BIGSOUND Artist Profile: Immigrant Union

Band Name: Immigrant Union

Member/Role: Brent DeBoer/Guitar-Vocal

Hometown: Portland, Oregon

Short description of your band and your music: Classic country rock. Bit of blazing wall of psych. Stoney. Lazy. Dreamy. Lyrical. Melodic.

Has the party side of the music industry been all you were hoping for so far in your career? It's been just a bit much. Getting to bed early on the road for us is when you go to bed before 5am. I've basically lived on the road for 18 years so.... hmmm… 

What is the best thing that's happened to you/your band so far? Touring with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club was pretty great. Opening for Noel Gallagher. Playing on TV was a rush. CMJ in New York was the fastest week of my life.

Are your ambitions mainly artistic or commercial? Both. The dream is to play music all day every day for a living. I just figure if we only release our very best work, sooner or later people will notice.

Is your music best rendered in the studio or the live realm? Both. You need to get your structures and sounds and balance right for the stage and the studio.

If you could have any act past or present join you on your next tour who would you tap? That's tough because there are so many amazing bands, but I'll just say The Clash because they are the best band ever. Or maybe with the second best band ever: The Brian Jonestown Massacre.

What industry lessons would you like to take away from the BIGSOUND conference? I want to learn how to get our music to the people who need it the most. Our records and our live show.

What acts are you looking forward to checking out at the BIGSOUND showcase? I've never heard of most of these groups so I hope to discover some gems. I want to check them out and if they seem cool hopefully have some drinks with them. 

Why should people come and see you from amongst the many cool bands at BIGSOUND? I guess if people like crafty stoner hippy rock songs played by a bunch of obsessive trippers they should come see us. We won't bother people's trip with any silly stage banter either. Just music.