Mates of State - Combine love, family and music
Mates of State began in 2001, when Kori Gardner and her organ, and Jason Hammel and his drums, joined forces, quit their jobs (teacher and cancer researcher, repectively), got married and began travelling, creating and singing their music to the rest of the world.
“We were involved before we played together but played in other bands. I think we were afraid to play together,” Kori says.
With their website featuring a section titled FAQ's, you get the impression that Mates of State may be sick of the predictible questions that surroud their partnership.
“I kept my own surname because I wanted to be my own entity, not because I didn't want to be in a union... to retain my individuality,” Kori says
With three full length albums behind them, 'My Solo Project', 'Our Constant Concern', and 'Team Boo', as well as numerous singles and EPs, 2006 sees the release of their newest creation and album 'Bring it Back'.
Kori and Jason now have a mini addition to Mates of State, a daughter, Magnolia, who's almost 2. Combining parenthood and their creative pursuits is not posing a problem.
“She's doing really well. We plan the tour around her – it's more regimented – we plan the drives around her sleeps rather than have her strapped in a chair whiles she's awake – she's been to rock shows...,” Jason says.
Baby Magnolia has seen the writing and recording process evolve for Mates of State.
“She had colic for first three months. So on a tangible level – scheduling... we started touring when she was 12 weeks old. ...(having a baby is) thought provoking, and on a deep level, our writing is more inspired. We now practice and have a routine... it has allowed us to be alone, we brought recording equipment... and now have more of a routine to writing etc..,” Kori says.
2006 sees Mates of State bring their unique and creative sound to many of the big festivals in the US – Coachella in California, Lollapaloosa in Chicago and Bumbershoot in Seattle – where they join some big names in music.
What do Mates of State do when there not gracing the stages of these festivals? “They are so big we try to find our friends.. we have no plans!,” Jason says.
As well as being part of the festival lineup, Mates of State travel constantly, with the next being a short tour of the UK booked for May this year. “Otherwise we'd get bored. We love playing live. That's where it's at.”
And the most memorable live performance for Mates of State from the many they have played?
“A lot of good ones. Austin City Limits. The first few shows with Magnolia. A lot of shows have surprised us... - San Fransisco, Texas,” Jason says.
So what's next for this dynamic duo?
“We will be coming to Australia in July 2006 – not positive of states and venues but approximatley then,” says Jason.
