Giant Walking Robots Release New EP “Out Into the Streets”
An Interview with Giant Walking Robots
On Friday December 4th, 2020, Denver based reggae/rock band, Giant Walking Robots, will be releasing their debut EP titled, “Out Into the Streets.” An album release show at the Larimer Lounge was recently rescheduled due to the new state covid restrictions, but luckily we don’t have to wait until the pandemic is over to hear these new tunes. We decided to catch up with the humans behind Giant Walking Robots to learn more about their new EP, and see what else they have been up to.
Click here for links to listen: bit.ly/OutIntoTheStreets
Click here for links to listen: bit.ly/OutIntoTheStreets
Why don’t you introduce our readers to Giant Walking Robots?
We’re a rock/reggae/jam/electro band based in Denver Colorado. We have influences coming from all over the map and we aim to include a true roots reggae feel mixed with modern day jam/improv elements. Someone who likes reggae music, but also loves the improvisational moments of modern jambands would most likely “get” and enjoy what we do.
Who are the current members of the band?
George Demopolous – Bass AJ Gillman – Drums Dave Halchak – Guitar/Vocals Wilson – Guitar/Keys/Backup Vocals
George Demopolous – Bass AJ Gillman – Drums Dave Halchak – Guitar/Vocals Wilson – Guitar/Keys/Backup Vocals
What was everyone’s musical journey like leading up to this group?
Many of us have grown up playing music in the jam scene, but a few of us are heavily influenced by reggae and electronic music. The idea behind the project is to mix the two.
Dave – “I did lots of regional touring growing up on the east coast playing up and down the coast with jambands. Got heavily into reggae music and the modern American reggae sound and started dabbling in reggae music and have now mixed the two together.”
Wilson – “Touring and recording with an electro group through the early 2000’s. Touring with a world beat group nationally in the 2010’s. That touring led me to Denver, where I met Dave Halchak in 2013/14. Also, playing in DubSkin gave me my reggae experience as a musician.”
George – “Started with metal, got into jamtronica and drum n bass.”
Many of us have grown up playing music in the jam scene, but a few of us are heavily influenced by reggae and electronic music. The idea behind the project is to mix the two.
Dave – “I did lots of regional touring growing up on the east coast playing up and down the coast with jambands. Got heavily into reggae music and the modern American reggae sound and started dabbling in reggae music and have now mixed the two together.”
Wilson – “Touring and recording with an electro group through the early 2000’s. Touring with a world beat group nationally in the 2010’s. That touring led me to Denver, where I met Dave Halchak in 2013/14. Also, playing in DubSkin gave me my reggae experience as a musician.”
George – “Started with metal, got into jamtronica and drum n bass.”
Can you tell us how you guys came up with the band name and what it means?
Band names are always tough, I have issues with coming up with song and band names but this one was just Dave and Wilson bouncing ideas off each other. We had come up with a BUNCH of options and Wilson had “Giant Robots” I liked it but felt the walking added a little something to it. Overall we’ve gotten positive feedback but definitely a lot of “Giant what? Robots” lol. What it means to us is the idea of it all…mixing robotic elements with human elements to create a sound/genre (of reggae, jam and electro) that we don’t feel has been explored enough.
Band names are always tough, I have issues with coming up with song and band names but this one was just Dave and Wilson bouncing ideas off each other. We had come up with a BUNCH of options and Wilson had “Giant Robots” I liked it but felt the walking added a little something to it. Overall we’ve gotten positive feedback but definitely a lot of “Giant what? Robots” lol. What it means to us is the idea of it all…mixing robotic elements with human elements to create a sound/genre (of reggae, jam and electro) that we don’t feel has been explored enough.
How many shows have you guys done together as Giant Walking Robots?
We’ve only gotten a chance to play 16 live gigs (not including many livestreams in 2020). Our first gig was April 2019 and we had a bunch of stuff on the calendar for 2020 so it was going to be a great year for playing live for us but we’re taking the situation handed to the world and using it as an opportunity. We haven’t even been able to play a full year of live shows which makes us excited for the future and getting out to play in front of people.
