Sick Figures sound like an old man band, and I myself think that’s a good thing. They’re a cross between The Doors and Ethel Merman. Their songs tell stories, and sound better than most anything that is out there at the moment.
I spent a Friday evening with them recently sipping on cheap red wine – we shot the shit and had a good time.

Dry Ink: Please introduce yourselves and please explain what you do in the band.

Chris Campbell: Chris, some guitar, lead vocals and some piano.

Nick Black: My name’s Nick. I play lead guitar, banjo and backing vocals.

Erich Netherton: I’m Erich and I play drums and provide backing vocals.

DI: Isn’t somebody missing?

Nick: Our bass player, he’s no longer with us.

DI: What happened?

Nick: Nothing, he just left. He jumped out of the car at a red light a few blocks back screaming he couldn’t handle the pressure. We’re currently looking for someone to take his place on the bass, but we’ll continue as a three piece until we find the right person.

DI: Yeah, my questions can be really tough. So how long have you been together?

Chris: I think since 2005.

DI: You guys have a very vaudeville sound. Who would you say your influences are?

Chris: You name it. We’re obviously big music fans from the early years but we draw from a lot of folks of recent years also.

DI: Can you name some influences?

Chris: Britney Spears, Lil Wayne, Marilyn Manson, Tom Waits, a lot of old music.

DI: Who’ve you been listening to lately?

Nick: Britney Spears, Lil Wayne.

DI: Ok, so what else do you do?

Chris: We drink wine, drink beer, play with marbles and write songs.

DI: And you’re not from around here?

Nick: No, we live in the suburbs. We only make it into the city about five nights a year.

Erich: This is one of them so let’s make it special.

DI: Any other interests?

Chris: No politics, no religion, just music.

DI: Have you been recording?

Chris: Yes, we just put something out on Stickfigure Records.

DI: Sick Figures out on Stickfigure… That makes sense.

Erich: I promise you that it’s just a coincidence.

DI: How’d that happen?

Chris: Gavin Frederick is the owner of Stickfigure Records. He approached us and said he liked us. That’s it.

DI: How’s it been working with him?

Chris: It’s been great. He has been really easy to work with. We look forward to doing more with him.

DI: What do you have in the works?

Chris: Well, we’re talking about doing a split 7-inch with All Night Drug Prowling Wolves. That will also be for Gavin and Stickfigure.

DI: What else is on your plate?

Chris: We are writing material right now. Writing and recording. We will continue pushing forward and getting drunk with the Dry Ink Crew.

DI: That sounds good to me. Thanks gents.