Hey Mercedes, a three-quarters Wisconsin-based energetic rock band played at the Parish in New Orleans Aug. 24.
During the set, Hey Mercedes unveiled a few of the new songs off their new album “Loses Control,” due out Oct. 7.
The foursome showcased “Quality Revenge at Last,” “Knowing When to Stop” and “Boy Destroyers” interspersed with old crowd pleasers like “Eleven to Your Seven” and “A-List Actress” off the 2001 release “Everynight Fireworks.”
“I hope people like it,” said Robert Nanna, lead singer and guitarist, about their new album. “I have a feeling people will like it if they give it a chance. It represents our band well.”
Vocalist and guitarist Michael Shumaker said the band hopes to gain a larger fanbase from the new album.
“Hopefully people will like it and tell their friends,” Shumaker said.
John Sullivan, a geography junior, said he enjoyed the concert and plans to buy the album on its release date.
The small, yet appreciative crowd snapped their fingers and bounced around to the new songs as much as the old.
“Their set was pretty solid,” said Rebecca Beacham, a mass communication sophomore. “I was very impressed seeing them live because they sounded better live than on cd. They were fun to watch.”
Nanna said he enjoys playing live.
“Ever since I can remember I’ve wanted to do this. I don’t think I’ll ever stop,” Nanna said.
Hey Mercedes has been together since early 2000 and its members played in other bands like Braid and Sheilbound before joining together.
Before becoming serious musicians, Nanna and Shumaker went through their share of bad part-time jobs.
“I packaged up Petri dishes at some crazy lab,” Nanna said. “I also worked at the driver’s license facility. I gave out eye tests. I was the nicest guy there.”
Shumaker said his job was not as bad as Nanna’s.
“I did a temporary job at an insurance company in Seattle,” Shumaker said.
Bad jobs are a part of life, but Shumaker had some advice for aspiring musicians and bands.
“Don’t rush it. Take your time writing songs. Try to be original. Be patient,” he said.
Nanna said Hey Mercedes has a three album deal with Vagrant Records and should return to Louisiana soon though no dates are set at the moment.
“When the album comes out, we’ll tour a lot,” he said.
Shumaker said the New Orleans crowd was small compared to crowds in larger cities like Chicago.
“They were a little less rowdy than most,” he said.
The other half of Hey Mercedes, drummer Damon Atkinson and bassist Todd Bell were unavailable for questions.
To hear clips from “Loses Control,” visit www.vagrant.com/losescontrol or to find out more about Hey Mercedes, check out www.heymercedes.com.