In a city over saturated with bands struggling to be the most emo, or the most hardcore, it can be hard to find a band that wants to be different.
Twice Baked Potato is one of those bands.
From its nonsensical biography about being born out of a UFO crash, to its dynamic sound that crosses musical genres, to that unforgettable name, Twice Baked Potato refuses to just "fit in."
A trio of guitar, bass and drums could be very limiting, if it lacked creativity. Stu Sundell-Norlin fronts the band with guitar and vocals, along with being their chief song-writer. Rounding out the rhythm section are Matt Misslich on bass, and Chad Burgess on the drums, with both doing background vocals and harmonies.
Together they blend styles best described as funk, jam-band and alternative rock, with the vibe of a live party band. Songs like "Later" and "Fat Chicks" land somewhere between groups as diverse as Sublime, Primus and Phish.
The group released a live album last fall, recorded at Milwaukee's own Yield, that showcases a tight group of songs performed with a crisp studio ability. At times it can be hard to even distinguish it as a live album because of the near flawless performance of the group. The band is currently finishing up its debut album, and can be seen at multiple bars and venues around the city.
OnMilwaukee.com chatted with drummer Chad Burgess to learn more about the mysterious threesome that is Twice Baked Potato.
OMC: One of the ingredients of your band that is most initially memorable has got to be your name. How exactly did the name Twice Baked Potato come about?
Chad Burgess: There are many different stories surrounding our name, some completely fabricated, some just a little. My favorite version is that we always eat twice baked potatoes before each show. Or that we were stoned sitting around like couch potatoes trying to think of a name. We kind of like the element of the unknown. It gives others something to talk or argue about. What is the real story? Ask some of our fans 'cause we'll never tell.
OMC: The band has a very diverse sound that is not simple to describe, with many influences from all over the board. How would you sum up your unique style?
CB: We usually tell people what we don't sound like. We aren't rap, hip-hop, R&B, techno, metal, noise, goth, punk, '80s hair band, Celtic, etc. I'd say most of our influences come from '90s alternative, folk and jam bands. It kind of matters what song you're talking about. "Stone," for instance, is a more alternative song, with some technical guitar riffs and dark jams. Whereas one of our newer songs "Shotgun" has a bluegrass, country feel with gritty vocals. We've even branched out to a little reggae.
OMC: What continues to drive you as a band in a competitive scene like Milwaukee? What would you say sets you apart from other acts around?
CB: Milwaukee is saturated with hardcore, emo and rock bands. I think what drives us is the fact that we aren't one of those bands. We want to play whatever music comes to us at the time. It could be a country song or a slow ballad or even a harder alternative song. Either way we never want to conform to what everyone else is doing. All we really want to do is play music that inspires us and others. It's that simple.
OMC: Your first release was a live recording from the bar Yield. Is that a band favorite for local pubs, and how did you choose to cut an album there?
CB: We have been going to Yield pretty much since it opened. We loved the music they played and got to know the owners Bill and Z. They started doing live music on Tuesdays so we decided to get some shows booked. We have actually played quite a few shows there including last years Holiday Sweater party and the Halloween show, which officially was our "Live @ Yield" CD release. As far as the album, it just kind of worked out that Matt Misslich works at a 5th Floor Recording company so the owner was more than happy to help us out recording it.
OMC: Have you been working on any new recordings? If so, what can the listeners expect from your next project?
CB: We have actually been working a lot in the studio recently. I'm not going to give too much away but listeners can expect a diverse album. Stu has written some great new songs. One of which, dubbed "Dance De La Crab," was born in Jamaica with kind of a laid back relaxed feeling. Stu is a very situational and environmental writer, so with his new home in Telluride, Colo., I can foresee some great melodies and lyrics erupting.
OMC: Last but not least; what is your favorite way to eat potatoes? Does the band really eat them twice baked or do you prefer something more like mashed potatoes or fries?
CB: Twice Baked with, of course, some Wisconsin cheese. None better.