We’ve only gotten a chance to play 16 live gigs (not including many livestreams in 2020). Our first gig was April 2019 and we had a bunch of stuff on the calendar for 2020 so it was going to be a great year for playing live for us but we’re taking the situation handed to the world and using it as an opportunity. We haven’t even been able to play a full year of live shows which makes us excited for the future and getting out to play in front of people.
What got you into reggae music? Was everyone interested in reggae before this group?
Dave – “Growing up I always loved Bob Marley and Gregory Isaacs, but didn’t dig much deeper than that. As the years went on, I started getting further into Bob’s music, the deep cuts, old tracks, which naturally lead me to the massive world of other reggae artists that I was clueless about. Around 2008ish I started digging the American reggae scene and in 2010 saw Tribal Seeds for the first time. I vividly remember walking into Cervantes Otherside mid set with no clue of what was happening and they blew my mind. At that moment I realized the possibility of trying to harness the energy of live reggae music and it naturally started blending with my songwriting and playing. Shortly after that, I started my own reggae project (Wake Up and Live – A Bob Marley Tribute) for Bob’s b-day and it lead me further and further into the world of reggae music.”
George – “This band has actually gotten me more into reggae music than before.”
Wilson – “I moved to Denver in 2013 and saw DubSkin with Ryan Jalbert and Mike Tallman on guitar and was absolutely BLOWN away on how cool Reggae could be. I always wanted to play with DubSkin and then I got the call from Cory Eberhard in 2017.”
*Wilson is now the guitarist in Dubskin in addition to Giant Walking Robots.
Dave – “Growing up I always loved Bob Marley and Gregory Isaacs, but didn’t dig much deeper than that. As the years went on, I started getting further into Bob’s music, the deep cuts, old tracks, which naturally lead me to the massive world of other reggae artists that I was clueless about. Around 2008ish I started digging the American reggae scene and in 2010 saw Tribal Seeds for the first time. I vividly remember walking into Cervantes Otherside mid set with no clue of what was happening and they blew my mind. At that moment I realized the possibility of trying to harness the energy of live reggae music and it naturally started blending with my songwriting and playing. Shortly after that, I started my own reggae project (Wake Up and Live – A Bob Marley Tribute) for Bob’s b-day and it lead me further and further into the world of reggae music.”
George – “This band has actually gotten me more into reggae music than before.”
Wilson – “I moved to Denver in 2013 and saw DubSkin with Ryan Jalbert and Mike Tallman on guitar and was absolutely BLOWN away on how cool Reggae could be. I always wanted to play with DubSkin and then I got the call from Cory Eberhard in 2017.”
*Wilson is now the guitarist in Dubskin in addition to Giant Walking Robots.
As a band, who are your reggae influences? Other influences?
Bob Marley & The Wailers (Dave also fronts a Marley tribute band), Gregory Isaacs, Steel Pulse, Lee Scratch Perry, The Gladiators, Burning Spear, Wailing Souls, Midnite, Akae Beka, Jesse Royal, The Movement, Sly and Robbie, Black Uhuru, Stick Figure, Tribal Seeds, Fortunate Youth. Our other influences include STS9, Phish, Lotus, The Disco Biscuits and a handful of dub artists, since dnb is basically double time reggae.
Bob Marley & The Wailers (Dave also fronts a Marley tribute band), Gregory Isaacs, Steel Pulse, Lee Scratch Perry, The Gladiators, Burning Spear, Wailing Souls, Midnite, Akae Beka, Jesse Royal, The Movement, Sly and Robbie, Black Uhuru, Stick Figure, Tribal Seeds, Fortunate Youth. Our other influences include STS9, Phish, Lotus, The Disco Biscuits and a handful of dub artists, since dnb is basically double time reggae.
What do you think makes your musical style so unique?
We have songs that are written with reggae influences but then are played live in a danceable, extended jam-style so blending reggae songs with jamtronica and extended type 2 improv. We notice this often throws people off but we love doing it and look forward to opening more peoples minds to what we’re doing.
What has it been like to be a band during a pandemic?
