We recently had the chance to talk with Kris Gottlieb from progressive rock/jamband CBDB. They're bringing the noise to Garcia's on Saturday, June 18 and in anticipation of their show, we asked them a few questions to get to know them and their music a little better. From sharing the stage with Umphrey's McGee and The Wailers, to creating their own genre that they call "joyfunk," make sure to check out this interview and then get your ticket to watch them fill Garcia's with energy!

1. You've shared the stage with artists like Umphrey's McGee, Blues Traveler, and The Wailers. Who did you get most excited about?

I think we were excited in different ways for each of those shows. When we had the opportunity to open for a band as legendary as The Wailers, it was definitely a shock. I never in my life even thought that was in the cards. UMPH as well, but in a different way because we've drawn so much from them since our earliest time as a band. It was a bit intimidating to say the least getting to meet and open for them in the same day! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lgim1dhca_k When I got the call from our old agent Chris (Conrad) asking if we were interested in opening for Blues Traveler, I thought he was joking at first! Hearing John rip that harp brought back memories of listening to them in elementary school. He's just incredible, and a super nice guy to boot.

2. You guys are based out of Alabama and spend most of your time in the Southeast. Would you say there is anything different from performing down there as opposed to areas up north like New York? How will you bring the Alabama vibe to New York?

That's a tough one! Playing up north seems to happen more naturally for us sometimes. I don't know if there's more pressure in the south because we've played there for so long and there are already expectations set, but in a place like New York, things are definitely faster paced so you almost have no choice but to just go with the flow and just dive in. Tie in the factor of playing to a lot of people who have possibly not heard you before and it's an interesting situation. I don't guess we think about it too much. We really just want to create the best music we can every night and hopefully someone goes home with a song stuck in their head.

3. Your unique sound blends rock, funk, and jam into what you call “joyfunk.” How did this term originate? What would you say differentiates a song in the "joyfunk" genre from any other song?

Joyfunk is a funny non-word that we thought fit our sound early on and it kind of stuck, even though we're not really a funk band. A friend of ours once dubbed us as prog-pop as well. I don't really think we're much of a prog or pop band either. I'm not sure what we are, but hopefully a "joyfunk" song would give off a sense of fun and make you tap your feet. As silly as the name is, I think it should be a good reminder to not take anything too seriously as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfJ_w8KiKv0

4. The recording process can be a drawn out one. Your latest release “The FAME EP,” is 4 tracks long and was recorded in about 14 hours total. Did you have everything set in stone going into the studio with this one?

Going into FAME Studios, we had the core songs mapped out pretty well and knew we only had one day to get four solid takes as well as vocal layers and things. Stepping into those rooms, knowing who's all been there and just going to work on the songs is an interesting feeling. It's a pretty live album too and we don't play with a click track so the energy and push/pull of a live show is there. We're very proud of it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLf06RwcOBo

5. With two albums and an EP already out, are you ready to work on new material? Can we expect to hear anything unreleased at Garcia’s?

We're constantly learning and writing so there's always the possibility. I'd like to convince the rest of the band to cover a King Crimson tune but so far they're not budging.

6. Getting a group of six guys together to rehearse often is not an easy task. In the early stages of CBDB, how did you find time to get everyone together to do things such as practice and write while balancing other obligations?

Earlier on, we would just pick a day or two a week to have full on practices. It worked pretty smoothly actually because we could count on those days being dedicated to practice every week. Being on the road sometimes poses challenges of rehearsing except for sound checks. You can tap out a song in a greenroom or hotel but you can't necessarily bring in a drum set and amps and the whole nine yards. We do stay with friends in certain cities where we can set up and really practice, so that's nice when we have the opportunity.

7. At the same time as your performance at Garcia's, The Lennon Claypool Delirium will be performing right next door at The Capitol Theatre. Have you heard any of their new music? Are you excited to have Sean Lennon and Les Claypool playing next door?

I've listened to them on Spotify and am really looking forward to catching as much of their show as possible. Primus is just great and Sean Lennon's "Friendly Fire" is classic! I can't wait to hear them together. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9uBhiIIBfQ