It’s been a long wait for Eagle Seagull fans.
Released to much praise in 2006, the band’s debut, self-titled album has been the only one fans have been able to hear.
The local indie rock group signed with coffee giant Starbucks’ record label but problems arose. So fans waited. Then the band went on hiatus. And fans waited longer.
The group is finally ready to release new material next year, but those eager for new Eagle Seagull can hear new songs at a performance Friday at Slowdown.
Frontman Eli Mardock answered questions via e-mail about the band’s label troubles, new music, old music and touring.
Q. After signing with Starbucks’ music label, your deal fell through. How did the deal come about?
A. It’s kind of funny, really. I remember when (they) had just started their label and signed Paul McCartney, my mom read an article about it in the paper and called me and was like, “Eli, you should sign with Starbucks. They have a label now. Your CD would be everywhere.”
I was like, “Yeah, right, Mom. Get a grip. Not going to happen.”
But kind of on a whim, our manager sent them some tracks, and they were the very first to get back to us. My mom, I think, felt somewhat vindicated when all was said and done.
Q. Why didn’t it work out?
A. All I can say is that we’re no longer on the label and that we’ve “amiably parted ways.”
Q. You had moved around, but are you back in Nebraska now?
A. The past three years, I’ve been living off and on in Boston, but this summer I moved to Seattle. I’ll be around (Omaha) for about two months rehearsing new material with the band.
Q. When will your new record, “The Year of the How-To Book,” be released?
A. It’s coming out in Europe this January or February. I reckon we’ll release it in North America around the same time, too.
Q. Was it frustrating to take that long in between full-length releases?
A. Extremely. It’s hard to describe how difficult this whole experience was. It’s been a really tough year. My sanity was definitely tested. I don’t know about anyone else, but I had several total breakdowns. Anyway, it’s all over now. What is important is that we’ve got the rights to our record, and we’re going to release it. Yippee!
Q. How is this new set of songs different from your past work?
A. I think, in every way — musically, lyrically, the production/arrangement — it’s a better album than our first. ... I guess what I’m saying is that it’s exactly what I want it to be.
Q. There’s been talk of this album for a while now. Are you itching to have it out there?
A. I’m red all over. I’m itching so bad.
Q. As for the old material, are you still into playing it?
A. It’s actually the tunes from (“The Year of the How-To Book”) that I’m really sick of. That’s why for this show I think a large portion of our set will be songs we’re preparing for our third album.
Q. Are you planning on a tour or doing more local shows soon?
A. We won’t be doing any heavy touring until our album is released. The plan is to be on the road pretty much all of next year. After all this sitting around, I can’t wait.
Contact the writer:
444-1557, kevin.coffey@owh.com
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