Having recently released their new 7 track record titled Undertow, we caught up with New Jersey-based band Elk City’s Ray Ketchem to find out more about their story, their new album and what they’ve got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Ray Ketchem of Elk City below.
How did you come up with the name Elk City and who is in your current line-up?
Elk City is the name of a small town in rural West Virginia, near where I grew up. I always liked the sound of it as a kid. When we were searching for a band name, I’d had just returned from a visit in West Virginia and I suggested it. Renee liked it immediately.
The current line-up is: Renee LoBue on vocals / Chris Robertson on guitar / James Baluyut on guitar / Richard Baluyut on bass / Ray Ketchem on drums.
Sean Eden is technically still in Elk City, but he moved to San Francisco, so we’ve brought in James, who, we’re hoping continues on with the band into the next phase.
You’re based in Montclair, NJ, but I understand that some of you also have links to the NYC arts community. How did you come to be based out of Montclair?
Montclair is a suburb of NYC. It’s easy for us to access the city and its art while also enjoying more space and fresh air.
How did you first come together as a band? Would you say that your sound has changed a lot from then until now?
Renee and I met through a musician wanted ad in a local music paper. We started a band in the early 90s called Melting Hopefuls. When that band ran its course we decided to change the name and try new things. Elk City has had different eras, but we’ve stuck with the name through it all. The sound of Elk City evolves as we continue to explore new ideas, but we have an aesthetic that remains sympatico.
Tell us about your new album?
The new album Undertow is the companion piece to 2022’s Above the Water LP. It’s darker.
The live element seems to be really important to Elk City in terms of capturing your signature sound. Tell us about this.
We improvise together, while recording. Much of what you hear on our records is happening for the first time and captured on tape.
Who creates your videos? What was that process like in relation to this new album?
So far we’ve only made a video for “Strong (You’re Not Alone)” from Undertow. We all work together while making the videos. I often do the filming and editing.
Have you been performing the songs from this album during recent live shows? What has the reaction been like?
Yes! Our current set is almost all songs from Undertow and Above the Water. The reaction has been very positive.
You recently played live with Velocity Girl in New York. Are you friends or how did that come about?
Yes, Velocity Girl remember us from our days as Melting Hopefuls. Renee sang backing vocals on a side-project of their drummer, Jim Spellman and they became fast friends. We were thrilled to play Bowery Ballroom with them.
You both also run the Magic Door Record Label. Tell us about your label’s work and history?
Magic Door Record Label is growing! We saw a need for artists who were recording in the Magic Door studio and decided to create a label to build community and camaraderie.
What does the next year hold for Elk City and Magic Door Record Label?
More shows, more recording and more interviews!
Listen to Undertow below
Watch the music video for Strong (You’re Not Alone) below
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