First/Last-Terraplane Sun

"Hailing from Venice, California, TERRAPLANE SUN is comprised of frontman Ben Rothbard, guitarist Johnny Zambetti, bassist Cecil Campanaro, keyboardist Gabe Feenberg and drummer Lyle Riddle. Self-described as “blues indie rock folk dance soul,” TERRAPLANE SUN blends all of that and more into a rootsy rock cocktail that defies any specific era. While their music occasionally evokes stylings of THE BLACK KEYS or PHOENIX, they’re not married to any trend or scene. It’s what happens when four-fifths of your lineup is born and bred in SoCal, pulling together just the right recipe of shared and disparate influences. Frontman Rothbard explains, “I wanted to make this a very classic, somewhat vintage-based band, where all the tones were kind of timeless, and let the songs do their thing.”

The Venice Beach band blends soul, blues, rock and folk into a dance-able mashup. Their latest EP "Ya Never Know" has all that and more. I'd like to thank Ben Rothbard (Guitar/Harmonica/Lead Vocals) for taking a few to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
That's a hard one. I think it might've been Nirvana “Unplugged” or Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers “Greatest Hits”. I stole a bunch though before that. $18 for a CD was crazy for a kid. Sorry, Tower Records.

Your last album bought?
Kurt Vile “Wakin On A Pretty Daze”. It's essentially the soundtrack to my life now.

Favorite album of all time?
“Thriller”.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I only listen to the albums I love so, this is a tough one. I'm never disappointed, only impressed.

First concert attended?
Sublime.

Last concert?
Just saw a bunch at SXSW. Kurt Vile was the only one that blew me away.

Favorite concert ever?
White Stripes at The Greek is actually the best show I've ever been to. Jack White is from another planet! Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers was the most fun I've ever had at a show. Just belting the lyrics to every song they played that night. Dude is an absolute legend and they're playing their fuckin' instruments.

Least favorite concert?
I tend to forget about these.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
My Mom lived there for a bit when she was a child and used to walk to the ballpark with my Grandfather. I always thought that was pretty cool. We played there a few months ago and had a good experience.  Other than that, I've always thought of Pittsburgh as a tough American city passionate about their sports teams.

Thanks, Ben. 'Passionate' about our sports teams? That is a way too kind of term to describe our fans. Dare I say 'OBSESSED'?

Terraplane Sun Website


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