Black Thumb is the alt pop creation of Colin Wilde, who also has a new project called The Flying Propeller Group. Ahead of Black Thumb’s set this Saturday, February 8 at El Rio – along with Brontez Purnell, Naked Roommate, Wife, and ronny ronny ronny (DJ) – we talked to Wilde about moving from the Midwest, what sets Bay Area artistry apart, and a very delicious hope and dream for the local music scene.
Where did you grow up? When and why did you move to the Bay?
I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. When I turned 18 I moved to Appleton where I spent several years. That’s where Black Thumb started. I moved to the Bay Area because I needed a change. I played here in 2016 on my first tour as Black Thumb. We played the Knockout with Young Lovers. Which really comes full circle with Brontez playing this show.
Did the Bay Area music and art scene have anything to do with your move?
Yes, it was everything. I met with Stanley (Rays, Famous Mammals, Non Plus Temps) and he said I should move here. He found me a place to live first, then a job. He is responsible for me being here, completely. Coming here and playing on tour was fun. It definitely was a plus that I knew of some wonderful bands from here. I had no idea if I would be accepted though, and the musicians in this community really took me in with open arms quite quickly.
How does the Bay Area influence your music?
The people here are dedicated to making things authentic. It doesn’t feel like anyone here is faking it. It feels like everyone means it. It feels like this is serious for them, and I’ve seen people turn down opportunities. Really good ones. Just because it doesn’t feel right to them. That’s inspiring. It’s really hard to do everything yourself. I’ve been doing things that way for 10 years now. But people here make me want to keep doing things whatever way that works. Whatever way that feels right, true, and honest. I love that.
Which up-and-coming Bay Area artists are you most excited about?
April Magazine is my favorite Bay Area group. They are exciting, playing with a sense of urgency every time. I love the way that they approach live shows. Their recordings are also timeless-sounding as if they could’ve been released on any indie label in 1989 through today.
Other groups I really like are: Cindy, Seablite, Mister Baby, Topographies, Tricky FM, Rhymies, Famous Mammals, Naked Roommate, Magic Fig, Violent Change, Sad Eyed Beatniks, Chime School, Wife, Blue Zero, Hectorine, Grace Sings Sludge, Katsy Pline, Healing Potpourri, Jack Erin Brown Band, Ryli, and probably many more that I am forgetting about.
Are there any artist-centered communities in the Bay that you love?
The scene around The Hit Gallery on 16th Street. It’s a small art gallery/practice space. There are sometimes shows outside on the street in front of the bus stop. The art shows presented are inspiring, the bands that practice there are all ones that I love, and I think it’s a wonderful resource that I hope never goes away.
After several waves of gentrification since you moved here, what keeps you in the Bay?
It’s a great place to live. It’s hard to exist here. Really hard. The music and art community eases the pain a bit though. I’m from the Midwest, where people are polite. I was sure that it would take a long time for me to feel accepted within the music scene here, but it was very much the opposite. From basically day one, I felt accepted. Bands that sounded nothing like what I do would want to help me play shows. Incredibly busy people would express interest in recording together. It’s really the kindness and genuine respect of the arts scene here that makes it worth the struggle.
Additionally, the characters behind Bay Area record stores are very encouraging. Chris and the cast of characters at Groove Merchant Records, Doug and the owners of Grooves. Those places continually have strange records that keep me inspired and curious about music that has come before me. Both places are one of the few shops I’ll blindly buy from based on recommendations.
Do you have any new releases coming up?
I have a new project called The Flying Propeller Group with songs and we will be recording when we can find the time. The core line up of that is myself, Peter Hurley, and Gray Tolhurst.
Do you have any hopes or predictions for the local music scene?
I hope we all get Korean BBQ together sometime soon.
See Black Thumb live this Saturday, February 8 at El Rio.
