What piece of equipment do you have to show us today?
Fuzzrocious Dark Driving pedal.
How did you come across this particular item?
Our engineer hipped me to it during the recording of the first Beach Slang EP.
What is it that you like so much about it?
Sound is a weirdo thing, you know? For me, there was always a space missing between my guitar and amp. I knew what I wanted, but never knew how to get it there. The first time I plugged this thing in, it happened—that perfect, fuzzy crunch, the thing I waited for.
When has it come in handy most? Do you recall any time this has got you out of a tough spot?
I don’t know that there’s ever been a ‘most handy’ or a ‘tough spot’. That’s something that super appeals to me—how reliable and consistent it is. I tend to play pretty hard and reckless. In all of that mess, it’s never cracked.
How do you use it, and how has it shaped the way that you write music?
Non-stop and all the time. If I’m playing, this thing is on. It’s pretty automatic. If anything, I dial the tone up or down. But, really, it’s kind of a plug it in, turn it on, turn it up kind of pedal. It’s meant to be a rock & roll kid.
Any other interesting points/stories about it?
The company is owned by a husband & wife who, with their kids, handpaint each pedal. There’s something really right on about that.
Tell us a little about what you’ve got coming up.
Right now we’re out on our first full U.S. headlining tour and we’ve released our first full-length. We’re leaving for our first full European headlining tour on January 19. I never fully unpack my suitcase and that’s pretty alright.
