Monolith Interview - The Wheel | MadeLoud Indie Music Articles

Monolith Interview - The Wheel

by Adam Schragin
August 29, 2008 - 8:00am

Billed as “uncertain songs for uncertain people,” Nathaniel Rateliff helms his project The Wheel as an outlet for his sparse, from-the-gut songwriting. When he’s not with The Wheel, and contributors Julie Davis, Carrie Beater and James Han, he also writes and works with his other, more band-centric band Born in the Flood. With MadeLoud, Rateliff talked about the Denver music scene, unemployment, and plans for the future.

ML: The Wheel is one of the local Colorado acts booked at Monolith. Are you familiar or close with many of the other bands from your state playing?

Nathaniel Rateliff: There aren’t as many this year, I think. Hearts of Palm and DeVotchKa are friends that I’ve played with over the last few years, but most of the bands around the scene in Denver I’m close with. There isn't really animosity between any of us in Denver. For the most part we all know each other and support each other.

ML: The Wheel is a solo project set apart from your work with Born in the Flood. What do you hope to accomplish with The Wheel that is different from your other band?

Rateliff: I want the same things for both projects; I want people to hear and love what I’m doing. The writing [for The Wheel] is different, and there is more focus on my voice and the words.

ML: You were mentioning online that you were concerned about having to get a job. Where did you end up working?

Rateliff: Well, I’ve been doing sound tracks and commercials, and I’m a gardener. I make more money than I did when I had a job that I hated.

ML: What other artists have influenced the direction of The Wheel?

Rateliff: Leonard Cohen, Nick Drake, Bob Dylan and Joe Sampson. Joe had all these great home recordings that were and are as good as any big studio record. So I decided to make my own.

ML: What are your thoughts on playing the festival?

Rateliff: Regardless of what the venue or how big the show, they’re all equal in importance to me. I just want the people to be quiet and listen. I promise I won’t leave a bad taste.

The Wheel is playing at 6:45 pm on Sunday, September 14 at Monolith Festival.

- Adam Schragin

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