San Fran Voice

Pants Pants Pants is more than just a fun name for a band, it’s a fun band as well. Playing a kind of music that isn’t easily labeled (called by the band something along the lines of not-pop or electrocknick hip pop), they just released their CD, Ok, Fine. Hopefully you caught it for free when it was available for download on the site (don’t blame us if you didn’t, we told you about it), but if not, you can catch some tracks on their MySpace page. Learn more about their music, the background story of their name and the reason they love playing in the city from this interview.

What’s the story on how the band formed?

Two of us (Oliver and Steve) were in a band back in Virginia called Slow Children, and we decided to move it out to the Bay Area. After playing a few shows here, we decided that we needed to expand our sound and capabilities, mostly in the vocal realm. Lauren just so happened to come to a show right after we had come to this realization. It also just so happened that Lauren was an amazing singer who was interested in joining us in the band. Once we became a three piece, it was obvious after a couple shows that a name change was in order. So we became Pants Pants Pants.

Where did the name come from?

As a three piece, we decided to let each member choose a word, and then have those three words form the band name. Oliver was intent for some time on moving the band to Florida and calling it “The Hip Replacements.” Since we decided to keep things in San Francisco, Oliver chose the word “Pants.” Steve forgot his grandmother’s birthday that year, and had to make it up to her. Her nickname is actually “Pants,” so he knew that had to be his choice. Lauren is very tight lipped about the reasoning behind her choice, but her choice was bizarrely and suspiciously coincidental.

If you had to sum up your sound, what would you say?

We’ve had absurdly long conversations about this and what we’ve come up with is: “Electrocknic Hip Pop,” “Laptop Indie Rock” or “Not-Pop”. We have also been described by an astute audience member as “The Pixies covering Bjork.”

What can you tell us about the new CD?

Our new CD is called “OK, Fine” and we just released it on June 19th. We’re really excited about it. We’ve been playing a lot of the songs on this album live for a while, so it’s nice to finally get them recorded. These are also the first songs that evolved with the full band, as opposed to the last album which was essentially Lauren singing over old Slow Children or Sysop (Oliver’s solo stuff) songs. We think this album is a lot more representative of the band today.

Describe the average Pants Pants Pants fan.

Extremely intelligent, outrageously attractive, and with impeccable taste in music.

How does playing in the Bay Area differ from your experiences playing on the East Coast.

It’s a much more pleasurable experience here. Everyone seems to be nicer. The crowd, the other bands, and the venues all seem much more supportive and friendly. Bookers here really try to put together a good show, rather than just throw bands together on a bill. Crowds seem more likely to come for the night rather than just for one specific band.

If the band was a San Francisco landmark, which one would it be and why?

Alamo Square. Because of this.

Do you have a favorite SF venue?

Bottom of the Hill, definitely. We’ve been fortunate enough to play there a fair amount in the past year or so, and it’s always a good time. Everyone is great there, and the room and sound are fantastic. Plus it’s only two blocks from our practice space, so it seems even more like home.

Which spots in the city can you be found in when you’re just out and about?

Jack’s at 24th and Utah. Or Bow Bow Cocktails at Grant and Columbus. Either way, karaoke will be happening.

Where do you guys want to be (as a band) a year from now?

Europe or Japan.

If there was anything that you could make sure your fans knew, what would it be?

That we are completely and totally open to anything they want to do on stage.