INTERVIEW + NEW MUSIC: The Pack A.D.
Jun 21, 2016, 4:07 PM | Updated: Oct 10, 2024, 3:17 pm
Singer/guitarist Becky Black and drummer Maya Miller have made a sound so gigantic, so fierce and raw and empowering, that it’s easy to forget there are just two people behind this brilliant, carefully constructed havoc. Shredding and pounding their way through every song, the Pack A.D. swallows you whole inside their fearless Franken-blend of heavy psych-pop/garage-rock. Be it a massive stadium or the slightly seedy bar where everybody’s shoes stick to the carpet, the Pack A.D. have owned every spotlight and stolen every show they’ve ever played. Becky and Maya are relentless and riveting, playing with the kind of fuck-off freedom that makes everybody in the room vicarious rock stars, even if it’s just for the night.
I had the chance to chat with The Pack A.D. about the duo’s new album, meeting Alice In Chains and aliens. Make sure to see them play live THIS THURSDAY at The Tractor!
the mixtape: What are you doing right now besides answering this question?
The Pack A.D.: Sitting in our truck, nursing an americano.
tm: The music video for your song “So What” shows singer and guitarist Becky Black being probed by some sort of (presumably) alien being. What inspired your want for a sci-fi themed music video?
TPAD: Originally, I wanted to do a video where people get raptured but rapturing is not cheap so then I thought that Becky should be abducted by aliens. I thought this also because I personally didn’t want to be taped naked to a cold metal table…actually I don’t think Becky wanted to either but that’s what best friends are for.
tm: Have you ever had an encounter/experience with a UFO or anything other-worldly?
TPAD: One time at a rest area somewhere in Texas, I saw a Desecrater Hag.
tm: You’re about to release your 6th album as The Pack A.D. called Positive Thinking. What should folks expect from this record compared to your earlier releases?
TPAD: We’ve purposely moved towards a psych rock/pop sound on this one. It’s definitely a continuation of the previous two albums but not as pop happy as the last. Overall I would say Positive Thinking is dark.
tm: There is a pic on your Facebook page of a chocolate cake with a cartoon shark on the top and writing that says “Thanks Alice in Chains…for being so sweet”. Can you explain this photo?
TPAD: We did a tour in Canada supporting Alice in Chains a couple years ago. When we play arenas we have a huge banner behind us that is a picture of downtown Detroit with the sky filled with sharks. The sweet is because they were really nice and because cake is sweet. That cake was tasty.
tm: As a duo you two make huge, rocking tunes. Do you find that being a duo you are restricted in any way from doing more with your music?
TPAD: Not at all. We’re making exactly the music we enjoy making.
tm: What have you learned to stop doing, if anything, so as to not hinder your growth or your optimism for the future re: The Pack A.D.?
TPAD: Water aerobics.
tm: If The Pack A.D. was an action figure what would your accessories be?
TPAD: Stabby knives, espresso maker and tennis rackets.
