Carrboro’s Mandolin Orange is known for Emily Frantz and Andrew Marlin’s beautiful and sparse Americana. The band has been at work on a new record, recording with some local musicians from the Drug Horse crew down in Asheville this winter.
The band plays Chapel Hill’s Local 506 Saturday. Sinful Savage Tigers and Alex Hall open. Win a pair of tickets by being the first to guess which style of NC barbecue the band prefers–and why. Leave your e-mail address in the comments so we can contact the winner.
The first record got great local reviews and you guys have been received very well in the Triangle. What’s different about the next record?
As far as sound, it’s a bigger record. Quiet Little Room was intentionally sparse, but in recording the new songs we took a more expansive approach, and are involving a lot more people’s ideas. Almost all of the rhythm tracks were recorded live, so the songs retain an honest feel.
Was there any new inspiration behind the new record? Have you two been listening to anything that would lend itself to a different sound than the last one?
Definitely. What we’re listening is constantly changing, and that affects our approach to arranging songs. We’ve been digging a lot of old school country, but also some more poppy stuff.
Do you have any top tens from 2010? Top ten records or shows?
The Books — The Way Out and countless local albums.
Any funny stories from touring last year?
Franz: We played a one day festival in Wilmington in October… after our set a woman told me she wanted to be me for Halloween. I’m not sure if that’s a compliment or not…?
What’s the last record you bought?
Franz: Feist, The Reminder
Marlin: Tim O’Brien, Chicken and Egg
