Led by singer/songwriter Ellen Kempner, Boston’s Palehound released their sophomore album, A Place I’ll Always Go, on Polyvinyl Records last summer (which received a 7.3 rating from Pitchfork, for those who care about such things). Since then, the indie combo also dropped a new 7-inch release — “YMCA Pool” b/w “Sea of Blood” — as part of Saddle Creek Records’ Document Series singles program.
Having recently finished a U.S. headlining tour, which included shows with Big Thief, Jay Som, Mitski, and M Ward, Palehound launched a co-headlining tour with Weaves that brings them to Slowdown Feb. 27. We asked Kempner to take our Ten Questions survey. Here’s what she had to say:
1. What is your favorite album?
Ellen Kempner: I definitely don’t have one! My favorite album of this week has been Jolene by Dolly Parton.
2. What is your least favorite song?
I hate “Blurred Lines.”
3. What do you enjoy most about being in a band?
Getting to travel and see the country in a way I never would be able to without music.
4. What do you hate about being in a band?
Being anxious about shows/people liking our music.
5. What is your favorite substance (legal or illegal)?
Soda
6. In what city or town do you love to perform?
Hometown Boston shows are great because our friends are there.
7. What city or town did you have your worst gig (and why)?
Fort Worth, Texas, the only people we played for were the two teenagers who were in the other band that played.
8. Are you able to support yourself through your music? If so, how long did it take to get there; if not, how do you pay your bills?
(No comment.)
9. What one profession other than music would you like to attempt; what one profession would you absolutely hate to do?
Cooking!! I love cooking and used to work as a cook in a restaurant and loved it. I wouldn’t wanna be a professional runner.
10. What are the stories you’ve heard about Omaha, Nebraska?
Honestly my answer will be really bad cuz all of them just have to do with Conor Oberst.
Palehound plays with Weaves and See Through Dresses Tuesday, Feb. 27, at The Slowdown front room, 729 No. 14th St. Tickets are $10 Adv/$12 DOS. Showtime is 8 p.m. For more information, go to theslowdown.com