Alternative rock band Low vs Diamond calls themselves “an American band”; members Lucas, Howie, Anthony, Johnny, and Tad settled in Los Angeles from all over the country to make music together. Since forming in 2006, they released their debut self-titled album in April 2008, followed by appearances on Late Show with David Letterman and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno during that summer. Furiously driven guitars and drums behind sincere and beautifully written lyrics are just two of the many qualities the listener can expect from Low vs Diamond.

One such song that particularly exhibits the aforementioned traits, “Don’t Forget Sister” (number 59 in Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 best songs in 2008), is magnificently crafted, offering highs and lows; drama and nostalgia; lush vocals and gritty instrumentation. The song opens with Lucas Field’s vocals over an unrelenting drum foundation and a nostalgically sweet piano line. The lead singer’s crooning is reminiscent of Brandon Flowers; however, it is quickly revealed the Low vs Diamond singer is far more passionate and less pretentious sounding than the Killers’ front man. Underneath Field’s heartfelt singing the song gains momentum propelled by the exuberant coupling of keyboard with drums and bass. Just when the listener thinks the song is going to burst into the rock hysteria, the band pulls back for the thoughtfully quiet chorus with a sing-a-long melody, “Don’t forget sister/She’ll always be true/We come from a good home/We won’t forget you” The drum never ceases its steady motion which constantly builds tension even through the restrained chorus. Finally the band explodes with aggressive guitar and lively vocals that continue to intensify into a sumptuous rock anthem worthy of becoming a classic.

Howie, the drummer of Low vs Diamond, kindly agreed to do an instant message interview back in October of 2009. Apparently David Letterman keeps his studio freezing to prevent sweating…

Liv: What’s for dinner tonight?

Howie: I’m making salmon with a lemon caper sauce and asparagus and mashed potatoes!

Liv: Impressive. Ok so…it says in your bio that you settled in LA to make music…when did this happen? When did the band “officially” come together with the common goal of making music?

Howie: Lucas [lead singer/guitar] and I moved to LA straight after college (we attended University of Colorado). Tad [keyboard] came a year later. We met Anthony [vocals/guitar] and Jon [bass] four years later in LA. So Low vs Diamond officially started in summer of 2006.

Liv: What is the band’s song writing process? Do you work as a team or does one member bring the songs to the table…

Howie: For the first record Lucas was the main song writer and then the band would help construct the songs after Luke would bring the initial chord structure and melody to the table. But as we move forward I think it will become more of a collaborative effort.

Liv: What was your first musical obsession?

Howie: Hmmm, what do you mean?

Liv: Was there a particular artist or song that made you think, “Whoa, I have to make music!” For instance, Swan Lake was my thing. After seeing the ballet as a toddler, I knew music was for me.

Howie: When I was really young I used to dress up like Michael Jackson…

Liv: Are you just saying that because he recently died?

Howie: Haha yeah…no. But it was when I started listening to the Grateful Dead in high school and college; that’s when I really got into music. I was in a Grateful Dead cover band in high school. I was a hippie haha. And part of being a hippie is playing music right?

Liv: Indeed. What’s currently on your ipod?

Howie: David Torn (who does scores), the new Phoenix record, Peter Gabriel, Kings of Leon, Depeche Mode, The Cure, Bob Marley and the Wailers…

Liv: All good stuff. I’m loving the Depeche Mode inclusion…

Howie: …new David Byrne and Brian Eno record, Rolling Stones, Empire of the Sun, the new Wilco album, Daft Punk…want more?

Liv: Haha no that’s ok…what’s the post-show routine? Home to sleep or rock star parties all night long?

Howie: Both; depends on the night and how I’m feeling. Being on the road can be tiring, ya know. And I’m not a young stallion anymore haha

Liv: Riiiight. Do you have a favorite performance moment? A particularly thrilling show you’ve done recently?

Howie: Our last show at the Palladium in LA was great. We opened for Third Eye Blind. The show nearly sold out. We just finished whole tour with them actually, but the LA show stood out. It’s our hometown, the venue has lots of history, and it was the last show of the tour so we were flowin’ on stage. Big party afterwards; it was Luke’s birthday that night!

Liv: What fuels your desire to get up every morning and make music?

Howie: Music has always been there for me in my life. It’s a big factor in changing my moods or making me feel a certain way. If I can be a factor in creating that for other people then that’s pretty cool.

Liv: What’s your favorite swear word?

Howie: Sonofabitch. Is that one?

Liv: Yes, sonofabitch is definitely one word. How’d you guys end up playing on the late shows (Letterman, Leno)?

Howie: Our publicist hooked it up; sent the shows our album and they clearly liked it. Those were so much fun. Lettermen was a bit nerve wracking.

Liv: How so? First national TV appearance? I bet that was fucking scary!

Howie: Yep. And the studio is freezing cold. He keeps it that way so he doesn’t sweat.

Liv: That’s awful. You guys sounded great though, I youtubed that shit.

*photos courtesy of google image search

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