Milwaukee’s Fever Marlene was formed when singer Scott Starr and drummer Kevin Dunphy were studying in Madison in 2003. They’ve recently expanded into a five-piece outfit and released a new full-length, Medicated Friends, which was recorded in their self-built Milwaukee studio, Dirty Earth. Prior to their April 6 headlining show at The Frequency, singer Scott Starr spoke with us about adding new members, the importance of radio in Milwaukee, and their favorite Madison bars.
You’re now recording/performing as a five-piece as opposed to being a two-piece. On your new album, Medicated Friends, it’s especially clear in the rerecording of old favorites from Civil War and White China that the new members have added a lot more depth to the songs. What’s your feelings about the recording experience with the new members as opposed to the recording process for Civil War?
“I feel the same. Kevin and I really never meant to be a duo rock band. We just kind of went through the motions and hoped we’d find the right people to fill the holes. Just happened to take 10 years. The recording process is much different now that we’re producing, recording, and mixing our music in our own space and on our own time. And with Dan, Christian, and Ryan added to the mix, there’s much more depth and experience being added to the tracks. It’s less tiring, more experimental, and it feels more like a collaboration.
“When it’s up to you to record the guitar, synth, and bass parts, you tend to lose some of the magic along the way. Now it feels like everyone has an idea and songs are happening much faster. In general, it’s a more gratifying experience and things feel fresh. I feel like Medicated Friends is our debut album.”
Have the extra members taken any pressure off Kevin and yourself when you perform live?
“Indeed. Personally, I feel like I can drink a few more gin & tonics before the show without worrying about screwing up on the bass pedals. It feels good to be able to move around on stage and not have to worry about playing guitar, singing, and playing the moog bass with my feet for an hour set. Not to mention, a few more hands to carry the gear! But all in all, the sound is much more full and represents us as a band on a whole new level.”
There was about a four-year gap between Febrile State and Medicated Friends. What kept you guys before you started recording the new album?
“Funny thing is, we’ve been recording this whole time. We built our studio, Dirty Earth, in my attic in Bay View… just south of downtown Milwaukee, around 2010. We’ve been collecting a lot of cool gear over the years and we finally put together a space where we can record and be free to produce on our own time. It’s a really creative place to write and record in.
“We have about 30 new songs in the mix and we’re already putting together the next album. Medicated Friends took a little longer because we wanted to nail down the process and really experiment with our sound before we released something that we felt was the beginning of a new chapter.”
88Nine Radio in Milwaukee is playing some of your tracks. In my opinion Madison desperately needs a radio station with similar programming. How do you think having a good radio station like 88Nine in Milwaukee affects the music scene there?
“The great thing about Milwaukee is that our radio stations, free press, and venues share a relationship with the bands and music being made in Milwaukee. When you close yourself off to bands making good music in your hometown, I feel like you’re closing doors to a larger opportunity to build and lay a foundation for local music. 88Nine made local music seem like a big deal.
“It’s really hard to tour and play shows if you have zero support from your hometown. It’s hard to get the word out when Facebook and other social media avenues are flooded with bands and music from around the world. When Kevin and I lived in Madison, we were dependent on our college friends to spread the word and come out to shows. There was very little support from radio or free press, or it was near impossible to achieve.
“We talk to a lot of radio agents and promotors in other cities that are using Milwaukee as an example to help push their cities’ music scene. It’s pretty cool to be in such a small city that supports music on such a high level. But it takes the community to make it happen.”
Your Civil War album is still in the jukebox at Paul’s Club, aka The Best Jukebox in Madison. What’s the chance that you’ll stop in there to plug the jukebox after the show?
“Paul’s Club is one of our favorite bars in the area. Typically after a show in Madison you’ll find us hanging out at Paul’s Club, Genna’s, or The Great Dane.”
Will you be playing “All the Kites” from Civil War at The Frequency show? I still love that song.
“Maybe next time! We haven’t rehearsed ‘All the Kites’ for about a year now. I will definitely play it acoustic, though, at our in-store performance at Strictly Discs on the day of the show. We’ll be there at 5 PM to play a few songs along with a meet-and-greet. Love this song, though! We’ll bring it back for sure.”