Though barely two years old, there are few local bands that have had the impact of Kite Flying Society. Feted by such luminaries as Brian Wilson’s backing band The Wondermints and the winners of the Best New Band trophy at the 2006 San Diego Music Awards, their rise has been nothing less than meteoric.
“They have real potential: there is a lot of talent in that band,” confirmed 91X DJ Al Guerra. “All the ingredients are there. I’ve really enjoyed their CD. It’s refreshing to have something that sounds so good, both with their songs and things like their harmonies.”
Local music fans who haven’t yet experienced the band’s charms will get the chance every Wednesday in February, when Kite Flying Society will be the house band at The House of Blues side stage. Influenced by ’60s pop, such as latter-day Beach Boys, The Left Banke and Harry Nilsson, as well as more recent groups like The Shins, the band’s sound is subtle, low-key and full of melody. Best of all is the instrumentation, with soaring keyboards, layered harmonies and such extras as a violin and even a glockenspiel part of the mix. The band took its name from the movie “Rushmore,” simply because it “seemed to capture the spirit of the project,” according to bassist David Lizerbram.
The group came together by chance.
“Dustin Illingworth (guitar/ vocals) and Derek Rast (guitar) went to UCSD together,” explained Lizerbram. “I played with Dustin in a band called Paper Saloon while Todd Caschetta, who also drums with Down With Leo, was recommended by a friend.”
The final piece of the puzzle came from a fan at a band show.
“Kelly Duley (keyboards/violin) came up to us at a Casbah show and announced that she was now in the band.”
While the band’s music is wholly original, Lizerbram acknowledges their music is shaded by other groups. “We’re often compared to Rogue Wave, New Pornographers, et cetera, as far as new stuff goes,” he said. “Older groups would include the Kinks.”
Kite Flying Society is completely independent, down to recording their debut disc, “Where Is The Glow?,” in Illingworth’s apartment.
“The second album will also be a home recording. The only difference will be that the last album was recorded in Little Italy and this one will be recorded in Mission Hills, so as you can imagine that will totally change our style,” he joked. “As far as the sound of the album, it’s too early in the process to really determine how the sound is developing. But we do have a title, ‘The Aviary.'” Look for the new album to be released this May.
The Internet has played a big part in the band’s development. In fact, the band was able to pay for its first album’s pressing with online presales.
“We were thrilled and surprised with the response to our presale, and we plan to use the same approach for the new album,” he remarked. “Sales have been steady for the first album, both in terms of physical copies and in terms of downloads from iTunes and elsewhere. Believe it or not, people still do buy music.”
The Internet has also been integral in helping their touring schedule.
“Some people may dismiss the Internet as a big hype machine, but for us it has allowed us to connect with people around the world who enjoy what we do – and likewise, it’s helped us find bands and artists we never would have heard of otherwise,” he stated.
Lizerbram cited a number of high points in the band’s brief run.
“Our album release show at the Whistle Stop, our first tour last year, playing with Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul and Mary) and, most of all, the nice messages we’ve received from people who have discovered our music and made it a part of their lives.”
Despite their success, the band is content to remain an indie prospect, at least for the time being.
“So far we are happy doing it ourselves,” he commented. “If the right situation comes along, we’ll talk to labels. We haven’t pursued anything too seriously, though.”
In fact, the band is refreshingly unconcerned with subscribing to any formula for taking things to the next level, instead concentrating on making the best music possible.
“I suppose it depends on one’s definition of "making it," Lizerbram concluded. “As long as we can continue to record and play shows, and people keep finding out about us, we’re happy.”
Kite Flying Society plays every Wednesday in February at the House of Blues side stage, 1055 Fifth Ave. For more information, visit www.hob.com.