Stomping Grounds: Paul Price (Good Field) on Austin, Texas

Good Field

Good Field


Good Field began as the solo recording project of Paul Price, former member of Brazos and The Early Tapes, and secondary guitarist and bassist for Voxtrot. While playing with these bands, Price visited an isolated adobe in Morelos, Mexico and wrote a group of songs he imagined for a full band. He continued working on the songs in between tours and eventually compiled enough material for an album. 
The songs were recorded by Price and friend/fellow musician Nathan Stein, mostly with two microphones at Price’s home studio.  After finishing the album, Price assembled the group he envisioned to perform the songs live: Michael McLeod (bass), Kyle Robertson (keys), and Esteban Cruz (drums). The self-titled debut album was released in 2012 and has been described as “vintage dream pop”, incorporating elements of pop-psychedelia, indie rock, and shoegaze.
Good Field’s newest album, Future Me (out July 28 via a self-release), was recorded and produced by the band in 2013-2014 in home studios and several secluded locales in Texas using their portable recording rig. Once mixes of the record were prepared, White Denim front man James Petralli spent several weeks in a studio with Price adding creative mix and production ideas to polish the sounds. Future Me affirms Good Field’s growth as a group, resulting in a distinct group of songs as diverse as the wide-ranging, desolate landscapes of Texas in which they were recorded.
Ghettoblaster recently caught up with Price to discuss the Texas landscape he occupies, East Austin Studio Tour, Vera Cruz’ migas taco, and more.
What’s your town’s nickname?
The Live Music Capital of the World.
What’s your nickname for your town?
Unskinny Bop, Bop, Bop, Bop.
Why do you live there?
I had a vision I would die here, so I came.
Did you grow up there? If not, what brought you there?
Only place in Texas with hippies and punks.
What’s the weirdest thing that has ever happened to you there?
People started interviewing me.
What is your favorite local attraction (monument, park, etc)?
Hamilton Pool.
What is your favorite local event or festival?
East Austin Studio Tour, local artists open up their studios to the public and party  Also, we really enjoyed the experience of playing FunFunFun Fest last year. It’s not often that you’re able to see Judas Priest, Nas, and Yo La Tengo all at the same festival.
What is the best time of year to be there?
In general, I’m a fan of the crisp, calmness of Fall.  However, Spring in Austin, when it’s hot but everything is still green, is a really good time to take advantage of all the swimming holes here.
Who is your favorite local celebrity?
Chikage Windler.
Where is the best place to drink and what’s their specialty or happy hour?
Day after day, spot after spot pops up that could make this list but we gotta give props to our local hang: Radio Coffee and Beer. Newly opened and excited to pay/promote bands well, on top of the best Taco truck in town and top notch draft beer selection.
Who has the best jukebox (and what’s in it)?
That’s a good question. Where the hell did they all go?
Do you play music there? If so, where is your favorite place to play?
Yes! Currently our faves are The Parish and Mohawk.
Does where you live influence your music?
Where I live IS my music
What is your favorite place to see live music and what was your favorite show there?
Too difficult.  I’ll narrow it down to three though.  Femi Kuti and James Brown at Stubbs and Caribou at Mohawk.
What is your favorite local band?
Too difficult, but I’ll mention the first three that pop into my head.  Dana Falconberry, Abram Shook, Cross Record.
What is your favorite diner or restaurant and what is their best dish?
Vera Cruz Tacos.  Probably their Migas Taco.
What is your favorite record store and what was your best find there?
End of an Ear, Jackson Five Anthology.
What is your favorite local publication (alternative weekly, zine, website or blog)?
Texas Tribune.
What is your favorite local shop?
The Light Bulb Shop on Burnet, you can find anything in the world on Burnet.
If you could live anywhere else, where would that be?    
Definitely in the sky.
(Visit the band here: http://goodfieldband.com/.)