Malnack

What's the meaning behind the band's name?

It is my last name. My wife Mars and I started out this project by recording songs in our studio. We were encouraged by friends to release them so we needed a band name. After doing a lot of searches on iTunes, it looked like by using Malnack we would be easily found in iTunes. We found a similar benefit on Google. If you search for Malnack we come right up. The down side is that when we advertise local shows, it is hard to determine anything from the band name. If we had a catchy name it might help us.

How the band started?

My wife and I were in a popular regional band in the 1980's called the Modern Day Scenics. We even had a song reach #16 on the college charts in 1986. We built a small studio in our house about 5 years ago and I started recording songs. After we had completed a couple, friends suggested we form a live band. We added 3 other musicians (Bill Naidenovich on drums, Tom Larkin on lead guitar, Matt McCahill on bass) and had our first show at the MidAmerican Music Festival in September of 2008. Since then we have performed about once a month.

What's the message to transmit with your music?

Optimism.

What's your method at the time of writing a song?

I usually start with a chord progression and in work with it until it feels right. I've been working in a lot of 7th chords as of late. Once I have a verse and chorus structure mapped out, I'll write some lyrics. Mars then writes the melody and edits the lyrics until they fit. We'll usually record a demo and then have the rest of the band write their parts.

Which is your music influences?

XTC, The Police, Squeeze, Crowded House, Rush.

What plans do you guys have for the future?

We set a goal a while back to play at Omaha's best rock venue; the Slowdown (which is owned by Saddle Creek Records). It took a while but we were able to perform there this summer. We've started recording a little bit and plan on releasing the songs individually as they are completed. Mars and I run a music blog on the side called Part Time Rockers www.parttimerockers.com. We started it to feature bands that are in a similar position as us, full time careers during the day, rockers on the side. In March we featured an artist from Portland, Oregon named Angie Foster (www.angiefoster.com). Because we have similar musical influences, we became friends. When she found out we were located in Omaha, Nebraska, she mentioned that she was planning on visiting family in the area over the summer. We decided to book a show during her visit so that we could all meet. I asked if she wanted to perform a set with us as her backup band and she agreed. We spent about 6 weeks learning her songs and met her for the first time at the sound check. The show was great fun and we're planning a repeat in January. I could see us doing similar shows with other artists we've gotten to know through Part Time Rockers.

Which has been the funniest prank you guys have been or took part while on tour or after a show?

Reading this question, I'm starting to think we're a bit boring. I can tell you that we rehearse each Thursday night in drag. I've got a frilly pink dress that is outstanding, Bill looks great in his nighty, Tom likes his high heels and satin red blouse and Matt wears a camisole over a stuffed bra. No wait a second..... that answer is about the only prank I can think of.

If you guys were stranded in the middle of nowhere after a show or while on tour. The help is 65 miles away from where you guys are, ¿Who would you guys send to look for help? And if while the rest wait, there's no food and the only way to feed yourself is by eating each other, ¿Who would you eat first?

Being a zombie film fan, I think I can answer this one. We'd probably send Matt out for help as he is the youngest and most fit of the band. Mars being the only female would survive as is typically the case in horror films. Being married to her would allow us to work as a team, so I survive too. Bill and Tom would battle it out and the loser would be the first one eaten.

Which country you guys would love to play?

I think it would be fun to do a short tour in Europe.

With which bands you guys would love to share stage?

We enjoy meeting other bands and have made friends with several of the local bands in our area. Playing with anyone that has a passion for music is always fun. While there are lots of bands we'd love to meet, we enjoy sharing with people that are in a similar situation to ours.

Are you guys OK, with the direction the band is going actually?

Yes. It is great to have a second chance at performing in a band.

Check out more of this band by going to: http://www.malnack.com/drupal/index.php