FILTER #40

On stands May 28, 2010

Winter is for Rumspringa

By Lauren Novik on December 4, 2009

Every so often, we at FILTER like to check-in with a relatively new up-and-coming Los Angeles band and see what makes them tick. FILTER got to “run-around” with Los Angeles-based Rumspringa at one of its latest L.A. shows, and got the 411 on music, mayhem, and the members' gifts of choice for this holiday season. Here is what Joey Stevens (guitar/vox) and Itaru de la Vega (drums) had to say:

FILTER: Where’d your name come from?

Rumspringa: It was inspired by the documentary The Devil’s Playground. In its most basic translation, rumspringa just means to "run around."

You guys have a lot of classic rock/funk undertones, what are your main influences?

Delta Blues, Canned Heat, Cream, Michael Yonkers, Jefferson Airplane, Thirteenth Floor Elevators.

What would you do for a Klondike bar?

I prefer a choco-taco, but no, I would crip walk, if I had to.

Shia Lebouf directed one of your recent music videos, how was it collaborating with him?

It was really fun, he’s a good kid. He’s got the celebrity thing behind him, and it was very natural and normal, not just like working with someone in the scene.

RUMSPRINGA // "Minds Awake" from Cantora Records on Vimeo.

One of your songs was in a movie, which movie was it?

Our song “shake ‘em loose tonight” was used in a crazy movie called The Spread featuring Ashton Kutcher. It made us about $500 each.

So, how did you two meet up?

Itaru: At a vending machine.

Joey: He was hitting on me.

Itaru: I commented on his punk rock t-shirt.

Joey: And then we fell in love.

If Kanye grabbed the mic from you, what would you guys do?

Joey: I would sock him in the face and then stomp on him.

Itaru: And then I would…probably not have to do anything, since Joey can box.

Since post-mortem is the new black, is it Michael Jackson or Patrick Swayze?

Patrick Swayze!

Any pre-performance rituals?

Stretch, take a shit, wet our hair.

Anyone ever thrown anything on stage?

Post-its, ice cream, a pet cat.

When you guys start to really make it rain, would you blow your cash on a Segway, or a Rascal Scooter?

Joey: Rascal scooter for sure!

Itaru: Ok then I’ll get a Segway!

Do you guys plan on giving out snuggies or shamwows for the holiday season?

Oh snuggies for sure.

Behind the music, when is your next CD coming out?

Early 2010. It’s our first full length!

Where’s your destination of choice to rock out?

The U.K. for now, and those really small unpredicted places.

What’s your favorite L.A. venue?

6^th St. Warehouse.

Who’d win in a fight, The Burger King or Jack?

Jack, he’s got a built-in helmet!

What’s up next from Rumspringa?

Joey: Conquering the world!

Itaru: and finishing our record.

If you guys could open for anyone right now, who would it be?

The L.A. Lakers!

Closing remarks?

Let’s get drunk!