I have always been a nerd. For me, the moment I realized I was becoming a nerd was when I became obsessed with punk rock. I began to research everything about punk, from its origins in bluegrass music to the polar opposite and most loved hated musician, GG Allin. I have been around the Nashville music scene since I was a 16 year old hoodlum with green hair. I have moved on from the punk scene, to the hardcore scene that I was in during the last stages of high school, and now I embrace the pop-punk emo poser that I am today.
Here at Four Letter Nerd we like to believe everybody is nerdy about something. For some people its comic books (Stephen and I), some people are nerdy about Magic; The Gathering (Robbie), others are nerdy alcoholic drinks (please drink responsibly Cody), and some are nerdy about Star Trek (I’m looking at you Cameron). But in all reality, we can be nerdy about pretty much anything. With all of this being said, in todays Local Spotlight we are looking at Nashville band Daisyhead. Daisyhead emerged in 2012 and have made a pretty big impact on the Nashville music scene, and soon to be the entire emo/alternative scene all together.
Yesterday, 11/7/13, Daisyhead released some pretty awesome news. They are now on the record label No Sleep. This label has some of the biggest names in this scene on board, Balance and Composure, La Dispute, Touché Amore, and The Wonder Years to name a few. I was able to catch Daisyhead’s set last night at Nashville venue The End with Balance and Composure, Better Off, and Courtesy Drop. I’m just going to say Daisyhead absolutely killed it. When Michael Roe, the vocalist who occasionally strums the guitar, announced that they were signed to No Sleep, we said “It’s so f—king cool.” He has the excitement of a child unwrapping the new gaming console he’s wanted on Christmas Day.
(The following interview was conducted with Michael Roe about a month ago; I have been waiting for the big record news to release this.)
4LN- What makes you nerdy?
M.R. – I suppose the anti-social aspect of being a nerd is something I can relate to. I find myself sitting in front of my television, at my computer, or playing my guitar more than going out with friends. Haha
4LN- Who would be your favorite Superhero?
M.R. – Iron Man!
4LN- if you could have any superpower, what would it be?
M.R. – The power to be able to recollect my memories as vividly as Ted Mosby.
(As you can tell Michael is a big fan of How I Met Your Mother, so if you are ever at one of their shows, stop by and pass the breeze with him!)
4LN- Are you more of a DC guy or a Marvel fan? And why do you think that is?
M.R. – If I had to choose, I would have to go with Marvel. I was just more of a fan of the Marvel characters growing up.
4LN- What would be your favorite video game?
M.R.- Kingdom Hearts, by far. Nothing else compares.(I can not tell you the countless conversations I have had with Michael about this game. I am pretty sure it has consumed his life on multiple occasions.)
4LN- Is there a comic you have read that really stuck out to you?
M.R. – I would have to say the first volume of the Scott Pilgrim graphic novel series, “Precious Little Life.”
(I have known Michael for about 3 or 4 years now. One of the very first things we ever talked about was Lord Of The Rings, so I was pretty sure we would end up being good friends. The Following is about his love for LOtR.)
4LN: Now, I know you love Lord of The Rings so these next few questions will be about that! How did you get pulled into LOtR? Was it the movies or the books?
M. R. – The movies pulled me in. I was pretty young when they came out, but I was hooked from the get go.
4LN- What about LOtR is it that really connects with you? Who is the character you consider to be YOU in the story line?
M.R. – I love the concept of someone as small as a hobbit going against all odds to destroy the root of evil, and the support he gets from THE COOLEST characters I’ve ever seen in a movie or read in a book.
I try my best to be like Frodo. I don’t consider myself a hero, by any means, but I have a tendency to take a leadership role in everything I do.
4LN- Has LOtR led you to any other nerdy things? Or did another nerdy thing lead you TO LOtR?
M.R. – I would have to say that LOtR is the first “nerdy” thing I ever got into, but it definitely opened my eyes to the world of Fantasy. Is that sexual? I hope that isn’t perceived as a sexual statement. Oh well!
Final Question: Has LOtR played any role in your music? Lyrically or musically? Do you have any tattoos that represent your passion for LOtR?
M.R. – None of the songs I have written have anything to do with LOtR, but we are about to write some new material, so who knows?! I don’t have any LOtR tattoos yet, but that’s only because I have to get the perfect piece, and I haven’t decided what that will be just yet.
Check the link below to pick up some Daisyhead merch! Be on the look out for them coming to a town near you in early 2014, they will not disappoint you.
http://spartanrecords.limitedrun.com/products/518854-daisyhead-i-couldnt-face-you-7
UPDATE, 1/16/16
Our good pals in Daisyhead were the unfortunate victims of a van break-in during their tour stop in Chicago and they’ve set up a GoFundMe for anyone who might be interested in helping them out. You can also help by heading over to their merch site and picking a shirt or hoodie.