The Poles

KNOXVILLE NEWS SENTINEL

Cole: Poles' sound can't be tagged; each song stands on its own
By JER COLE
October 14, 2005

In modest cities, some bands take years to snag the attention of a decent label, while others acquire it with their very formation. Many question what is more valuable -- connections or elbow grease -- but for Asheville, N.C., rock quartet The Poles it is a little of both.

Having just celebrated their first anniversary on Oct. 7, The Poles are also celebrating having just been signed to Doubleplusgood Records. While the group is deserving and has paid its dues on the road, something can still be said for the band's relationship with Mike Siddall (formerly of noise-rock label Amphetamine Reptile), who toured with The Poles as a road manager.

"He told us he was 'watching us' while on the road," says drummer Jon McDuffie, "which at first was kind of weird. He said he liked the way we got along, that we took care of ourselves and took our music serious. So not only was he totally into the music, but he also liked the fact that we didn't get wasted before every show."

"It's all about getting your music out there to people and playing shows everywhere you can," adds guitarist/vocalist Todd Lemiesz. "It's not easy, but it's for the sake of your art. It starts with your invention and getting behind it and promoting ... it."

Another key to The Poles' success is their originality. Pulling nearly unrecognizable bits and pieces from a slew of influences, as opposed to large slices from a select few, the band creates a sound with few major similarities to anything already produced. Blurry, grinding guitar parts reminiscent of Chavez and low, gritty vocals are two of a very few consistent aspects of the group's diverse playlist, but even those can go missing on occasion.

"Our sound can't be pinpointed as a specific genre because the songs aren't written to be a part of any style or brand of music," says Lemiesz. "It's more of a pure thing, I'd say. Each song develops its own identity, so to speak. It's about doing what it takes to make that piece of music the best it can be."

"I think a lot of musicians focus way too much on what they play as an individual versus making choices to benefit the song," McDuffie says.

The Poles will be playing their first-ever show in Knoxville tonight at Pilot Light. Coming from a scene comparable to Knoxville's, the band has experienced similar detriments, but insists perseverance is the heart and soul of any worthy outfit.

"I've heard that there's a good music scene in Knoxville, but I've never been there," says Lemiesz. "I look forward to it. The scene in Asheville is kind of weird. It's not a real easy town to play in. There's very few venues that have bands like us, generally speaking, and there's a little bit of that fashion-hype 'scenester' thing going on here like anywhere else, I guess. ... So we just did what we did and made a name for ourselves on our own. We're not doing this to be cool anyways. It takes persistence and time and a lot of 'pay to play' trips."

Right now The Poles are focusing on their first Doubleplusgood release, expected out by early next year, and networking with "good bands" throughout the region. Tonight at 10, The Poles will share the Pilot Light stage with good bands Twinkiebots and Cold Hands. Admission is $5

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