Nevada Bachelors
Shake Yer Mop
An Interview with Nevada Bachelors, Robb Benson, Ben Brunn, Dusty Hayes, and Mike Squires

by Deanna Knudsen

For those critics that proclaim the Seattle music scene has deteriorated, I recommend they pick up the first full-length CD, "Carrots and So On", by the Nevada Bachelors. The pure energy and groove of the eleven catchy songs guarantee that you’ll be dancing and bopping along in your living room from the first spin.

The four piece pop-rock band has a distinct sound that isn’t easily compared to anything in the industry now. Comparisons run the gamut from the Beatles, Oasis, the Cure and British pop to the southern and grittier end of the rock spectrum. That kind of diversity should tell you one thing: there isn’t another like the Nevada Bachelors.

Their self described sound has no boundaries, and they don’t try to mold into any particular music formula. According to Ben Brunn, the bass player, it’s "good time catchy pop rock". All four members have a vast range of musical influences, which probably accounts for their unique sound.

The Nevada Bachelors formed originally as a three piece back on New Year’s Eve 1996. Without ever playing together as a threesome, they simply decided to form the band. Asked where they came up with the name, Robb answered, "We had just written down several names that we liked one day, and I had stuck it in a book. I came across it one day, and that was one of the names on it." But, before all the ladies get excited about the Bachelors, the name is not entirely accurate. Only Ben is truly a bachelor, and none of them are from Nevada. But, everyone concedes that it’s a darn catchy name!

Not often does a manager join a band. However, Mike Squires did just that. He recently took on the role of a second guitar, which definitely adds a fullness and layered complexity to their sound. Why did he decide to make the move? "I’d been a fan for a long time, and liked all their music. Ben does incredible things with the bass too!" He had originally only planned to record with them, but the band all concluded that Mike was with them to stay.

Exciting possibilities and happenings await the Bachelors in the upcoming months. The release of "Carrots And So On" has already been receiving positive press, CD reviews, and regular airplay on KCMU. It’s no wonder that Conrad Uno of Pop Llama Records has snatched this terrific group up and will be re-releasing the CD on October 13th. Yes, boys and girls, you too can pick up "Carrots and So On" in your favorite record store soon, no matter where you are.

What else is happening for this rising group? How about an opening slot on the Posies’ upcoming East Coast tour this October? It is still tentative, but it sounds like they have a good shot at it. With the nationwide recognition of the Posies, it would be excellent exposure, and a rockin’ show for the audience.

The tour calendar has the Bachelors on the road soon. They earned a coveted spot in Portland’s NxNW on 8/20, and will also be heading to Johnny Rocket’s in Spokane for a Squeeze-TV appearance 9/19, and the Mount Tabor Theater (Portland) 9/18. Don’t fret, local Seattlites, the boys will be playing a show at the Crocodile on 9/13, with Australia’s You Am I.

If you haven’t seen the Nevada Bachelors live, you must catch their next show. Ben, Robb, Dusty and Mike have a chemistry and energy onstage that isn’t found every day. What’s the magical ingredient for their upbeat shows and strong stage presence? They truly are enjoying themselves, and it shows. (Oh yeah, it’s that, and Ben claims he eats lots of bananas -- "they have a lot of potassium"!) After a Nevada Bachelors’ set, when the show’s nearing the end, you find yourself with boundless energy and not wanting it to stop.

As the Bachelors sing in "Shake Yer Mop," "No I'm not a bachelor - nor are we from Nevada - but everything is perfect just as it is". I couldn’t have said it better myself - everything is perfect just as it is!

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