Interview with Rachel Flotard of Visqueen

At one point, the world really was Visqueen’s oyster. Their fanbase was growing, positive press was abundant, and they were sharing the stage with bands that mattered (Guided By Voices, Cheap Trick, etc.). It all changed when front woman Rachel Flotard found out her dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She chose to be together with him for the duration of his illness.

In 1899, Ebert Hubbard wrote an essay inspired by the Spanish American War called “A Message To Garcia.” The story is about a soldier who is assigned a daunting mission and accomplishes it. He doesn’t make any objections, doesn’t ask any questions, doesn’t make any objections, nor does he request any help… he just gets the job done. Rachel’s dad was a voracious reader and while he often made suggestions to her, he made a point of physically handing this one to her.

Visqueen toured for months after the release of their debut album King Me was released, and then again after their sophomore opus, Sunset On Dateland, dropped. Driven to make a go of what seemed impossible, “Ray” would call her dad daily while on tour. He’d ask her if she was “delivering it.” Rachel knew exactly what he meant and her only answer was “yes.”

On April 7, Rachel caught her fad’s last breath in her hands in their Seattle home.

There are very few people that I cross paths with that inspire me beyond words, but Rachel Flotard is one of them. She’s kind, witty, passionate, and extremely motivated. She recently took time out of her hectic schedule to talk about the new album, her dad, and life in general.

Kip Gasparick: When did it all start, Rachel? Was there a particular event that piqued your curiosity enough to make you want to make music?

Rachel Flotard: Maybe when I realized that the midnight showing of The Song Remains The Same at the Closter Movie Theatre wasn’t a witches quorum. As little kid I knew there was something going on with electric guitar. I had red hair, more freckles than I could rub off, and was, um, “husky” (great word). It’s not like I stumbled into the crossroads with Ralph Macchio, like “Hey Dude. Heard the Dev’s supposed to be here.” It’s been an ongoing love affair where certain songs can change the mood and hook you up with a strut you’d never thought walkable.
As a slightly pigeon-toed husky 12 year old, that’s crack.

KG: When did you first pick up a guitar? Was it the first instrument you learned to play?

RF: I took violin lessons for about 15 minutes. And then just swung the bow around. My teacher Mrs. Anatebbi was really excited it was a rental violin. Guitar came later.

KG: What three albums from your collection do you consider the most influential?

RF: I don’t know. The Grease soundtrack. Um, Zeppelin IV, and Stevie Wonder’s Signed, Sealed, Delivered Album.

["Visqueen at Bumbershoot on 9/07/2009" via MySpace]

KG: What should our readers know about Message To Garcia?

RF: That I made it for you. And me. And if you buy it, you are 100% supporting a real-live band. We want to come to see you, town after town. Friends telling friends is the only way a band like ours can come do that.

A lot of folks were summoned to make this record with me. Neko Case, John Rauhouse (pedal steel genius), Barrett Jones (who recorded my favorite Foo Fighters record, the first one with the ray gun. Sick!), my sister’s 15 month old niece is on here clapping, Kurt Bloch from the Fastbacks, I mean there’s a lot. Inside the record has it listed out next to an awesome picture of Ben.

KG: You stated that the songs on the album “reflect the part of me that wants to be happy and make out with Bad Company.” What other bands do you like to make out to?

RF: Not make out to, make out with. I want to make out with Bad Company. Burrell, Rodgers, Kirke, Ralphs. The whole lot.

KG: When did you first meet Neko Case? What was the first (and last) collaboration the two of you worked on?

RFI guess the first time I’d ever technically sung with her was when she took Visqueen on tour as her opening band. She brought me out during her set to sing “Train From Kansas City.” Then she just started shoving poutine down my throat and made me do her bidding. Which I’d happily oblige every time, because she is a wizard. I sang on her Fox Confessor record, and then went on tour a bunch as her back-up guy. Then when it was time for me to do vocals for “Message To Garcia,” it coincided with the sessions for her Middle Cyclone. I went up and met her in Toronto, and we recorded both jobs at the same time. And then watched The Dewey Cox Story until we got the heaves.

KG: Message To Garcia is the debut release on your new label, Local 638 Records. Was the label created only for Visqueen releases or do you plan on releasing new material from other artists?

RF: We’ll see. Gotta go rock first.

KG: Speaking of other artists, who are some of your favorite up-and-comers on the local Seattle scene?

RF: I hear that “Pearl Jam” band a lot. Backspacer I think it is? I don’t know. They’re not on a major label anymore. How far can you go as dignified band that self-releases it’s own music. (My tongue has just punched a hole through my cheek).

KG: What’s the most important lesson your dad taught you about life?

RF: He would always say “Be a man of your word.” And as a kid, that’s inherently hard to do. Because you say you’re going to mow the lawn, or make your bed, and you don’t. But when you are an adult, and understand how utterly important it is to be dependable, reliable, and “do what you say you’re gonna do.” I try to be respectful in that manner, as much as I can.

KG: Still delivering it, Ray?

RF: Through rain, sleet, and snow.

[Interview by guest contributor Kip Gasparick.]