Tough but on a brighter note, different in a positive way. We just want to get together to write, rehearse and play live music for people. Although it’s been tough, we’ve found ways to be very productive in a way we wouldn’t have been if there was no pandemic. For instance during this pandemic we’ve written a handful of brand new songs that give a great feeling of where we’re at as a group. We’ve also been able to dedicate a lot of time to content, our recorded music, merch and backend stuff that many times gets pushed aside for lack of time to handle those tasks. Overall during the pandemic we’ve been focusing on safely creating as much content as we possibly can and coming up with a smart plan for releasing that content to hopefully make an impact on the music scene and most importantly help people get through a tough time. In addition to recording and creating content, we have been writing music like crazy. We can’t even keep up with ourselves. Dave has been great at keeping us VERY busy. We have been recording and creating content (Video, Merch, & Graphics) NON-STOP since March.
Tough but on a brighter note, different in a positive way. We just want to get together to write, rehearse and play live music for people. Although it’s been tough, we’ve found ways to be very productive in a way we wouldn’t have been if there was no pandemic. For instance during this pandemic we’ve written a handful of brand new songs that give a great feeling of where we’re at as a group. We’ve also been able to dedicate a lot of time to content, our recorded music, merch and backend stuff that many times gets pushed aside for lack of time to handle those tasks. Overall during the pandemic we’ve been focusing on safely creating as much content as we possibly can and coming up with a smart plan for releasing that content to hopefully make an impact on the music scene and most importantly help people get through a tough time. In addition to recording and creating content, we have been writing music like crazy. We can’t even keep up with ourselves. Dave has been great at keeping us VERY busy. We have been recording and creating content (Video, Merch, & Graphics) NON-STOP since March.
What does the creative process look like for Giant Walking Robots?
Many of our songs have been written by Dave who will bring the song structure to the band for everyone to add their ideas and input and expand on his initial idea. He will bring a basic song form with lyrics to us at rehearsal, and then we either structure it out or put our musical ornamentation on it. After it’s recorded, some of the produced elements are brought into the song from the studio. We also create songs from jams made on the spot. These are the most fun, in my opinion. While George, AJ and I are discussing the possible form, Dave will be scribbling away on lyrics. We have written songs from start to finish in the rehearsal spot. That’s a rush!
Many of our songs have been written by Dave who will bring the song structure to the band for everyone to add their ideas and input and expand on his initial idea. He will bring a basic song form with lyrics to us at rehearsal, and then we either structure it out or put our musical ornamentation on it. After it’s recorded, some of the produced elements are brought into the song from the studio. We also create songs from jams made on the spot. These are the most fun, in my opinion. While George, AJ and I are discussing the possible form, Dave will be scribbling away on lyrics. We have written songs from start to finish in the rehearsal spot. That’s a rush!
I know some artists have been using this stay at home time to make music videos. It sounds like that might be on your agenda as well?
Absolutely, 100%! As we’ve mentioned in this interview, going up to a mountain house to record audio and video was something we’ve always had a goal of doing, the pandemic allowed us the time to actually have some free time away from playing live and we were able to make it happen. At the moment, all that material has been edited and is getting mixed as we speak. It will be releasing in 2021, and details will be coming out about this in early 2021. Though right now we’re focusing on “Out Into The Streets” we’re excited to have a backlog of material to be released!
Absolutely, 100%! As we’ve mentioned in this interview, going up to a mountain house to record audio and video was something we’ve always had a goal of doing, the pandemic allowed us the time to actually have some free time away from playing live and we were able to make it happen. At the moment, all that material has been edited and is getting mixed as we speak. It will be releasing in 2021, and details will be coming out about this in early 2021. Though right now we’re focusing on “Out Into The Streets” we’re excited to have a backlog of material to be released!
I saw that your EP release show at the Larimer Lounge was canceled. I’m sorry to hear that.
Yes, unfortunately with the recent spike in Covid-19 we had no other choice, but it has been rescheduled for March 4th, 2021, and we couldn’t be more excited to look ahead to getting back on stage. Although we’re DYING to get out and play live for people, we’d rather stay on the side of caution as opposed to rushing to play a show and risk getting people sick.
Yes, unfortunately with the recent spike in Covid-19 we had no other choice, but it has been rescheduled for March 4th, 2021, and we couldn’t be more excited to look ahead to getting back on stage. Although we’re DYING to get out and play live for people, we’d rather stay on the side of caution as opposed to rushing to play a show and risk getting people sick.
