Everything but the Everything is the project of San Francisco producer and bass player Izzy The Gent. Growing up in the Bay Area gave Izzy a taste of Punk Rock in his youth, but over the years he shifted interest into becoming a DJ and climbing the ranks within the scene as a notable club promoter. As Izzy picked up the bass once again while playing for notable area the band The Frail and now creates music under the EBTE moniker. The group gives Izzy the chance to write his own brand of rock, while inviting a diverse lineup of vocalists to guests to top each track.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey Everything but the Everything, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
The movie La Bamba was my inspiration. I remember immediately after watching the film, I wanted to play guitar and start a band. In hindsight, I believe it was a combination of the Los Lobos versions of the Richie Valenz songs and the movie's visuals that sealed the deal for me. Los Lobos really knocked it out of the park covering those originals.
Describe your favorite and least favorite part about being a musician.
My favorite part is during the writing process when things start to come together. When the notes just fall from the sky and into place. It's so exhilarating as for a moment it seems like every move is the right one.I believe the part I hate the most is when one's equipment begins to break down. It's always at the most crucial moment too. I guess that means I'm terrible at keeping my gear tuned-up and show ready. I'm a little lazy in that regard.
Your latest song is 'In Love... Again'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
It was business as usual as far as the song's creation. Demos are created and sent to a vocalist I think match the song's vibe. I however misjudged the initial pairing I had sent to Elder Brycen aka Golden Plates. From the moment Elder agreed to a collaboration, he continued releasing music as I worked away on my batch of songs that included his single . I noticed that the music he was releasing was darker and more driving than the song he agreed to. So, I proposed a swap for what became "In Love... Again." As we got closer to the finish line and I awaited his final vocal stems, Elder surprised me by including a guitar lead. That guitar lead in my opinion is what keeps the song pushing forward. It fills the little windows in the track perfectly. I instantly fell in love with it.
Where do you get inspiration for the very original photos you post on your social media?
I'm a fake photographer. A 100% wannabe photographer who wishes he had a real camera and took pictures for a living. In this world of creating content to keep people's attention I decided I would use instagram photography to keep people engaged. I try to mix it up as a change of pace so it's not "look at our band" 24/7. The pictures for my social media have been a great outlet for my fake photographer aspirations.
Where are you from and do you have a stable home or do you prefer traveling?
I'm from Mexico but moved to Northern California when I was really young. I don't travel much. I'm kind of a workaholic. I feel like I always have to be doing something constructive or I'm wasting time. That's actually been a great part of playing in a band and going on tour. By touring I feel like I'm getting the best of both worlds. I'm hitting the road with an objective and experiencing other cities.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
Describing the sound can be a challenge. I would say it's a mix of 80's, hard rock, new wave, post punk and alternative but each song has its own vibe. Every singer brings a different energy and they can really sway the overall feel. The added layers from the drummer Landon Cisneros (Spirit Mother) and the range of synth sounds by Andrew Gomez (NRVS LVRS) only make it harder to pin down. A funny thing happened with the topic of what category we fit in. One of the first reviews we received called the music "alternative" and I was kind of bummed. Everytime I hear the word "Alternative" the band Silverchair and the song "Tomorrow" come to mind. I can't help but think of the singer screaming how the water is very hard to drink. My producer Rex Shelverton advised me not to fight whatever category the music is put in. He said just go with it, it doesn't hurt, it only helps.
Can you write what was your best performance in your career? How do you remember it?
Oh, that's easy. It was with the band The Frail and we played a packed show with Fujiya Miyagi at the Independent in San Francisco. What became my thing pushing my bass pedals to the edge of the stage, I started at this show. After our set, Fujiya Miyagi realized they didn't have a merch person, so I offered to sell their merch while they performed. The Frail had a lot of great shows. An prior show we played at the same venue with Dirty Vegas is a close second in my mind when it comes to a memorable show. When we were firing on all cylinders it was a beautiful thing.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
Until I come up with a better answer, my answer is Depeche Mode. I love that dark sound they have, it's a constant inspiration.
Who's your ideal musician to collaborate with and why?
Anyone that goes with the flow and who's about excelling at their craft. The drummer Landon Cisneros said something that stuck out to me last time we got together which was "I want to write a drum part where you can immediately identify it as its own unique part." I think that speaks volumes to the type of mentality, focus and drive that I want to be around. Landon also said something that I've always felt but never articulated which is to let the song lead you and to not force parts onto a song.
What are your plans for the future?
We have a two-song release with singer/songwriter/producer Adam Brookes that's next in line. The official release date is still to be determined but I'm hoping for March. If March turns into April or May, then March turns into April or May. In support of this release we are looking to play our first show. I've been busy getting a band together. I also believe the time has come for an LP. I have about 10 songs in the works. So far Tobias Hawkins, Vacances and Sophia Prise are confirmed. I would anticipate Adam Brookes joins us as well and we'll welcome San Francisco artist Tomihira into the fold. In the search for talented musicians to join forces with, I've reached out to Bay Area guitarist Capitan Walas and Strange Cities frontman Daniel Clark. I'm looking forward to hitting the studio with them soon. The push continues.