Getting to Know Gauntlet Hair

Gauntlet Hair are a Denver-based band comprised of best friends who go by the names of Craig Nice and Andy R. Compared, in the past, to the likes of Wavves and Panda Bear, their sound is minimal and unrefined, with catchy melodies layered over grungy, twanging guitars. Rather than engaging in bizarre pre-show/photoshoot rituals, the boys set themselves apart from the other young male duos with the addition of Penny, Craig’s dog who goes on tour, appears on stage and in their promotional pictures with them.

We had a quick chat with the guys to find out more about her role in the band.

PORTABLE: If you had to describe Gauntlet Hair’s sound to a deaf person, what kind of words would you use?

Craig Nice: I would just smile a lot.

What is it about Denver that makes you want to make music?
Andy R: For me personally, my inspiration for writing and making music doesn’t have much to do with Denver.

CN: The constant sunshine is definitely a factor. Maybe the altitude helps grow bubbles in your brain…I’d like to think that’s a possibility.

How do you feel about people making unofficial music videos for your songs (like the one above, set to clips from 1971′s Evel Knievel)? What movies would you like to see future videos sample?

AR: I find it flattering, but am not a big fan of the archival footage and would rather see people just create their own work than cutting up someone else’s.

CN: It’d be cool to see some retro porn samples…Johnny Wadd or something.

Tell us about Penny. What does she bring to the table? What are her favorite tracks?

CN: I got Pendle in Chicago when she was eight weeks old and I’ve had her for just over three years now. She is the love of my life. I worked with dogs for years and, although my opinion is a bit biased, had never met a dog like Pen. She makes more eye contact than most humans. What does she bring to the table? Infinite love, affection, beauty, grace, loyalty, tiny paws, chicken noises, even tinier teeth, occasional excitement induced sneezes, incredible bass chops…stuff like that. Basically, anything you could ever want, shes got it. Pendle really likes our track HEAVE. The notes Sandman hits drive her crazy. She always howls into the mic when we practice that one.

If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

AR: Not much…

CN: Oh man, thats a tough one. I’ve always thought I’d be dead if it weren’t for music. That’s not true, though. I’d like to think I’m a bit stronger than that. I’d have more dogs, thats for sure. Maybe live on a farm. Lots of grass. Lots of sun. Probably throw a lady in there somewhere. Win the lottery. Do as much traveling as I could.

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