Well let’s talk about this new album. The new EP is titled “Out Into The Streets.” Tell us a little more about the album and what listeners can expect.
We feel the EP leans more on our structured song side of our bands personality and gives people an idea of what they can expect from us. We strive to have solid songs which are influenced not only by reggae feels but also have an upbeat, dancey, feel good vibe to them. What people can expect is to have some thoughtfully written songs mixed with something you can party to/crank and just vibe out to.
We feel the EP leans more on our structured song side of our bands personality and gives people an idea of what they can expect from us. We strive to have solid songs which are influenced not only by reggae feels but also have an upbeat, dancey, feel good vibe to them. What people can expect is to have some thoughtfully written songs mixed with something you can party to/crank and just vibe out to.
Is there any hidden meaning in the album or within the title?
We named it “Out Into The Streets” because we feel like, even though we’ve released two singles prior to this EP we’re presenting our music to the masses for the first time, sort of releasing it out into the streets you could say. The artwork for the album is in line with this angle of thinking where our “mascot” Henry (the robot you see in a lot of our artwork) is coming out of the mountains and “introducing” himself to Denver. The actual line comes from our song “Runnin” and is used to exclaim that GWR is now “Out Into The Streets.”
We named it “Out Into The Streets” because we feel like, even though we’ve released two singles prior to this EP we’re presenting our music to the masses for the first time, sort of releasing it out into the streets you could say. The artwork for the album is in line with this angle of thinking where our “mascot” Henry (the robot you see in a lot of our artwork) is coming out of the mountains and “introducing” himself to Denver. The actual line comes from our song “Runnin” and is used to exclaim that GWR is now “Out Into The Streets.”
Where was the album recorded?
It was recorded at Logan Firth’s studio, Camera Jams. It was produced by Wilson in his studio, then it was taken to Dub Farm Records in Lyons for remixing and dubbing.
It was recorded at Logan Firth’s studio, Camera Jams. It was produced by Wilson in his studio, then it was taken to Dub Farm Records in Lyons for remixing and dubbing.
How long have you been working to put “Out Into the Streets” together?
We recorded the tracks in early March but it was put on hold for a while because of the Corona virus. The songs were wrapped up in late Sept and our first single release “Press It” was in mid October.
We recorded the tracks in early March but it was put on hold for a while because of the Corona virus. The songs were wrapped up in late Sept and our first single release “Press It” was in mid October.
What was the hardest part about getting this EP done?
We recorded in early March but then Corona hit so we weren’t able to get together to do any editing or mixing for a while. Once things calmed down a bit and we were sure everyone was being safe and healthy we started editing in the summer. We decided to work with Garrett at Dub Farm Records (who is also in the band Stylie) and he did all the mixing and dubbing. Overall it wasn’t that difficult. We have a great team of people and an even greater network of hard-working professionals surrounding us. We had a vision of what we wanted and we just worked really hard to make sure it came to life so we’re really proud of the final product and are excited to have it out in the world!
We recorded in early March but then Corona hit so we weren’t able to get together to do any editing or mixing for a while. Once things calmed down a bit and we were sure everyone was being safe and healthy we started editing in the summer. We decided to work with Garrett at Dub Farm Records (who is also in the band Stylie) and he did all the mixing and dubbing. Overall it wasn’t that difficult. We have a great team of people and an even greater network of hard-working professionals surrounding us. We had a vision of what we wanted and we just worked really hard to make sure it came to life so we’re really proud of the final product and are excited to have it out in the world!
Are there any songs you are particularly excited to put into fan’s ears with this album?
We’re excited for the full EP to be out there for people’s consumption and hope that it gives an idea of what we’re about. However, I think we’re all especially excited for people to hear “Hold Us Down” which was given a strong electronic feel by our guitarist Wilson. I feel this song does a solid job mixing Reggae and Electronic music which is the crux of what we’re doing. Wilson says in regards to “Hold Us Down”- Easily one of my favorite songs that I have ever produced, put it on and crank it!
