Of Montreal has made Omaha a regular tour stop for well over a decade. If you’ve kept track of the band you know their early-days home-made theatrics have evolved into grandiose, eye-popping extravaganzas that can compete with Flaming Lips for over-the-top stage dominance. We’re talking lights, costumes, props and numerous stage extras (actors?) living out the songs in weird, wonderful ways. It’s a spectacular spectacle that David Bowie surely would have approved of.
The band returns supporting its latest album, Innocence Reaches (2016, Polyvinyl), that finds Kevin Barnes and Co. mining EDM territory but with quaint electronics and beats reminiscent of Pet Shop Boys. The thread that runs through it and all Of Montreal records is Barnes’ quirky melodies and trademark vocal croon that sounds like an alien computer singing lullabies to its robot children.
We caught up with Barnes and asked him to take our Ten Questions survey.
1. What is your favorite album?
Kevin Barnes: Lamentations by Moses Sumney
2. What is your least favorite song?
The National Anthem
3. What do you enjoy most about being in a band?
Being wild and free.
4. What do you hate about being in a band?
Practicing
5. What is your favorite substance (legal or illegal)?
Glass
6. In what city or town do you love to perform?
Santa Fe
7. What city or town did you have your worst gig (and why)?
Eureka, California, It was Cinco de Mayo many years ago at a sports bar, no one knew who we were and everyone seemed intensely stupid and openly hostile. One person spent most of our show standing in front of our bass player and giving her the middle finger.
8. How do you pay your bills?
With money
9. What one profession other than music would you like to attempt; what one profession would you absolutely hate to do?
I’d like to become a sports writer and cover boxing matches for a newspaper. I’d hate to be the judge at any kind of food eating competition.
10. What are the stories you’ve heard about Omaha, Nebraska?
I’ve heard that it smells of manure and that it’s rich in precious jewels.
Of Montreal performs with Teen Sunday, Oct. 16, at The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St. Showtime is 9 p.m.; tickets are $20. For more information, go to onepercentproductions.com