Desert Sharks
Interview March 10, 2021
By Dan Locke
Desert Sharks have been in the Brooklyn / NYC DIY scene for the greater part of the last decade
Baby’s Gold Death Stadium showcases their guitar-driven brand of grunge-garage punk as a perfect synthesis of their individual talents. Charged by guitarists Stefania Rovera and Sunny Veniero’s fiercely relentless compositions, the LP is grounded by formidable rhythms from drummer Rebecca Fruchter as well as the introspective songwriting style of bassist and lead singer Stephanie Gunther. Gunther mined her experiences with everything from anxiety to social archetypes for subject matter. “Sorceress” embraces personal power and challenges the dismissal of the aging woman, while “I Don’t Know How to Dress for the Apocalypse” reflects on the general anxiety of younger generations as they grapple with social and environmental concerns in a divisive political climate. “Dating?” is Gunther’s real-life plea to Veniero, who kept getting back together with a toxic ex—“You know she’s bad for you. / Don’t make the same mistake.”
These three advance singles are part of a 12-track LP that, in trademark Desert Sharks’ style, clocks in at a brisk 35 minutes. Baby’s Gold Death Stadium was recorded live in a Brooklyn basement studio straight to tape and then dumped to digital for a gritty vibe.
Their next single Voices Carry is released the first part of Aug. 2021.
What is your upbringing?
Sunny and Rebecca grew up in New Jersey. Stephanie is from Michigan originally.
How did you discover music?
Music was always playing in our homes growing up. Stephanie grew up listening to The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, and a ton of 60’s music with her parents. Sunny would rock out to her dad’s Surf/Hot-Rod Rock tapes on her Fisher-Price cassette player. , Rebecca first started getting into music during middle school when her parents finally allowed her to watch MTV.
How did you start to write music?
You just sort of start somewhere. We all took lessons with various instruments when we were younger. You start by learning songs you like and then move on trying to create your own things. It takes a lot of patience and trial and error, but eventually, you get the hang of it!
Describe your music.
We were called “gloom punk” by Bandcamp when our full-length album came out in 2019 and we feel like that’s a great description. There are elements of punk, garage, grunge, and doom in our sound.
How did you form the band?
We met on Craigslist!
How did your band get its name?
We had a hard time agreeing on a name. We ended up writing a song called “Tequila Shark” and someone said, should we call the band that? We didn’t like that as a band name but didn’t mind the shark part. We had a list of words that we didn’t hate and substituted “desert” for tequila and the rest is history.
What was your first performance like?
It was a bit of a shitshow but really fun. It was at this bar in Brooklyn that used to be called Legion. The space got double booked and we didn’t end up playing till around midnight. We were friends with one of the bartenders so we had pink Jello shots for everyone. I think there’s a recording of it somewhere but we’re scared to watch.
Tell me about the time you performed in a Converse Store in Boston?
Converse used to have a studio in Brooklyn called Rubber Tracks. We were chosen to record in their space, and afterward we were asked to play their store in Boston and open for METZ at The Sinclair. The store performance was a little strange because all the lights were on and people were literally shopping, but everyone at Converse was so kind and cool.
What makes a good songwriter?
Being willing to experiment, being willing to collaborate and share ideas, and not settling for something you’re not 100% happy with.
What is the process of writing your music?
We typically start with some guitar riffs and then work on adding bass and drums. We think a lot about structure and get the skeleton of the song written out before vocals are added. After that, Stephanie writes lyrics and vocals and Sunny will work on guitar solos. From there we play it over and over until it feels fluid.
Do you belong to any to songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP?
We’re a part of ASCAP!
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
This is kind of hilarious, but the first song we wrote was with a 2nd guitarist who left the band super early on. The song was called “Never Enough” and it is not recorded and we’re not sad about it. That guitarist ended up taking the same riff they wrote with us and used it in another band so we didn’t want to play it anymore anyway.
How has Desert Sharks sound developed over the years?
When we first started, we were pretty inspired by the garage sound that was prevalent. Over time, we’ve tapped more into the roots of the heavier music we listened to growing up and that’s definitely reflected in our latest album. We’re working on writing new songs right now that we think represent our sound evolution even further. We’re super proud of the progression and can’t wait for people to hear!
It’s been a bit over a year since you had released Baby’s Gold Death Stadium.
What is your favorite track on the album?
That’s a really tough question! Stephanie is torn between “Dating?” and “Sorceress.” Sunny loves “Dating?” (After all, she was the inspiration for the lyrics), and Rebecca likes “Seasick” and “I Don’t Know How to Dress for the Apocalypse”.
How do you stay healthy while performing?
As far as stamina is concerned, the more often you play, the better breath control and energy you have. We’re definitely going to have to get back into show shape when the pandemic is over!
What are your feelings about streaming music?
It’s great to know that people around the world have access to your music. Unfortunately, you don’t make much money off streaming currently unless you’re Beyoncé.
How can people forget about the origin hashtag # Sharp in a musical score? Because of social media #sonyrecords vs. F#
Haha great question
Digital vs. vinyl?
Both!
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song holds for you?
Stephanie – PJ Harvey “This is Love”. PJ is a rock goddess and I love her songwriting. Sunny – Rilo Kiley “Spectacular Views”, it just feels like spring. Rebecca – Bleached “Next Stop”. This song takes me back to the first few years after moving to NYC, a time when I was constantly out going to shows, discovering new music, and started playing in our band. Not being able to experience live music this past year really has me missing those days.