We’re excited for the full EP to be out there for people’s consumption and hope that it gives an idea of what we’re about. However, I think we’re all especially excited for people to hear “Hold Us Down” which was given a strong electronic feel by our guitarist Wilson. I feel this song does a solid job mixing Reggae and Electronic music which is the crux of what we’re doing. Wilson says in regards to “Hold Us Down”- Easily one of my favorite songs that I have ever produced, put it on and crank it!
One of the songs off the EP titled, “Lonely Man” you released as a single with a pretty sweet music video. Can you tell us about that video?
This summer we rented a house in the mountains and brought along an engineer to record audio and some videographers to capture it. We’ve recorded 4 videos to go along with the 4 songs on the EP which we’ve slowly been releasing as the singles release. We’ve got two more videos that will release starting the Tuesday after the EP release. On the heels of that discussion we also recorded a new album while up there which has more of a “live” feel to it. What we mean by that is the album will have songs performed as they would be if we were playing a live show so there are improv sections whereas the EP was more of a “radio friendly” set of songs. We also have videos to go along with the new album material but that’s an entirely different discussion, something to look forward to!
This summer we rented a house in the mountains and brought along an engineer to record audio and some videographers to capture it. We’ve recorded 4 videos to go along with the 4 songs on the EP which we’ve slowly been releasing as the singles release. We’ve got two more videos that will release starting the Tuesday after the EP release. On the heels of that discussion we also recorded a new album while up there which has more of a “live” feel to it. What we mean by that is the album will have songs performed as they would be if we were playing a live show so there are improv sections whereas the EP was more of a “radio friendly” set of songs. We also have videos to go along with the new album material but that’s an entirely different discussion, something to look forward to!
Any big ups or shoutouts you would like to give to anyone else involved?
Our main man Logan with Camera Jams for recording us and doing a great job capturing the feel of the band. Wilson our guitarist/producer for spending countless hours editing. Garrett at Dub Farm Records for mixing it and being willing to work with us to make it sound great. Our buddy Ethan Vrana for being there for us, supporting what we do and believing in this project as much as we do. Also Mile High Reggae, and we’ve had a handful of radio stations spinning the songs so shout out to all the DJ’s supporting us, and the people who have added us to playlists, and all the local venues that have given us a shot to play but are now struggling to make it through this pandemic.
Where can listeners hear the new album?
It’s available as of Friday Dec 4th, 2020, on ALL streaming platforms.
bit.ly/OutIntoTheStreets
We’ll have physical CD’s available that can be ordered through our merch page on https://giantwalkingrobots.bandcamp.com/
bit.ly/OutIntoTheStreets
We’ll have physical CD’s available that can be ordered through our merch page on https://giantwalkingrobots.bandcamp.com/
What’s in store for Giant Walking Robots in 2021?
Working to get the EP out to the masses number 1, as many people may or may not know getting content in front of people is sometimes the hardest part. As mentioned before, we’re also excited to be releasing a full length album which we recorded at a mountain house this summer. Details about that will be coming out in early 2021 so be on the lookout for that. We’re also hopeful and excited to potentially get back to playing live shows. As previously mentioned, our EP release show in Denver that was scheduled for Dec 11th at the Larimer Lounge has now been rescheduled for March 4th, 2021. Tickets are available for that show and we can’t wait to play! Until then we’re going to keep writing, rehearsing and creating content.
Working to get the EP out to the masses number 1, as many people may or may not know getting content in front of people is sometimes the hardest part. As mentioned before, we’re also excited to be releasing a full length album which we recorded at a mountain house this summer. Details about that will be coming out in early 2021 so be on the lookout for that. We’re also hopeful and excited to potentially get back to playing live shows. As previously mentioned, our EP release show in Denver that was scheduled for Dec 11th at the Larimer Lounge has now been rescheduled for March 4th, 2021. Tickets are available for that show and we can’t wait to play! Until then we’re going to keep writing, rehearsing and creating content.
Where can people get tickets to the rescheduled show at the Larimer Lounge?
Early Show – https://gwrearly1211.eventbrite.com
Late Show – https://gwrlate1211.eventbrite.com
Early Show – https://gwrearly1211.eventbrite.com
Late Show – https://gwrlate1211.eventbrite.com
