INTRO BY KAT VISTI
INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY
PHOTO COURTESY OF THEM FANGS
Brooklyn based band Them Fangs recently had the opportunity to perform at the AIDS walk in New York, where not only did they get the chance to share their music, but also raise awareness for AIDS and how it has affected the lives of their friends and many others. The band also has an EP coming out this month as well as some big shows coming up, so we sat down with Garrett Cillo from the band to learn more about their music and performances!
How long have you guys been a band and how did you come together?
"Andrea and I met at a Halloween party years ago and went on to form a 2-piece rock band. We met Art at one of our shows about 2 years later and added him as a bassist to our growing roster. After that project disbanded, we three went on to form Them Fangs in the summer of 2017. Them Fangs is the culmination of our communal growth as musicians and people over the years so it’s an exciting time for us."
How would you describe your music in your own words?
"Energetic, dance-driven, groove rock. We want people to let loose, feel in the moment."
You recently performed at the 2018 AIDS Walk in NYC. How did that go? What does this cause mean to you?
"It was an honor to be able to support such an important cause. The crowds were electric! It was great to be surrounded by wonderful people who were all working together. We have friends who have been involved with AIDS Walk before and they suggested we use our music to help motivate the cause. As soon as we heard about it we signed up to help."
We saw that you will soon be releasing your new EP! What can we expect from it?
"The EP is an honest introduction. Each track creates a particular atmosphere that presents different depths to the band. We can play loud and fast, but we can also be soulful and stripped down. As long as some people are getting excited listening to our songs then we’ve succeeded. This 4-track EP will be a good primer for good things on the horizon."
Where do you find most inspiration when creating music?
"Inspiration changes form. A proactive way I find inspiration is interacting with people, places, things. You can be confined to your own perspective at times so it can be helpful to change your element."
Aside from the EP is there anything else we can expect from you in the near future?
In the nearest future we will be playing in this year’s Color Me Bushwick Festival on Friday June 15th. It’s a 3-day fest that combines hair styling, rock and roll makeovers, and music! All other updates to our summer schedule can be found at our website. www.themfangs.com."