Broken Dreams Club Interview: Wild Pink
Wild Pink, the ambient, heartland rock outfit headed by chief songwriter John Ross, is currently touring behind their outstanding 2024 album, “Dulling the Horns,” one of the absolute best records of last year. Continuing the band’s tradition of melding quiet, hushed moments of intimacy with bold, dynamic flourishes, “Dulling the Horns” also showcased a newfound musical muscularity for the band, adding yet another exciting dimension to Wild Pink’s ever-evolving oeuvre.
After opening for MJ Lenderman at the Independent in February, Ross and company are returning to San Francisco for a headlining performance at Bottom of the Hill on Thursday with Steakhouse and Fake Your Own Death.
Broken Dreams Club recently caught up with Ross–one of the truly, truly nicest musicians around–for a Q&A session that drifted away from the more traditional interview topics:
You guys have been basically touring nonstop for more than a year now. That is A TON of time in the van. What’s been the group’s go-to tour albums for the road?
We actually don’t really listen to stuff in the van!
Any podcasts make it into the regular rotation? Or are you guys strictly tunes?
Lately I’ve been listening to Otherworld. I also really love Ghost Stories For The End Of The World.
All those miles means a whole lot of potential opportunities to eat some disgustingly glorious (or gloriously disgusting?) fast food. If Wild Pink ends up capitulating to the fast food craving, what’s your spot? If not, what kind of grub are you looking to enjoy while touring?
If we’re in the mood, Del Taco is probably the go-to. We try to keep it pretty healthy though and hit up a Whole Foods or something in the mornings.
You’re a self-avowed Bills fan. This is a huge year for the franchise. Will they FINALLY break through this season and win the Super Bowl?
This is a question for Dan Keegan, the drummer! He’s the most devout Bills fan I’ve ever met. I think any season with Josh Allen is a shot at the Super Bowl though.
You called Florida home for years. Has that resulted in any uncomfortable conversations about the Dolphins with your Floridian pals?
I don’t know any Dolphins fans! Only Jags fans.
Keeping on the topic of sports—you’re one of the taller indie rock heroes in the game. You ever play any hoops as a kid?
I was on the A team in the 8th grade and played in one game for a minute or two, but that’s about it.
Last sports question, I promise, but gotta ask about this: your former touring mate MJ Lenderman is another tall musician with a penchant for writing about basketball—who wins a one-on-one contest between you two?
I think Jake would probably kick my ass at 1 v 1 bball, but I’m trying to get him to play tennis with me.
So now you’re in New York, but you spent your childhood in the DC Area. As someone with lived experiences in all these spots, give me a couple of pluses and minuses for the Northeast, the South, and the Mid-Atlantic Coast.
The South has great air conditioning, strip malls and grocery stores. The Northeast generally has better restaurants and bars, though. The Mid-Atlantic pretty much just has Camden Yards and blue crabs. If I had to rank the three I’d say 1. North 2. South 3. Mid-Atlantic.
What was the first show you went to as a kid? Who were your favorite bands and artists growing up?
First real show I went to was at the House of Blues in Orlando, which was Primus and Incubus with Buckethead opening. Also saw Dropkick Murphys with Lars Frederickson opening there.
The New York Times recently released their list of best movies of the 21st Century. Have you had a chance to scope out this list—if so, any thoughts? Any major omissions? (I contend they dropped the ball big time by failing to include MacGruber.)
Where’s ‘The Town’??
Ok here’s a speed round interlude for themed Wild Pink questions:
Have you ever eaten an egg whole, and if so, how was it prepared? Nope.
Have you ever visited Stonehenge? Yes!
Who’s the best-ever Dracula actor? Gary Oldman.
What’s prettier to look at—a cloud or a mountain? One that looks like the other.
How would you describe a Wild shade of Pink? Is it more akin to salmon? Or flamingo? Coral!
And we’re back. I know the masses have been ABSOLUTELY CLAMORING* for me to update this list of the top 100 “indie” albums I put together in 2021. When I do get around to making changes, “A Billion Little Lights” will be one of a handful of recent albums (we’re talking maybe five) that will crack the coveted top 100. Are there any albums from the past five years that would you include in your own mythical “Top 100” list?
In no order: “Genevieve” by Fust, “Box For Buddy, Box For Star” by This is Lorelei, “Beehive Cathedral” by Joseph Decosimo, Like Richardson and Cleek Shrey, and “Appalachia Borealis” by Phil Cook
*The “masses” being my friends Scott and Johnny and “clamoring” meaning they asked me once.
You’ve been coming to this city for years. What’s your favorite thing to do in San Francisco?
Probably going to Oracle Park or getting a Mai Tai at Li Po.
What about a favorite venue to play here?
Bottom of the Hill for sure.
And keeping on the local topic, lets end on a fun one—favorite SF band of all time?
Ohh…I guess Third Eye Blind or Dead Kennedys.
Actually, let’s end on a super wholesome note—what’s the best thing about being a dad?
Taking my baby on a walk to get morning coffee is probably one of my favorite things.
Show Details:
Wild Pink with Steakhouse and Fake Your Own Death
Where: Bottom of the Hill
When: 8 p.m., Thursday, August 14
Tickets: $20, available here.