100 Musicians Answer the Same 10 Questions

Part Thirty-Five: Gretchen DeVault of The Icicles

instigated by dave heaton

A Hundred Patterns (Microindie), the sole album so far from the Michigan-based pop group the Icicles was called...and its cover sported dress-pattern-like art and drawings of the band wearing matching outfits. Cute. Their music is cute too - absolutely catchy, sugar-sweet hooks - but it has heart too, and a wide emotional palette beneath the super-fun surface. Gretchen DeVault sings and plays guitar with the Icicles. For songs and information visit the band's website, their Myspace, and their label, Microindie.

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What aspect of making music excites you the most right now?

Recording - only because we're really itching to get started!

What aspect of making music gets you the most discouraged?

Recording - only because it's been taking us so long to get started.

What are you up to right now, music-wise? (Current or upcoming recordings, tours, extravaganzas, experiments, top-secret projects, etc).

Recording a new album. Mini tour to the east coast in the fall. We're playing the North Hampton Popfest!

What's the most unusual place you've ever played a show or made a recording? How did the qualities of that place affect the show/recording?

Both of our hometown cd release parties have been at very cool locations. A roller rink and a donut shop (Marge's Donut Den in Grand Rapids, MI - if you ever visit it's a must visit). In both experiences the atmosphere definitely enhanced the show and our performances. Both were great fun!

In what ways does the place where you live (or places where you have lived), affect the music you create, or your taste in music?

I guess the dark winters help inspire lots of sad songs. The summers in Michigan are beautiful and inspire songs of a more upbeat nature.

When was the last time you wrote a song? What can you tell us about it?

I wrote a song last week. It was about the feeling of hopelessness. Not sure what exactly inspired it. I was actually in good spirits at the time. At least I thought I was.

As you create more music, do you find yourself getting more or less interested in seeking out and listening to new music made by other people...and why do you think that is?

I think I'm more interested in seeking out new music as I create more. However, I can never get enough music. Music from all different genres. I listen to lots of internet radio to hear new bands (and old too). I love the feeling I get when I hear an amazing song and I just have to buy the album. New music definitely inspires me.

Lately what musical periods or styles do you find yourself most drawn to as a listener? (Old or new music? Music like yours or different from yours?)

Well, on my presets for internet radio it spans from indie pop to 70s light rock to bollywood music to alt country to bachelor pad to motown to 60s & 70s soul to bluegrass to 60s folk. I'm not sure what I'm drawn to the most. It depends on the day and the mood.

Name a band or musician, past or present, who you flat-out LOVE and think more people should be listening to. What's one of your all-time favorite recordings by this band/musician?

A friend of mine once recommended Bread Anthology. I've been a huge Bread fan ever since. I LOVE that album. Absolutely fantastic. More people should definitely listen to Bread.

One of my newest favorites is Iron & Wine. So beautiful!

What's the saddest song you've ever heard?

"Ruth Marie" by Mark Kozelek (Red House Painters).

To check out the rest of the Q&As, click here.