From the Front Row - Red Collar at Piano's 7/14

Playing in the intimate setting of the backroom venue at Piano's Bar, Red Collar were in their element.  They have something to say, and being on ground level in the midst of their fans allows them to clearly express it.  As I edged my way towards the stage there was a tangible sense excitement in the crowd that was unusual for an 8 p.m. show.  

Red Collar claims that "for us it’s all about the live show".  And as demonstrated by their energy and emotion on Tuesday night, they mean it.  In the age of iTunes and Billboard singles, Red Collar practices a refreshing philosophy that hearkens back to the simpler days of rock and roll. 

"Yes, we record, but the recording is more a flyer for the show.  When we play live the goal is always to be able to break down the barriers between the band and the audience.  When we can get past the "we’re up here playing and you’re all down there watching" and get to a place where we’re all participating in the same thing, where there is no us and them, that’s when we feel like we’ve succeeded as band."

The concert at Piano's consisted of of a handful of tracks off of their debut LP, Pilgrim, including crowd favorites like the album's title track and Radio On, as well as two new songs.  Channeling the workingman's rock of artists like Bruce Springsteen and The Hold Steady, Red Collar's odes to blue collar strife seemed timely in our current economic state.  I think that the young New York crowd could relate.

Afterward, WNEW caught up with bandmembers Jason, Beth and Michael to talk about their album and their love of performing live.  "All these songs have to do with the theme of working in America," lead  vocalist and guitarist Jason said.  "It was a particular thing I was frustrated about and my friends were frustrated about."

To listen to the band talking about their future plans and explaining why it makes sense for them to release on vinyl check out the audio below.  As a bonus at the end, there is a mysterious exchange between the band and a homeless man who offers a riddle in return for money:

Red Collar Interview

And be sure to check out Pilgrim, the title track from Red Collar's debut.

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