Is Bump The New Detroit Sound?

After a top-notch performance at this past year’s Blowout kickoff party at the Majestic Theatre, Bump has been on a tear across the Midwest. But even with the help of their self proclaimed moniker, “The New Detroit Sound,” Bump can be very tricky to musically categorize. However, when you see their impressive live performance, you’ll soon understand why their crowds are always in for one hell of a good time.

I recently corresponded with Bump’s Yorg (vocals, guitar, keys), Chris Sterr (guitar, vocals) and Clint Carpenter (drums, sequencer) to learn more about this unique band.

How did you all meet?
Clint: We all grew up in Grosse Pointe and kind of knew each other, but I met Chris our guitarist over in Canada one night when I was about 19 years old. I was getting sick and tired of hearing dance music so I wondered down the street and randomly walked in on a gig Chris happened to be playing. I really liked what I heard and ended up seeing a bunch of people I knew. Two years later I went to see Yorg, Chris, and our ex-bass player Eric “Nadz” Novak play in their band Sweet Mary Love. Their drummer needed a break, so they called me up on stage and the rest is history.

What type of bands do you look to for influence?
Chris: Too many different kinds, but probably the bands that persevered, grew as individuals as well as musicians/artists/performers. We like bands that aren’t afraid to fuck up and when they do, handle it gracefully and learn/grow from it.

Yorg: The Band, Jorge Ben, Aphrodite’s Child, Mike Oldfield, Return to Forever, The Flaming Lips, Jacob “Killer” Miller, Yes, Amadou and Mariam, Peter Gabriel, and The Mars Volta.

Clint: I think some of the bands that we’ve looked to for influence are the bands that we grew up listening to. Bands like Led Zeppelin, The Police, or Phil Collins and or Peter Gabriel. These are all the artists we heard growing up on the radio, and the difference between then and now is that the music you’re spoon fed now a days is crap and then it was legendary!

Are you a jam band, funk band, torch & twang, rap, rock, all of the above?
Chris: All and none of the above

Yorg: None of the above, we are progressive electronic rock music. Anthem rock!

Clint: At a time in our career we were in fact labeled a jamband, but I guess it all depends on what your definition of jamband is. What is a jamband really? I can’t really describe our sound right now, so I can’t really classify us as any of the above.

What do you think of the current Detroit scene?
Chris: Divided in many respects, but I think that everybody knows what is good and what is shit. I think that the cream for the most part has and will continue to rise to the surface.

Yorg: There is so much legendary music being produced in Detroit that most musicians don’t even know about each other. The music industry is so diverse now that it allows different scenes to grow almost independent of each other. But all Detroit musicians are at the top of their game.

Clint: I think that the Detroit music scene is vast and complex. You have the best of all genres. We just recorded two songs with our friend Jon Rutherford and the Motor City Horns. This CD represents what they consider as the best of Detroit’s Music Scene and to be asked to be a part of it is so humbling! We’ve also been working with our friends Josh Epstein of the Silent Years and one of their producers Dan Currie. The music that we’re making is so different from what we’ve done in the past, but it has helped us find a sound that we’ve been looking for, but just hadn’t found it. With their help, they’ve really helped us evolve and find what we’ve been looking for, and it’s just a testament to how strong this musical community really is……This is a no ego’s allowed kind of city.

How has your recent tour been going?
Chris: Our last couple of tours have been fantastic. While on the road we keep meeting more and more cool and supportive people that are into what we’re doing, it’s been fantastic!

Yorg: After 7 years of touring, this has been the best and most rewarding year.

Clint: The best so far! Par for the course……..it’s like a fine wine…….only get better with age. That is what it’s all about! Growing and learning and applying that to our music!

What sucks the most about being on the road?
Chris: The road is great, but definitely can take a toll in a couple of different ways. Attaining and maintaining a balance is key.

Yorg: Being without my wife.

Clint: Gas prices and being away from family and friends.

Who does most of the song writing?
Chris: We all do our part, everyone’s got something to offer.

Yorg: Everyone tries to be equal, but we all write the different parts, there is no room for egos.

Clint: We all write……yeah……that’s right……..the drummer writes too!

Why should people come out to the Magic Bag in Ferndale this Saturday night to see you live?
Chris: Fans of ours and fans of good music should come out because they’re in for a night of great original music; not only from us, but from Hogan Says and Madis. Save Money on gas, stay in the area, and come get loose with us!

Yorg: You’re going to get one of the most exciting Detroit rock shows of the year.

Clint: This is our first big show in Detroit since the Metro Times Blowout Kickoff Party, so it’s awesome to be back especially because we’ve been working on some new material this summer that is sure to turn heads, to be quite honest with you. We’ve had some time to off to work on writing and practicing. I don’t think that I’ve ever heard us sound as solid as we do right now, so it will be an experience for everyone!

Bump w/ Hogan Says & Madis @ Magic Bag Saturday August 30th – $10.00 / 18+ / 8:00 pm doors