“Milwaukee is a city of cover bands and if you want to make money, that’s what you have to do.”
– Guy Conn

Why should people listen to Murdock?

Nathan: We are a good band, plain and simple. I like Guy’s songwriting.

Micah: It’s something different than what you hear on the radio.

Guy: One of the things I like about our music and about music in general is the connection one makes to the songwriters. I went through a phase four or five years ago where I had trouble relating to what was on the radio. We make references to the local scene, like Water Street and Riverwest and I think it bridges the gap between the band and the audience. We like where we come from and we don’t feel like there is a Milwaukee sound, so we’re trying to feel it out.

What differentiates you from other bands?

Guy: I think we wear our influences on our sleeves. We’re currently working towards a new sound. What makes us different is the way we work as a band. I try to be more thoughtful as a songwriter. Nathan puts everything he’s got into the drums. He takes my acoustic songwriting in a different direction right away. Nick’s more into jam ’60s bands so he puts down a more classic groove on the bass. Micah puts down melodic spines to the songs.

What are bands that influence Murdock?

Nicklaus: Death Cab for Cutie and The Dismemberment Plan.

Nathan: I think collectively the Foo Fighters is our biggest influence.

Micah: I have to go with June of ’44.

Guy: I always come back to The Beatles. I find that they are self-cleansing. I go back to Lennon-McCartney when I want to give myself a clean slate.

What effect does the environment of Milwaukee have on Murdock?

Guy: Milwaukee is a city of cover bands and if you want to make money, that’s what you have to do. On the one hand, you have the artistic bands that play at the Cactus Club 15 times a month and don’t play anywhere else or with anyone else. On the other hand, you have the bands that play at some random bar for three hours and play all covers. I want to make music I can play in both places. I just want people to come see us and have a good time.

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