INTERVIEW: Long Beach rockers put the ‘pop’ in Popravinas
Photo: The Popravinas are touring more extensively in support of their third album, Willy Nilly. Photo courtesy of the band / Provided by John Adair with permission.
The Facebook page of the Popravinas says it all: twangy California rock ‘n’ roll. The band, based out of Long Beach, is touring around the country in continued support of their third album, Willy Nilly. They make a stop Feb. 21 at the Pike Restaurant and Bar in Long Beach.
The band consists of Eddie Sill, formerly of the Mutts, on bass and vocals; John Adair on guitar, harmonica, mandolin and vocals; Dean Lyons on guitar and vocals; and David Rogers on drums. Collectively they promise a sound similar to the Replacements, the Rolling Stones and Wilco.
Recently Adair exchanged emails with Hollywood Soapbox about the plans for the band moving forward and how Willy Nilly came to be. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What can fans expect from Willy Nilly?
A great time! With tight guitar licks and memorable melodies, our third album Willy Nilly continues our, as one reviewer put it, ‘California carefree vibe with Rolling Stones-like swagger.’
How did the band first form?
Our lead singer/bassist/songwriter Eddy Sill was in a pretty infamous L.A. band, the Mutts, which was the West Coast answer to the Replacements, and after that folded he continued down a more twangy and melodic path. As a guitar/multi-instrumentalist and recording studio guy and meeting him shortly after I moved to Los Angeles in 2003, we were really able to make some great recordings and bring his vision to a larger stage.
What’s a Popravinas concert like?
Our songs have a certain familiarity to them so even though we play mostly originals, we get a great response from people who haven’t seen us before. Our sound really resonates ‘fun,’ and our song tempos unintentionally are perfect to be able to dance to and not spill your drink at the same time. We have a great energy on stage, but not afraid to break out the occasional mandolin and slow it down for a song or two. There will always be an electric guitar plugged in though!
Our set lists usually include selections from all three of our released albums with a few covers here and there to keep it interesting and fun for ourselves and the crowd. As for covers, we seem to play some great tunes by familiar bands but not necessarily the usual hits. For example, we had included ‘Hey Tonight’ by Creedence Clearwater Revival lately, which is a great and simple tune that people may not know from a very well-known band. Eddy has such an original sounding voice that brings so much to other peoples material as well as ours of course.
How would you define your sound?
Our sound has a certain bounce to it with a lot of hooks, humor and fun — a mix of catchy rock, power pop and alt-country and roots rock. I coined the term ‘California Twangy Rock,’ which seems to be working out.
When did you first fall in love with the guitar?
I was probably around 15. Luckily I had been playing music and other instruments since I was 5, so my ears and theory were already there. So I just had to get the coordination and rhythm going. Being able to pick it up quickly was satisfying, and I got the bug and never looked back. I got into more Americana and country style in my early 20s, and that really helped me develop skills that helped shape the Popravinas ‘sound.’
Do you write songs on the guitar, piano, both?
I use instruments to ‘work out’ the songs and parts I hear in my head. By studying and learning music before I picked up the guitar and listening to music constantly while growing up, I can hear parts and sometime full arrangements in my head and how I want the finished product to sound before I pick up an instrument. It’s pretty helpful and fun when working out guitar solos or other parts.
Where did the band’s name came from?
It comes from the Czech/Polish term ‘Poprawiny,’ which is ‘a drink-fueled late morning post wedding meal/party before the happy couple and guests go on their way.’ The party after the party!
A more traditional and certainly more fun than the more evolved modern post wedding brunch I suppose. I believe Eddy’s uncle used the term, and he kept it in the back of his head and used it for the band name.
‘Pope-rah-veen-ahs.’ We aren’t picky on the pronunciation, and that inspires some discussion and interpretation, which is good I think.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
The Popravinas are currently touring in support of their third album, Willy Nilly. They will play Feb. 21 at the Pike Restaurant and Bar in Long Beach, California. Click here for more information.
