Erik Roldan writesA Conversation With White Mystery

White Mystery is a band so rooted in Chicago, you’ve probably run into them at the store, at the show or at the bar. Their sound is heavy and their debut, self-titled album is every bit as enticing as their live show.

Somehow, they are just as loud over email, with their answers sent in ALL CAPS. The brother sister duo have an upcoming show at Beauty Bar; It’s the 2nd annual Fan Appreciation Party. With opening band Squish on the bill, White Mystery treats its fans to free beer and free pizza.

Wednesday, January 26th 2011, Beauty Bar Chicago (1444 West Chicago Avenue), 10:00pm, No Cover.

Erik Roldan: I remember a call for natural red heads for a music video shoot. How did that turn out? What are the top three things about being a natural red head?

White Mystery: HERE IS THE WHITE MYSTERY ‘POWERGLOVE’ VIDEO BY MEDICINE FILMS TO SEE FOR YOURSELF: THE NUMBER ONE THING IS THAT NATURAL REDHEADS LIKE IT HOTTER!

ER: Your music is raw – the production on the record is very minimal—tell me about the decisions to go with that stripped-down sound and how the result differed from your expectations.

WM: THE RECORDING IS A RAW ROCK’N‘ROLL EXPERIENCE THAT CAPTURES THE PURELY LIVE SOUND THAT PEOPLE LOVE ABOUT WHITE MYSTERY.

ER: Working with your sibling—how does that affect your music? How does it compare to previous bands where you didn’t have those family ties? Have you ever been in a situation where you thought “this could only happen with my brother/sister?”

WM: IT’S A POWERFUL CREATION PROCESS AND IT’S AWESOME TO SHARE IT WITH EACH OTHER! BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER.

ER: What’s your take on being from Chicago? How do you think being from here affects how your band is perceived in the media or in the music industry?

WM: BEING BORN AND RAISED IN CHICAGO PROVIDES A UNIQUE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE THAT BUILDS A TASTE PROFILE WHICH IS REFLECTED IN MUSICAL OUTPUT.

ER: What’s next for White Mystery? Tours? Projects? Collaborations?

WM: WHITE MYSTERY PLAYS SXSW, RELEASES A NEW ALBUM ON APRIL 20TH 2011, PLAYS THE ATLANTA MESS AROUND FEST, TOURS THE USA IN SPRING AND SUMMER, AND YOUR BIRTHDAY PARTY!