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Theft of the Dial®

Theft of the Dial: Half of Death Cab For Cutie

  Play Now [46:01]

by Mark Wheat

April 23, 2009

Death Cab for Cutie
Death Cab for Cutie
Ryan Russell/Courtesy of the artist

Bass player Nick Harmer and guitarist/producer Chris Walla of Death Cab For Cutie both did radio while in college, and talked about how it had influenced their band. Chris also told a great story of buying a Shellac single because it had a photo of Todd Trainer's bedroom with all the recording equipment set up. The diagram of how to plug everything in on that 7" sleeve was Chris' blueprint to set up his first studio to record his friends on an eight track...he also revealed that it was either that 8-track or ski equipment as a purchase. Boy were we lucky!

They evidently love being in a band so that they can discuss music all day and took it in turns to pick the songs and tell the stories. They did reveal that the changes in the music business are affecting their decision making process. They now have to tour more to make their living and take less time in the studio. They also admire Jack White and his philosophy of NOT taking too much time in the studio, inducing Chris to say; "You know, rock'n'roll's dispensable!"

Pale Young Gentlemen - Marvelous Design
- Chris found this Madison group through their producer Bo.

We introduced the segment with a track from their new Open Door EP "A Diamond and a Tether" which also includes a demo version of "Talking Bird" with Ben playing a ukelele. Apparently he has another side project based on the uke coming in the summer! We went into a Tragically Hip track from their new album. Chris is a long time fanand will be producing Gordon Downie's next cd as well as the new Tegan & Sara.