Simpleton and Cityfolk. Photo by Kevin Doellman.
GENRE: Folk / Acoustic Rock
MEMBERS: Geoff Glenn, Chris Bennett, Mike “Sku” Skowronski, Chris “Foo” Williams
NEXT SHOW: This Saturday at the Subterranean, the band is having a record release show for their debut EP called ‘The Williams Account’.
@ayokdoe interviews @SimplenCityfolk
What is it like living above a bar?
‘Not bad— food and cold frosty beverages just steps away. Sometimes it’s probably a little too close, though. Being a regular maybe isn’t the best, but getting to know the folks that work there has been great.’
How did you come up with your band and EP name?
‘Three of the guys (Chris, Foo and Sku) are from Chicago, and Geoff is from Iowa. Because Geoff is an Iowan, the guys called him a simpleton – hence, the “Simpleton”. And, being from Chicago, Chris, Foo and Sku are the “Cityfolk”. BAM. Simpleton & Cityfolk.
As far as the EP goes, the name comes from sort of an inside joke. Foo’s last name is Williams and whenever he has a tab at the bar, he refers to it as, “The Williams’ Account”… “Put it on the Williams’ Account”, “Can you close the Williams Account?” You get it. Pretty much we make him pay for all of our drinks.’
Favorite place in the city to grab a beer?
‘This answer could probably go to any bar that’s ever been established, but we’ve definitely spent quite a bit of time at Kincades. Sku lives above Cortland’s Garage in Bucktown which is a sweet place. I think we all agree that Double Door is also an awesome spot to grab a cold PBR and see some live music.’
Dream venue to headline in Chicago?
‘Lollapalooza would be legit. There really are too many great venues in Chicago, but we would definitely love to close out a packed show at the House of Blues.’
What was the most difficult part of recording your first album?
‘Probably time. Recording is a pretty tedious process when you want it to sound as best as it can. It’s also hard to coordinate four guys with different schedules and get everyone in at the same time.’
Spotify or Pandora?
‘Spotify is pretty great. Geoff is the only one using it, though. Pandora is an awesome way to find new bands or hear music you wouldn’t think to listen to. We should be on Spotify and Pandora very soon!’
Would you ever consider taking bath salts before a concert?
‘Not since we ate our keyboardist.’
FUN FACTS:
- Chris and Geoff were random roommates at the University of Iowa.
- Foo and Sku were in a metal band together back in the day.
- Geoff’s brother is watching 3 pregnant cows for a friend.
- Foo, Sku and Chris went to high school together.
- Posted by Kevin Doellman, Ayo Kdoe Productions
