Interview with Tim Hare of Babystrange
Baby Strange are one of the coolest bands in the Boston rock scene. They’re five guys in suits that embody the cool of the Rolling Stones and the raw power of Oasis, and put on a truly amazing live show.
AvoidPeril talked with Baby Strange’s new bass player Tim Hare about his experience in the band so far, his favorite records of 2004, and the reasons behind the band’s dress code.
1. Many of your influences come from the sixties and seventies – The Who, the Stones, and a more recent influx of Motown bands (The Temptations, The Supremes,etc.). Are there any more recent bands that have influenced your style?
Not as much as those bands that you mentioned. Baby Strange is an all new, all original classic rock band. The difference is, we don’t set out to be different. The goal is to make great rock music. It should be familiar to anyone who is a fan of The Stones, The Beatles, The Who etc., with a heavy Motown vibe.
2. Baby Strange did an amazing amount of touring in 2004. What was the best show that you played, and why?
Well, my first show with the band was their last show of 2004 at the Middle East, so technically that was my favorite. Also, the show at the Paradise was unreal.
3. Who are some of your favorite local bands?
I like Aloud a lot. The bands we played with at the Paradise (Violent 9, The Ferns, The Howl) were tough to follow.
4. Why the suits? (http://www.babystrange.com/photos.htm)
So many reasons. The suits give us our own look (which is easily recognizable), it fits the sound perfectly and it’s all inclusive. I mean, we don’t expect anyone to dress like us, and we aren’t trying to fit a standard look. If you are punk, metal, goth etc., then you’d better fit the requisite look or you won’t be accepted. In rock bands right now, you are expected to look ‘slacker’ with denim and corduroy. The suits are taboo. We get a kick out of people telling us they don’t like the suits. Once they realize how silly that is, they start to focus on the music.
5. What’s your favorite local venue to play at?
So far I have been lucky – the Paradise and the Middle East were both great places to play. I would say The Paradise has been the best show yet for me. Ralph’s also has it going on.
6. What were your favorite records of 2004?
New records from Elliot Smith, Interpol, and U2 really got my attention.
7. Where did the name Baby Strange come from?
It came from a T-Rex song off the album Slider (not to be confused with “Le Baby Strange,” which is a Heart tune, I believe). I like the name – it is easy to remember, but it doesn’t say anything about the band. You won’t look at the name and say “Oh, I know what this is going to sound like.” You really have to check out the music to see what all the fuss is about.
8. Give AvoidPeril readers three reasons to go see Baby Strange at AS220 (Providence, RI) on March 19.
We promise to put on a killer show and rock your face off. It’ll be a solid night out. Also, the Paradise ran out of beer when we played, so Baby Strange fans clearly know how to party. Baby Strange’s record “Put Out” (Primary Voltage) is available now at all Boston-area record stores
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