If “Video Killed the Radio Star” do you think that the Covid-19 virus has killed live music?
At least temporarily, yes.
Do you feel the Covid-19 virus is going to affect the music business in the future?
It’s hard to say since the future is so unpredictable, but we know at the moment that it’s really hurt venues and touring musicians.
At the beginning of the Lockdown, you filmed a video at Jack of Trader Barcest Sessions. How was that?
We actually shot that video a few months before lockdown, but the final edit didn’t come out till closer to quarantine. The hosts were lovely, they made us delicious cocktails, and we got to pet a dog so all in all it was fun.
During the virus Bandcamp is doing the first Friday of each month with no fees for anything purchased though Bandcamp. Have your sales gone up during this time?
Since we typically sell records at shows, the Bandcamp Fridays have been our best way to get music to people directly without incurring a ton of fees. We’re super grateful that sales have been consistent.
During the lockdown how do you pick your Quarantine covers?
We try to think about songs we like that we could add our own flair to.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
Stephanie has gotten super into cross stitching, Sunny has been skateboarding and biking, and Rebecca got a stationary bike and started doing indoor cycling (it’s less a hobby and more a way to fit in some form of exercise while quarantining).
Have you looked into redoing the video “I Don’t Know How To Dress for The Apocalypse”?
It still feels pretty accurate.
95% of people said that they have changed the way they watch television. This includes people who don’t have television and use their computers to do streaming of programs and movies. Which is your favorite streaming channel?
Stephanie – Netflix and Hulu. Rebecca – Netflix. Sunny – HBO Max (but still gets a lot of use from her DVD player)
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. In October that is going to change at least on Facebook. Facebook is cracking down on live streamed shows that include recorded music with new terms of service, preventing artists from using the platform for “commercial or non-personal” purposes, unless they have obtained the relevant licenses.
The updated music guidelines state that users “may not use videos on our products [which include Instagram] to create a music listening experience […] This will include [Facebook] Live,” and stipulates that such content should be posted for the enjoyment of friends and family only.
How do you think this will change the landscape of Facebook?
Bands will have to find other avenues to share live music. There’s actually a really cool site our friend Jon Daily (from The Black Black and Kissed by an Animal) created called BandNada. Bands can stream live on there and fans can send tips. It’s super cool and everyone should check it out. bandnada.com
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merchandise to them at the show?
Looks like interacting on good ol social media is the easiest way to connect with fans right now. We really miss playing live!
Is pay to play still a thing?
Absolutely. And no thanks.
Now pay to play also means things like playlist on the internet and opening slots for a major band on tour.
Totally, and that’s bullshit. We prefer talent over capitalism.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
Let us know when that happens!
Governments around the world are hearing the call of thousands of music creators and included protections for the music community in the omnibus bill. In addition to extended and improved unemployment benefits and small business loans for freelance creators, the package includes several bills which the Recording Academy, its members, and the larger music community advocated for. From the Save Our Stages Act, which provided a lifeline to performance venues and promoters, to the CASE Act, which creates an avenue for smaller creators to defend their copyrighted works, Congress has ensured that both music creators and those who act behind the scenes to bring music to life are given the support they need during this difficult time.” .”
Will this help save the industry?
At the moment, we’re seeing more and more beloved venues closing and a lot of people without work. It’s hard to say for sure what the future looks like for any of us, but we’re hoping we’ll be able to collectively find a way to keep live music going.
In the past if a musician stopped doing music, they found a new career. For example, David Lee Roth from Van Halen became a licensed EMT in NY for 6 years, San Spitz (guitarist for Anthrax) became a master watchmaker, Dee Snider (Twister Sister) voice over work for SpongeBob SquarePants. If you can’t do music, what would you like to be doing?
Stephanie – taking aura pictures and starting a cat sanctuary. Rebecca – we’ve never been at the point where we could support ourselves through playing music (that’s the real dream) so my day job is currently working on the business side of the music industry as a royalty’s analyst
What is your happy place?
Stephanie – currently my happy place is my bed. Rebecca – my couch. Sunny – I’ll let you know when I find it.
Danny Wimmer Presents just announced their 2021 Festival Calendar: Which includes the following live shows:
DWP Partners with Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival for September 10-12 Event in Mansfield, OH
Louder Than Life Set for September 23-26 with Newly Added Thursday Night Celebration in Louisville, KY
Welcome To Rockville Expands to 4 Days and Shifts from Spring to November 11-14 in Daytona Beach, FL
Aftershock Set for October 7-10 in Sacramento, CA, Almost Sold Out
Would you be willing to play these shows and what precautions would you like to have in place?
Covid is real and we’re not trying to compromise anyone’s health. In order for us to feel safe to play we’d need to be vaccinated, be able to physically practice together and get back our live show legs, and there would have to be rules in place at venues that protect everyone.
Spotify just deleted 750,00 songs, mostly from independent artists. Was your saved?
Our music did not get deleted.
Sony Music in November and Warner Music Group in December, The ByteDance-owned video app revealed on (February 8) that it has struck an “expanded” global licensing agreement with Universal Music Group. Now that TikTok is now fully licensed by all three major record companies, will you start using TikTok more?
We actually don’t have a TikTok. It’s hard to say if/when we’ll have one. Adding another social media channel during quarantine feels mentally overwhelming to be honest. But who knows what the future holds?
Anything you would like to say in closing.
Thanks to everyone who has streamed or bought a copy of Baby’s Gold Death Stadium. We can’t wait for you to hear the new music we’re working on!
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