Introducing... 2 a.m. Orchestra

AGE:

The project has been around (with founding member, Kelley) since 2000.
However, in NZ, with current members: 11 months.

MEMBERS:

David Kelley - Vocals, Guitar, Ukulele, Mandolin, Keys
Tim Gittins - Guitar, Backing Vocals
Tim Bern - Bass, Keyboard.

LOCATION:

David Kelley is from California.
Tim Gittins and Tim Bern are New Zealand born and bred.
Rehearse and gig mostly in NZ.

KEY RELEASES:

2 a.m. Orchestra (2001)
Impermanence (2005)

SOUNDS LIKE:

Muse, Radiohead, post-Beatles Paul McCartney

WEBSITE:

www.myspace.com/2amorchestra

David Kelley created 2 a.m. Orchestra in late 2000. While working on his self-titled debut, he put together a live band to support the release. Since the time of its inception, 2 a.m. Orchestra has consisted of a rotating cast of members, with Kelley as the only permanent fixture. He organised many shows in California and toured throughout the United States. He met Tim Bern in the States and was convinced to check out New Zealand. Since then the band has played numerous gigs here in NZ and recently released their second album, Impermanence, to critical acclaim.

With the intensity of Nirvana the vocal subtleties of Paul McCartney, and instrumentation on level with Muse, 2 a.m. Orchestra has delivered an album that is worthy of superlatives. Impermanence, the Auckland outfit's second release, deftly translates the chaos and elation of life, into uplifting and well-arranged rock songs - songs fused with eclecticism, vigour and exuberance. The diverse musical styles found on this album, give testimony to the band's formidable songwriting and musicianship. From sweet acoustic ballads, to epic rock anthems, frontman David Kelley demonstrates his impressive vocal range throughout. Consistent, fresh and superbly produced, Impermanence delivers on all levels.

Standout tracks:

"The Builder"
"Delilah"
"Undone"

Q: Please state your name for the record.
A: David Kelley

Q: How do you tackle the songwriting process?
A: I feel silly and indulgent just answering this. Probably because I am a combination of egocentric and insecure, which may be the same thing... Anyway, here goes: It almost always starts with a guitar in my hands - Sometimes a piano, sometimes other things. Chords and melody present themselves. I let that speak to me a bit. Then lyrics come. Almost always music before lyrics. I suppose it's not so much writing a song, as finding a song. It's like the song has always existed. My job is to provide a way for it to take shape. Fuck, I sound like a hippy. Homo-sexual robots will rule the future.

Q: Who do you consider to be your musical heroes and/or greatest influences?
A: Brian Wilson. Nirvana. David Bazan. My dad.

Q: 5 favourite albums of all time?
A: This is an impossible question, but it'll be fun, here goes:

1. Nevermind, Nirvana
2. Smile, Beach Boys (unreleased original recordings-that's right, I got ‘em!).
3. Kid A, Radiohead
4. Control, Pedro the Lion
5. Puzzle, Dada tied with Weezer's Blue Album

Q: Best gig you've ever attended?
A: Secret Chiefs 3 in San Francisco.

Q: Most overrated artist of today?
A: I don't know. I'm pretty out of the loop. Sorry, I'm lame; I don't even know who to make fun of!

Q: If you could change places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional. Who would it be and why?
A: Any woman. Because I'm this thing and they're the other thing.

Q: If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see play the lead role as you?
A: Assuming I'd get to watch, I'd like to see one of my good friends of family members play me. That would be priceless; it would reveal so much about both of us.

Q: If you weren't a musician, what would you be doing with your life?
A: Ending it. "Without music, life would be an error." - Some German Perv (Friedrich Nietzsche)

Q: What is your idea of a good time on a Friday night?
A: My sister and I watching old episodes of Full House and/or Friends, laughing from memory seconds before the parts that are funny.

Q: If you could play anywhere in the world, venue wise, where would you play?
A: I don't know a lot of famous venues.

Q: What would you like inscribed on your gravestone?
A: I don't want a gravestone. I want those who attend my funeral to eat me.

Q: Musical goals as a band? Where do you see yourselves in 5 years?
A: As long as I have the time and means to be writing and recording and performing music, on whatever level, I'll be happy.

Q: Anyone you want to thank?
A: Kilgore Trout

Q: Any final words before you go?
A: One point twenty one jigo watts!!!

Photo by Wendy Peterson.