Prophet, David Gray, Jonathan Richman. When I was in Junior High I sang in the mirror to Linda Ronstadt albums. What a voice. I am a singer. I feel God when I sing. I am a lazy songwriter. I should learn from those who I admired most when I was just a kid. Who got up, went to work and wrote songs. Because it's work. Don't let anyone tell you differently.
Sounds Like: I'm not quite sure. I haven't quite figured that out yet. And it's only been 20 years. Give me a little more time.
Type of Label: Major