For most of our readers, the name Twin Peaks brings to mind Mark Frost and David Lynch’s 1990s TV drama. But for a growing number of indie rock fans, the name is associated with a Chica- go-based garage rock quintet. Fresh off of three week European tour with Cage the Elephant, Twin Peaks brings its lo-fi, vintage rock-infused sound to Mac’s Bar next week for one of three headlining Michigan shows.
Formed in 2010, the band has released three albums. The latest, “Down In Heaven,” was released in May. The band has played festivals like Lollapalooza and Pitchfork Music Festival and appeared on TBS’s “Conan.” The band is slated to play this summer’s Coachella festival, which is headlined by Radiohead, Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar.
City Pulse caught up with Twin Peaks lead singer Cadien Lake James to talk about the band’s success so far, life on the road and what the band hopes to accomplish.
How do you describe your band?
We are Twin Peaks, and we play rock and roll for dwellers of land, sea, sky, cave and other dimensions and worlds. We started playing in high school, because it was fun and easier than sports. And it's still fun.
This year is looking to be a pretty big for the band. How did it feel when you guys found out you were going to play Coachella?
It felt overdue! Just kidding. It's exciting, especially knowing we have some friends playing the same day.
How has playing smaller cities like Lansing helped further your career? How are these shows different than playing bigger crowds?
We've always viewed ourselves as grassroots. You have to go lay the groundwork. College towns are great, because it's generally an open and enthusiastic audience. Then they tell their friends in other places, and it grows.
Opening for big bands like Cage the Elephant must be exciting. Do you feel like you have a huge impression to make?
It can feel like an uphill battle, playing to crowds who are there for the sole purpose of seeing Cage, but it feels great when we can tell we made fans after a set.
Do you have any pre-show or aftershow traditions?
Beers.
What are some artists you're currently listening to?
I've been in a wormhole of Can, Brian Eno, Harmonia — art rock stuff.
Is there anything in particular you're looking forward to while you’re in Michigan?
It'll be fun to be on the road with Post Animal. They're new friends and a great band, and touring is a great way to bond.
In five years, what do you hope the band will have accomplished?
I hope to have played in Asia, South America and Africa by then. And all 50 states. We're getting closer.
If there was one thing you wanted someone to know about Twin Peaks, what would it be?
The guitars are not what they seem.
Twin Peaks With Post Animal and Michigander 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16 $15 All ages Mac’s Bar 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing (517) 484-6795, macsbar.com
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