Jun. 08, 2011 - Issue #816: Hot Summer Guide
Nobody Likes Dwight
Phil Murphy is tired of a lack of creativity from musicians and what he's heard on the radio, so he's expanded his scope of influence.
Following the mantra of Stephen King's On Writing, the vocalist and guitarist of Nobody Likes Dwight finds inspiration in the memoir, where the contemporary author discusses his art at length.
"Art is like archaeology," Murphy says, offering a simile for his perspective on bland music. "It always exists, it's always there, you just have to uncover the bones."
He knows it's out there, just waiting to be found. As he writes songs for Nobody Likes Dwight, a band with a sound that's difficult to nail down (he says twentysomethings liken it to System of a Down, fortysomethings to Stevie Ray Vaughan), his objective becomes evident.
"We're trying to rub against every grain we possibly can. I have an issue with modern music and the lack of care that seems to go into everything," says Murphy. "We wanted to punch that in the face as much as we possibly could."
As Murphy discusses the lack of ingenuity by everyone's modern rock target, Nickelback, and the lack of motivation, as well as seeing a band visibly touring to make money, he doesn't hold back against the local music scene.
"I've met a few producers in the city over the last few years and you get a pretty good idea of how they operate," says Murphy. "A lot of them are following direction: 'What do you want?' 'I wanna make some money.' 'OK, you're going to want to do this.'"
With an upcoming debut release and two upcoming EPs, Murphy is set on defining his band as an unpredictable, honest band in a sea of blandness.
"Modern music has lost ability to make us believe," says Murphy. "It's lost that feeling. What we're trying to do is bring that honest rock feeling back."
Saturday, June 11, 9 pm
With Treeburning and Nick Zyla
Brixx Bar & Grill, $12.25
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