April 22nd, 2009
Interview: Youth Group’s Toby Martin
Australian indie-rock outfit Youth Group’s month-long residency at the M Room is quickly coming to an end — there’s tonight’s show, and then the finale next Wednesday, April 29th. The quartet’s been bouncing between weekly residencies in Philly, New York, and Boston all April long; despite the hectic schedule and all the driving, frontman Toby Martin was nice enough to answer some of our questions, although he made the colossal faux pas of favoring New York City over Philadelphia:
Generally speaking, what’s the experience of doing this month-long residency in Philly been like?
It’s been OK. Compared to Boston and New York the Philly shows have been on the smaller side, but there’s always been a good spirit in the room.
Have you seen some of the same people coming to the shows every week, or has it pretty much been new crowds each time?
Some people have come back for more.
What do you like most about Philadelphia?
The people. The Pabst.
What do you like least about Philadelphia?
The freeways. The bitter cold
Would you ever consider living in Philadelphia?
We did consider it, actually. We thought it would make a good base. But in the end we decided to live in New York. I mean, we like Philly, but New York is just up the road.
What’s the best thing you’ve had to eat in Philly? Any recommendations?
Noodles and Pabst in Chinatown. But I can’t remember the name of the restaurant. It was warehouse-chic.
What have you not had time to do yet in Philly that you wish you did?
Is the Liberty Bell still in Philadelphia? I wouldn’t mind giving that a bang.
What’s the strangest thing someone from the crowd has yelled out during this residency?
Last week someone yelled out “Urban and Eastern is the best album ever recorded and played!” which was nice, but also tinged with regret as we didn’t play anything off that album. It’s our first album. Long time ago.
Are you sick of Philadelphia yet, or do you look forward to coming back someday after this residency is over?
No. In fact, playing shows makes you hungry to see more of a city. There’s just never enough time. I’d like to come back as a proper tourist.
