Well, here in Minnesota, I think we’re still a little blown away by the unbelievable Vikings victory last night. When all hope seemed lost, we received the Minneapolis Miracle.  Wow!  What a play.  I don’t know if I’ve seen a more dramatic sports moment.  On to Philly!

What a time to be a Vikings fan!

Here in the Bunker, we’ve been putting the Tascam to good use. We’re recording every chance we get and we’re gearing up to play the Auk’s Roost next Saturday.  For more information regarding how to attend this show, go to our facebook page.  It’s gonna be a stripped down, casual affair.  You might not want to miss it.

This week, I’d like to introduce you to another member of the band. Meet the one and only, the marvelous, Liz Murphy.

 

Liz Murphy

Singin’

Aka: Zexy Demon

When did you start singing?

I’ve been singing ever since I can remember and there’s home video footage to prove it! I was definitely singing by age three.  My sisters and I used to make up songs constantly; I was rather dramatic in front of the camera.  Over the years, I’ve lost almost all the drama (laughs) but I still love singing.

Who are your favorite bands/musicians/artists?

This is not an easy question for me. I change up who I listen to rather regularly and since I really didn’t start to listen to music until I was in college, there really aren’t any bands I’ve been listening to for decades.  I think if there was one band from childhood I’ll always love, it would be Simon & Garfunkel.  Others that I love intensely and move me in all sorts of ways would be Ms Lauryn Hill, really the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.  I cannot get enough of that album.  Neutral Milk Hotel.  Since they had already broken up when I had started listening to them, I never dreamed I would get to see them live, but Jeff Mangum did a solo tour and then somehow they did a reunion tour and I think I cried when I bought the tickets and cried at the show (a very Liz move).  I will always love Damien Jurado; the man is a beast, he has a million albums and they are all hauntingly gorgeous.  The Veils. “Lavinia” will always be one of my favorite songs of all time.  Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.  When I listen to music, it tends to be a bit more mellow since I mostly listen while I’m drawing, but this is one of my favorite bands to see live. They’re all wearing black and their leather jackets and they just ooze coolness.  I love them.

Who are your biggest musical influences?

I love listening to women led bands with all types of voices. But as anyone who has ever heard us knows, I don’t have a big voice.  So I take more inspiration from women who show their power in other ways.  I love sister bands!  Or bands with two or more female leads like Overcoats, Joseph, The Staves, The Secret Sisters, etc.

Who are your favorite local bands?

Caroline Smith. Although she doesn’t live here anymore, her roots are here. Polica, Jeremy Messersmith, and Abby Wolf to name a few.

What is your favorite piece of gear?

Since I sing, I don’t really have any “gear”.

What genre is King Fish Crow?

I always tell people it’s Indie Folk Rock, whatever that means. (laughs)

How cool is the Bunker?

It’s a pretty neat space. (laughs) It really has everything you could ever want or need, including a comfy couch that will swallow you!

What has been the most memorable King Fish Crow show for you?

Oh boy, there have been a ton of fun shows. For some reason, this one show years ago at Big V’s always comes to mind.  This bar is an absolute dump.  Nothings about this venue is nice really, but that night there was a lineup of really cool bands and everyone who was there to see us was up in front dancing and I just filled up with joy, I will never forget it.  This for me is why I do this, because I love to sing and I love to make music with people who love making music, for people who love music.  And that’s all that matters. 

What is your favorite King Fish Crow song to play live?

Hmm, right now, Is Free

What is your favorite color?

Eek, I’m an artist, I truly do not have a favorite color. If I had to choose, it would be in the blue/green spectrum (although it used to be purple).

Hot Sauce?

Nope. I’m working on that though.  It’s a process right. 

What city do you live in?

Currently, Burnsville

What is your hometown?

I was born in Minneapolis, grew up in the lovely northern suburb of Brooklyn Center and moved to Burnsville in middle school.

What do you do during the day?

I watch my nephew, Malachi, three days a week. The remaining days I am working on growing my very small business called Eli & Ink, where I sell prints of drawings and paintings.  Check me out www.eliandink.com (Always self-promoting).

What is your favorite movie?

Oh boy, since I’m going to say Christmas below, I’ll say White Christmas. It’s definitely my favorite Christmas movie and it’s good all year round!

What is your favorite Holiday?

Christmas

What would you bring for your Desert Island playlist? (5 Albums)

• The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
• In the Airplane Over the Sea – Neutral Milk Hotel
• Waltz for Koop – Koop (because this would be perfect for a desert island)
• Riot On an Empty Street – Kings of Convenience
• Lonerism – Tame Impala (because it’s deserted, right?)

What is your favorite hobby/pastime?

Well, I’m an artist, which is officially no longer just a hobby for me, but I like trying new things within other areas of art. I just got materials for block printing and wood burning, so I’m super excited to try those out. 

Do you have any pets?

Negative. But I love drawing animals.  Let me draw your pet!   

What is your favorite beer?

I love all beers. Really.  I’ve been rather partial to sours and anything with a fruit blend lately.

What is your preferred method of travel?

I think the idea of traveling long distances on a train seems really appealing. I love road trips, but they get hard because you start to feel so confined.  It would be nice to be able to stand up and stretch while still watching the lands go by.  But planes are quick and relatively easy, so you gotta love them.  

What is the most important thing to know about you?

First impressions can be deceiving.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

I may be a member of the local grammar police.

Playing live or recording in the studio? Which do you prefer?

Playing live! That’s why I do this.

If King Fish Crow booked a show on the moon that was to be broadcast to Earth and the entire galaxy, would you make the proper preparations and ultimate voyage?

If it’s all expenses paid, yes!

“We work in the dark – we do what we can – we give what we have. Our doubt is our passion and our passion is our task. The rest is the madness of art.” – Henry James from The Middle Years