Andrew Frederick, who plays as Cerf-Volantes, has a knack for looping simple melodies that build into hauntingly overwhelming anthems. Here’s his response to our 7 questions. He’ll be playing the Dead Of Winter show this Saturday, January 24th at SPACE.
How long have you lived in Portland (or Maine)?
I grew up in maine, moved to the west coast for a couple years, and when i moved back, came to portland. that was in spring of 2005.
When did you start playing music?
I started playing music as a kid, playing trumpet in school band and playing piano at home. i picked up guitar after my older friend gave me his junker acoustic, i was 16 or 17.
Who do you perform with normally?
Emily Thomas usually plays shows with me, helps arrange the songs, and looks pretty, which is always a crowd pleaser.
Other than SPACE, what is one of your favorite venues in Portland?
Never played at at Strange Maine but i love watching shows there. it is always a little awkward, but what good thing in life isn’t?
Who is your favorite portland musician or group, other than yourself or those you perform with?
Jay Lobley (Cult Maze, Metal Feathers.) Every project that guy touches turns to hip gold.
How are you tackling the challenge of performing this material alone, when you usually perform it with others?
Simplify, not so much the songs as my own expectation of what they are or could be. It feels a little weird to just play a guitar and not be allowed to bury it in some other sound. I worry about the songs falling flat without some greater ‘context’ of sound surrounding them. We’ll see how it goes.
What are your musical plans for 2009?
What are your musical plans for 2009? I haven’t really considered it, to be honest. Maybe try and finally put out some recordings?
