Although summer is quickly winding down, we are still amping up for some great music festivals coming up in September. In it’s fifth year, Catskill Chill Music Festival boasts an extensive lineup including the likes of Yonder Mountain String Band, The New Deal, Lettuce, Shpongle, and many, many others.
Included in this year’s festival is Upstate New York’s own Mister F. As a project started by members of Timbre Coup and Capital Zen, Mister F is an eclectic, high-energy four-piece band that takes a no-holds-barred approach to blending genres while keeping your feet moving.
Matt Pickering (drums/vocals) took some time to chat with us about the upcoming Catskill Chill, how all the “Misters” in the band feed off of each other’s talents, and, of course, adapting a band name from the greatest show ever.
Vinyl Mag: With a band name like Mister F and a song entitled “Buster’s Revenge,” I’m sure it’s safe to assume you guys are into Arrested Development. What sparked you guys to just go for it and name your band Mister F?
Matt Pickering: It happens to be the best show ever. When we were considering band names, we were shooting for something that sounded more like a single person’s name, not so much a group. Since we all share the same affinity for AD, it seemed fitting. It’s an amazingly popular show, and people are thrilled when/if they recognize the reference. I also think it goes over better than Mister Banana Grabber.
VM: We’re pretty big AD fans here at Vinyl, so we have to ask…any thoughts on the recent news of a Season 5? Considering Season 4 was a tad disappointing to most fans…
MP: I think the trick (illusion) to the fourth season is to ask yourself why you like AD so much. Ok, I’ll tell you…it’s because you can watch every episode over and over again. The last season is no different. I think everyone needs to curl up next to a jar of candy beans and really give the fourth season a go again.
VM: Ok, enough about the show! Coming together from two different bands, how has the development of Mister F expanded your musical exploration and creativity?
MP: The three of us from Timbre Coup (Misters A, B, M) were more used to duel guitars driving our sound. While we still include some of that, it’s been nice to dive into the more organ/keys/synth side of things that Mister S brings to the table. Also, being able to apply all the things we learned over the years with previous projects has been so helpful. And that goes for the business aspect as well.
VM: You are currently on tour doing shows and festival sets. What is something you want attendees to take away from your performance (who may not have seen you previously)?
MP: We find it a bit hard to classify our sound. But we hope that Mister F gives people the feeling that exciting and challenging music, played on real instruments, is back in style.
VM: With your performance at Catskill Chill quickly approaching, what are you guys looking forward to the most at this festival?
MP: We’ve done so much traveling since the band started, and it seems like nearly every band we’ve met along the way is performing at CC this year! Besides playing, I think we all look toward to hanging out with the other bands. It’s great to catch up…and goof off.
VM: Being from upstate NY, is there a greater sense of accomplishment or even pride when playing a festival of Catskill’s size in your home state?
MP: Catskill Chill is a serious festival, so we are honored to be a part of it so soon after the inception of the band. It certainly feels good to be on the bill, and the festival lineup is a great indication that the Northeast is pumping out some serious bands right now. I think the Northeast as a whole should be really proud of what’s going on here. You’ll feel it when you get to the festival.
VM: Are there any specific acts who’s sets you are looking forward to the most at Catskill Chill?
MP: That’s a tough one, as there are so many. I can say that we are all very excited for The New Deal’s set. They were a big influence on us, and it’s great to have them back. As usual, we are also looking forward to discovering some new bands and sounds while we are there.
VM: What can we expect from Mister F in the future?
MP: Besides traveling like mad men, we’re currently auditioning guitar players, so we’ll be adding another member to our band soon. The future is one of those unknown, yet very exciting times. Keep updated on all things Mister F at MisterFband.com, and look for us in your town! See you at the Chill!
It all started when a much younger Jackie dove into her parents’ record collection, grabbed that trippy Magical Mystery Tour album, and played “Strawberry Fields” over and over again until it was engrained into her soul. She grew up on the dreams and stories of Simon and Garfunkel, “Bleeker Street” being one of her favorites, the seduction of The Doors, Van Morrison, because “Brown Eyed Girl” is definitely her song, and the likes of Jefferson Airplane, The Who, Jimi Hendrix…you get the picture. It may not show on the outside, but Jackie has a hippie heart, and that reflects in her musical tastes today. While some of her favorites may or may not be jam bands, her taste in music feeds into many genres. From alternative, Brit, and indie rock - OK, maybe all rock - to pop, to rap, to electronic, she loves it all. As a northerner, she thought she would never understand country until she found herself on a Georgia farm in cowboy boots watching Luke Bryan shake it for her- yeah, she got that. She is a chronic wanderluster, she doesn't believe in guilty pleasures, enjoys a great Moscow Mule, and is an absolute music festival fanatic- you’ll find her wherever the music takes her.