News Upbringing: Hospitality

Brooklyn trio Hospitality like to hone in at real life situations, quizzical things that daily thought might not typically consider without bucketloads of free time. Their two records to date on Merge relay experiences and channel strange activity into jagged, alternative rock tracks that creep up on the conscience. Amber Papini (guitar, vocals), Brian Betancourt (bass), and Nathan Michel (drums) aren’t your average songwriters - that much was evidenced in a 2012 self-titled debut, fully-affirmed with the more recent ‘Nowhere’.

Seeing that they’ve such a fine eye for a story, DIY decided to ask the band about some of their own. In Upbringing, we ask some of our favourite bands to recall their formative moments. It can be anything from a life-changing gig to a packet of crisps - doesn’t matter. Conversations span from before the formation of a group right up to the point where they are today. Answers come from Amber.

Hospitality tour the UK starting tomorrow in Brighton on 21st May. Check out dates below our interview.



What’s the first gig you can ever remember going to? Describe the experience.
I was thirteen and I saw Paul McCartney in Aimes, Iowa. It was totally exciting.

Can you remember the first song you ever developed an obsession over?
‘Rockin Robin’; when I was about 5. My parents had a box set form the 60s called ‘Modern Music’. It was a collection of 20th century music. I loved the song and would play it over and over in my parents’ living room.



As a band so far, what’s the best and worst show you’ve ever played?
Best show was Roskilde Festival worst show was Lincoln, Nebraska. It was the night of the first US presidential debates and there were maybe 5 people at the show. It was pretty sad.

What’s your worst musical habit?
Recording. It stresses me out.

What’s the best piece of advice anyone’s ever given you?
You need to write 50 bad songs before you write one good song.

What kind of inspirations outside of music have an impact on your songwriting?
Books about history or personal stories.

If there’s anything you could tell the person you were when you started writing music, what would it be?
Don’t stop.

Hospitality, UK Dates:

MAY
21 Brighton, Sticky Mikes Frog Bar
22 Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
23 Glasgow, Broadcast
24 Dublin, Whelans
26 London, Sebright Arms