Head of Femur (Interview)

For the members of Chicago’s Head of Femur, they have spent their young existence as a band playing the role of bride’s maids rather than as brides. For the time being, however, it’s not such a bad thing. Since playing their first show in 2001, they have opened up for some of the biggest names in indie, putting this young band in front of sellout crowds in Chicago’s most respectable venues. While consistently not being the main draw may frustrate some musicians, they seem to have no problem opening up for some of the biggest acts in college rock today, like Bright Eyes, Wilco, and Deerhoof (to name a few). Such exposure has revered Head of Femur as a premiere Chicago staple, but don’t think for a second that they are letting it get to their heads. “Getting to play for bands we love and respect is such an honor,” guitarist Matt Elsener says, “We are just glad to be a part of it all.” However, it is important to mention that Head of Femur sort of started by accident, spawning from the boredom that ensued while waiting for their friends’ tours to end.
“We were getting set to reform (Pablos Triangle) and the two guys who were already established musicians (in Chicago) were on tour with there bands,” lead vocalist and guitarist Matt Focht says, “so while we were waiting for them to get back from tour we started writing songs in the interim. We started playing shows and it’s been going from there.”
With a positive outlook on their current endeavors comes a surprisingly easy operation for a band that can tour with up to eight members. Borrowing musicians from other projects (like members of Bobby Conn and the Flying Luttenbachers) while on breaks from their respective tours has been the protocol for creating a traveling show of their own. As a testament to their textured and innovate style, there is no shortage of established instrumentalists jumping at the chance to play with them. It also doesn’t hurt when their second record, Hysterical Stars, is aptly described as “brimming with good humour and invention (NME)” and “Ultimately brilliant” (Venus).
“We’ve never had a tour not happen due to people’s inability to make it. I guess we’re lucky.” Somehow, we think it boils down to a little more than luck. They seem quite content sitting in the pews for now, but with a stellar sophomore effort Head of Femur will be throwing a bouquet of their own in no time.

Top 5 80’s theme songs

1. Taxi
2. M*A*S*H
3. Gimme a Break
4. Family Ties
5. A-Team