Keeping Rock and Roll Alive in up and coming bands
I am continuously reminded of how small a world we truly live in. Sacramento California has 495,234 occupants, and yet it seems like I still run into people from high school, and ex boyfriends consistently. It does however bring awesome connections I never thought possible. This is how I came into contact with Sacramento’s band Flight Mongoose. This four piece consists of Trevor Carman- Lead Vocal/Rhythm Guitar, Parker Hill -Lead Guitar/ Back up Vocals, Carlos Sanchez- Bass Guitar/Back up Vocals, and Leo Calderon- Drums/Back Up Vocals. I happened to hear about Flight Mongoose through my sister Sarah and her friend group. They are a rising band, who I have seen spread like wildfire throughout this region. They have had a handful of appearances on local news channels, and seem to be an extremely busy band. These guys are up for a SAMMIE award this year for best Indie band; however, after doing some research, these guys love to call their sound “candle wax rock”. Flight Mongoose was one of the first artists I was interested in when I began this page because they are young with a very professional sound with an insatiable desire to play some funky rock with definite classic rock undertones. I’m really glad two of the members, Parker and Carlos were able to answer my questions so I could get to know them, and really show my readers Rock n Roll is very much still alive and thriving.
When did you really find yourself interested in music and why?
Parker: I started playing guitar at a really young age but wasnt fully captured by music and bands until I heard Led Zepplin's "Mothership" record.
Carlos: I’ve been around Music basically my entire life. My family has been in and out of bands and I’ve always had an interest in anything Music.
What artists would you say influenced you and why?
Parker: My first recollection of rock n roll music came from The Black Crowes, Nirvana and Greenday. After hearing Led Zepplin, Jimi Hendrix and Tom Petty I was passed the point of no return. Ripping guitar riffs and catchy melodies were always what kept me interested. It wasn't until I learned more about the drums that I realized these bands had killer backbone.
Carlos: I’m heavily influenced by Bay Area thrash metal like exodus, anthrax, Metallica and testament. I grew up listening to slayer because my brother was around all these groups while they were big!
How did this band form?
Parker: This band was formed as a necessity to produce songs. The writing is as unstoppable as it was when we began.
Carlos: The band as we are now started almost 2 years ago when Trevor had asked me to sit in on bass for a show or two and it grew from there.
I found your EP "Peach Fuzz" on Spotify, and I definitely got some Rolling Stones vibes in "Manzanita" and "Under The Bleachers". Would you say 60s Rock was a major influence for you guys?
Parker: Stylistically we embrace 60's rock as a major infulence but most people don't recognize that blues music influenced those guys! Its all about the blues in my book.
Carlos: It’s definitely had a big influence on our sound, yes.
What has been the most fun and the most challenging about making music for you?
Parker: he most fun but challenging thing about making music is trying to capture the right interpretation for the message being conveyed.
Carlos: Getting everything together and not feeling like it’s perfect. You always want to feel accomplished with a song and that’s what we strive for but that takes lots of time and work to get to that point.
How has Sacramento reacted to Flight Mongoose?
Parker: With the utmost love.
Carlos: So far Sacramento has welcomed us and given us a little area to grow in. I believe with more exposure and growth sacramento will accept us with open arms completely.
What advice would you give to beginners?
Parker: Play your music, keep it real and try try again.
Carlos: Make lots of songs and find more time to get those down on track, no matter how “shitty” you might think it sounds. The more you do it the better and that goes for just about everything in the ‘biz’.
In comparison to larger cities, do you think Sacramento is a great place for up and coming artists?
Parker: Not compared to these amazing cities like San Francisco or Portland in my opinion, Sacramento is designed for state workers not musicians.
Carlos: Honestly, Sacramento is tough to start up in depending on the type of music and how hard you go haha!
What is your opinion on the government cutting funding towards performing arts in school?
Parker: The modern school system needs to recognize the internet as a tool for higher education, get rid of costly textbooks, cut out these bullshit teachers and then count the money available for performing arts. Its not a lack of funding, its choosing where it goes and its been more about paying teachers than it has been about kids today being exposed to the most accessible source of knowledge in all of human history. Whether or not performing arts is being government funded, it will always be around. Art and techology today is yin and yang.
Carlos: Uhhhh I think that definitely sucks. Performing arts is pretty damn important.
If you could speak to a younger version of you, what advice would you give?
Parker: Keep it up, Parker
Carlos: Practice more and don’t stop.
These guys are very direct and to the point, and it really shows in their music. The theme in every song is very apparent, and are very easy to read, but that doesn’t take away from the insane talent these guys have. Their EP is so professional and organized down to the last detail. As soon as you finish reading this, you NEED to get onto Spotify or iTunes and listen to Peach Fuzz. My favorite tracks are Manzanita and Under the Bleachers, but every song is easy to listen to.
You can catch Flight Mongoose at the First Fest in Sacramento on May 5th and 6th! You can purchase tickets at www.firstfestsac.com and you might even find me there jamming along in the crowd! Parker also informed me Flight Mongoose will be in the process of making new music this Spring, so be sure to keep an eye out!
To contact Flight Mongoose, or to keep up to date on their shows, music, and appearances, you can find their website at: www.flightmongoose.com
Social Media: Instagram: @flightmongoose, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flightmongoose
*Note: Photos and videos are not mine, and I do not take credit for them.