When I first saw The Chain Gang of 1974 (CGO1974), the product of producer Kamtin Mohager, I was absolutely blown away! This experience happened in October of 2010 when CGO1974 were opening up for Candy Claws at the Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco. There were no more than five fans in attendance. However, CGO1974 absolutely killed it throughout their entire set and won me over as a fan. Through the power of the internet, I was recently lucky enough to have had an electronic conversation with Kamtin Mohager.

DC: What is the story behind the name Chain Gang of 1974?

KM: I’m a big fan of Ryan Adams.  His birth year is 1974.  I’m also a follower of The Raveonettes.  During the time I decided to start this project a little over 4 years ago, I was listening to their album “Chain Gang Of Love” a lot.  When it came time to figure out a band name, I just put those two ideas together and came up with The Chain Gang Of 1974.  There’s really no real meaning behind it.  It just sounded cool.  But I can’t seem to figure out why people don’t mention the “The.”  It’s part of the band name, and pretty obvious.

DC: I can confidently say I will not be making that mistake again.

 

DC: Who are some artists that have played a large influence on your music?

KM: That’s kind of all over the place.  Primal Scream’s “XTRMNTR” and The Jesus and Mary Chain’s “Psychocandy” were the albums that made me start my band.  Those two records had a huge influence on the early writing process and recorded tracks.  I listen to a lot of music that may influence me, but it doesn’t come out in my sound.  But in general, artists like The Verve, Tears For Fears, Echo & The Bunnymen, Ryan Adams, The Stills.  The list goes on and on.  I’m kind of all over the map.

 

DC: As an up and coming artist, what has been your most memorable performance to date?

KM: It was over 3 years ago in Atlanta, GA.  I played to about 2,500 people who were going absolutely insane.  At one point, due to my command, they all started jumping up and down in unison.  It was brilliant.  But I’ll be playing at Lollapalooza this summer.  So hopefully that becomes my new favorite memory.

 

DC: What would be your dream concert bill to be included on?

KM: New Radicals reunion tour.

 

DC: Where do you go when you are trying to find inspiration? Are you able to write when you’re on the road?

KM: I don’t ever write while being on the road.  That’s not something I’m capable of doing.  I need to be in a house or a studio setting in order to get into that specific mindset.  A song idea usually comes into my head while listening to a song I really like.  The inspiration jumps out quick.  If I’m not fast enough, I lose it.

 

DC: Are you still a big hockey fan? If so, have you been following this year’s Stanley Cup Finals?

KM: I’m definitely still a big fan of Hockey.  I don’t follow it the way I used to.  But I’m definitely following the Stanley Cup right now.  I’m a Canucks guy all the way.  Fingers crossed, they bring the Cup back to Canada.

 

DC: When you are not playing your own music, which artist(s) do you throw on when you are trying to bring the dance floor alive?

KM: Michael McDonald.  That’s not a joke.  I have a lot of love and respect for that man.

 

DC: With a full load of concert appearances ahead of you, is there any one show that you are extremely excited to be playing?

KM: Definitely eager to perform at Lollapalooza.  I’ve been wanting to attend the festival for years, but have never been able to.  Now all of a sudden, the first time I’ll ever be going is because I’m playing it.  It’s just a very prestigious music festival in my eyes and I’m truly honored to forever be a part of it.

 

DC: In the upcoming year, where do you hope to be as a musician?

KM: I hope people can listen to my record and understand it for what it is.  But my two biggest goals for the rest of the year are to bring my music to other countries, and to begin recording my next album.

 

DC: Do you have any final thoughts for our readers?

KM: Don’t ever let anyone sign your checks.

Undercover by THECHAINGANGOF1974

You can stay connected with The Chain Gang of 1974 on Facebook and Twitter.

Look for their debut album Wayward Fire to drop next week on Tuesday June 21st.

They will be back in San Francisco on July 9 with Washed Out at the Great American Music Hall.