Be sure to tune in from 4-6pm every Sunday afternoon for KRLX Radio’s Bandemonium. Bandemonium is a KRLX exclusive 2 hour special where DJs focus on one artist, band, or genre. This week is The Walkmen with Sophie Kissin.
Why did you choose The Walkmen?
The Walkmen is one of my all-time favorite bands and they just announced in November that they’d be going on extended hiatus. This made me very worried and sad and I thought I’d better do a Bandemonium tribute to them!
What is your favorite story/tidbit about the band?
I saw the Walkmen play this summer at a music festival and the lead singer, Hamilton Leithauser, ended their last song by jumping off stage and climbing over the barrier into the crowd and just walking off. I helped him over the barrier! I was right there and he looked me in the eyes and said “can you help me?” and I grabbed his hand and helped pull him over. It was amazing.
What is your favorite song?
Ohhh tough question. They have been making music for awhile now and every album is incredibly different. My favorite albums are Bows and Arrows and You & Me. I dont think I could settle on a favorite song, but I really love The North Pole and Canadian Girl.
Can you give some basic background?
They hail from New York and formed in 2000. They’ve grown a ton, and their style has chnaged a lot with them. They started with a gritty indie rock sound, but their last album, Heaven (2012), is almost rockabilly. They are all in their mid- to late-30s now, so they are old rockers with kids and wives now. But they still have an amazing sound and play great shows!
Tell us why your love DJing on KRLX!
Woo! KRLX has been a huge part of my life at Carleton- I’ve had a show every term that I’ve been on campus and have been on the Board of Directors for 2 years. I am very sad to leave it, but so grateful to have had this wonderful radio opportunity!