We’ve been meaing to put up a lil sumthin sumthin about these guys for a while.  Created by frontman Kam, the Chain Gang of 1974 are an up and coming indietronica hipster dance-hop group from Denver, CO.  They are currently playing with extended BDN family members 3oh!3 as their back up band all summer at the Van’s Warped Tour.  From what we’ve heard, it sounds like the tour is going great and we can’t wait to get the full experience on August 9.

I caught up with Kam after their last show in Boulder before they jumped on the Warped Tour Bus and this is what he had to say…

WJ: How did you get started making music? History of CGO1974?

Kam: I was playing in a band for a couple of years with a close friend and my two brothers.  We invested a lot of time into our music, but decided to call it quits out of nowhere.  So shortly after, I was introduced to Primal Screams ” XTRMNTR.”. Their song “Kill All Hippies” changed everything for me and I knew I wanted to experiment with electronic sounds. Having been intrigued by such bands as Nine Inch Nails and The Prodigy, it only excited me even more.

WJ: Who are your biggest influences?

Kam: My taste in music is extremely diverse.  Though I write “dance” music, I don’t listen to too much of it.  But some of my favorites are Ryan Adams, Talking Heads, LCD Soundsystem, Beck, Primal Scream, NIN, Kasabian.  Too many to mention…haha

WJ: How would you describe your sound?

Kam: A trippy punk electro orgy.

WJ: What is your biggest weakness as an artist and how are you working to improve?

Kam: Im never completely satisfied and I’m too easily influenced by records I fall in love with.  But maybe that’s a good thing?

WJ: When not making music, what fills your schedule?

Kam: I enjoy driving.  I honestly just like getting in my car, drinking coffee or an energy drink, full pack of smokes, and driving to nowhere.  It allows me to feel normal.

WJ: Who are you favorite artists / favorite tracks right now?

Kam: Currently I have been consumed by Weatherbox, Passion Pit, Owen, The Juan Maclean, Ladyhawk, Southern Belle, M83, and The Replacements.

WJ: CGO1974 just finished up the tour, what are your plans for the summer? When is CG going back on tour?

Kam: I recently finished my debut full length record, so I am taking some time away from the project to do the vans warped tour playing bass for 3OH!3 for the next two months.  After that, I hope to have the album released.  In the fall, I’ll be doing a full US tour with the chain gang.  More details will come later.

WJ: What is it like touring with 3oh!3?

Kam: Its amazing.  The easiest job I’ve ever had.  It’s basically a long roadtrip with some of my best friends.

WJ: Working in the studio or playing live?

Kam: Both.  Just depends on my mood.

WJ: Weirdest shit to happen on the road?

Kam: Getting jumped in San Diego right after playing and getting my 5 hour old iPhone stolen.

WJ: Where is your favorite venue to play?

Kam: Gothic Theatre in Denver or The National in Virginia.

WJ: One thing we may not know about you or CGO1974?

Kam: Dont expect anything.

WJ: When is the album dropping?

Kam: When pigs fly.

We hope it doesnt take that long so we have put our best scientists to work on this, we’ll keep you updated.

CGO1974 - We At The Disco (Eighties Lovechild Remix)

CGO1974 - Dance Kiss Love Move (Matt and Ison Rmxxxx)