Jared Boulanger’s passion for music led him to compose music as a solo artist while living in Houston, Texas. In 2008 he convinced his long time friend, Chris Page, to join him in creating the band known as ‘The Sour Notes.’ Since the band’s birth four years ago, there has been a rotating cast of many guitarists, bassists, drummers, and vocalists. The only member of the band whose been there from the start is Jared. The Sour Notes is now comprised of Jared, Amarah Ulghani, Rene Chavez, and Justin Selman. On a rainy Saturday morning I shared a good laugh and hot coffee with Jared and Amarah to get to know the band better.

When I asked if the band had any pre-show traditions, Amarah laughed and said “more like traditions of things we don’t do before a show.” They explained they don’t use all their drink tickets, make sure the merchandise booth is set up, don’t eat cheese all day, and bring an extra set of clothes. No cheese? An extra set of clothes? Jared explained he likes to keep his throat clear and have an extra set of clothes for after the show when he’s given it his all to change out of a sweat soaked shirt. Quirky things like this show the band knows what they’re doing and are prepared for every show.

Their inspirations go beyond the music world. Swedish film director is Jared’s main influence through his “psychological domestic drama that portrays stress and struggle between humans.” The drama of the films inspires the rock aspect of The Sour Notes music. Bands like Radiohead, Follow That Bird, and Ringo Deathstarr are musical inspirations.

            The band’s rotating cast has caused all four self-released albums to have a different sound and maybe even a different genre. The progression of the music not only shows the style of each new musician to enter the band, but also the artists passion for music. The band has released an album every year since it began and has plans to continue to do so. Jared told me he believes if you love something you should “do it forever and do a lot of it.,” and what the band loves more than anything is producing rock music. The passion and love for music The Sour Note has makes their concerts that much more mind-blowing necessary to see. Be sure to catch one of their six shows at South by South West this March!

MARCH 2012 3/10: ESCAPES Day Show - Club 1808

MARCH 2012 3/12: w/ WAVVES, KOOL KEITH, JAPANDROIDS - The Mohawk

MARCH 2012 3/13: NO PLAY MUSIC SHOWCASE Day Show - Cheer Up Charlies

MARCH 2012 3/14: IN.SESSIONS W/ IN.GREDIENTS (taping) - Manor Rd.

MARCH 2012 3/15: BIG KNIFE PARTY / DEADBIRD RECORDS SHOWCASE Day Show - East Side Lounge

MARCH 2012 3/16: DOGWOOD / SWEET TEA PUMPKIN PIE SHOWCASE Day Show - Molotov

MARCH 2012 3/17: TOMB TRADITION - DEADBIRD RECORDS SHOWCASE Day Show - Scottish Rite Theater

MARCH 2012 3/17: LONESOME HEROES TOFU COOKOFF Day Show

-Hannah Cramer