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Music

DR. MARTENS PRESENTS: SUNFLOWER BEAN

Fun fact: indie rock trio Sunflower Bean released their second album when everyone in the band was just 22 years old. Hence its name: Twentytwo In Blue. Now supporting their latest EP, the New York natives are touring nonstop, bringing their part new wave, part fuzzy lo-fi and all rock-and-roll sound to cities nationwide. And last Thursday, they brought their powerful, high-energy set to our Union Square store. For the photo evidence, keep scrolling — plus, some thoughts from each band member on their favorite place to perform in New York City.

Tell us about the most rebellious thing you’ve done.

Julia: I’d like to think I haven’t done it yet.

Jacob: Didn’t go to college and started a band! Also, happened to be the best thing I’ve ever done.

Nick: Being in a touring band is a little bit like being an outlaw, living on the fringes as you move from town to town. Never in one place long enough to settle. It definitely wasn’t the normal career path. You have to carve out your own lane of existence when you want to be an artist.

What song have you been listening to on repeat lately?

Julia: Starstruck by Sorry! One of our favorite bands from South London.

Jacob: Gretel by Alex G has been getting at least one play every day since it came out

Nick: Shattered Dreams by Earl Sweatshirt. The whole album.

What was the first concert you attended?

Julia: I think technically it was The Baha Men opening for Aaron Carter. But I went to a lot of shows around the East Village when I was growing up because my Dad played bass for various musicians in his spare time. I’m really grateful to have had those experiences, they showed me how special the world of being a musician could be.

Jacob: I’m not sure exactly what the first concert I attended is but I know my dad took me to see stuff like Bela Fleck and Chic Corea at a very young age.

Nick: Warped Tour at Nassau Coliseum in Long Island. It was actually a really great experience, especially getting to see all the small bands up close. Enjoyed that way more than the headliners.

Tell us about your first pair of Docs.

Julia: I bought my first pair of Docs 2 years ago because I was so sick of all my other boots being ruined by touring.

Nick: When I was in 8th grade my mom bought me the classic 8 eye Docs from a store at the mall. My style was such a mess and I didn’t have the right pants yet, I had no idea how to rock them. Eventually, I figured it out and I still wear that same pair on stage to this day.

Jacob: I was kind of late to the Docs game! I got my first pair senior year of high school they were like the 1460 but insulated and a little puffy. I got them as winter boots and ended wearing them all year long! I still have them at home waiting to keep my feet nice and comfy.

What is your favorite venue to perform in NYC?

Julia: Bowery Ballroom!
Jacob: Bowery Ballroom for sure. Best venue in the world.
Nick: Baby’s All Right

Twenty-two was a pivotal age for you. What was your biggest learning from that year?

Julia: I learned so much. Every day I feel like I come into myself more and more. 22 is really interesting because it’s the beginning of your 20s but you’re not a kid anymore. So you have to take steps as an adult person, making mistakes and trying to get into your personal strength. I don’t know where I’m at on that path, but I try every day.

Jacob: It’s so hard to actually put into words what I feel like year to year. A lot of the feeling is gaining confidence in the unexpected. It’s having confidence in yourself to always expect the unexpected and not live out of fear.

Nick: I had a pretty intense ideological awakening around twenty-two. I learned a political language to articulate and define the things that made me feel angry, lost, sad, and alienated. I’m trying to break through that malaise, I think it’s personal but also societal. For me, it was vital to figure out how your personal depression or anxiety is related to larger cultural forces, as well as personal issues. I feel like I have the fire in me to try to change both now.

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