Fan of the Month!
Interviewed by Kayt


For our Fan of the Month in May, we journey to the Great Northwest, where we found a librarian adventurous enough to become a Red Elvises fan! Anne has seen the band once so far and will be back for more, the next time they're up in her neck of the woods. Join me in welcoming our Fan of the Month for May!


Anne Murphy For the record, what is your name?
Anne Murphy

Where were you born, and where did you grow up?
I was born and grew up in the Seattle area - north of Seattle, to be a little more precise

What were your main interests, entertainment and otherwise, growing up? Any obsessions you don't mind people knowing about?
When I was a kid, we spent a lot of time playing outside. But I also enjoyed reading very much. I really liked to read anything I could get my hands on about the pioneers and Oregon Trail. I'm a little obsessed by the whole Donner Party debacle...

Tell us about your musical endeavors and any musical instruments you play…
I was a band geek in high school - played the flute and saxophone (for just a few years). I still get my flute out now and then, but am a little rusty. I attempted to learn to play the violin when I was pregnant with my son, but it didn't work out at the time. I'd still like to learn more - maybe the guitar next


What accomplishments are you most proud of at this point in your life?
I would say two things - getting my Masters of Information and Library Science degree (which essentially means I can be a librarian and make the big bucks - haha), and raising a wonderful son

What are your favorite movies?
Well, I don't watch a lot of movies these days, but I did enjoy "Napoleon Dynamite" quite a lot. I'm also a big fan of "Rushmore" and the other Wes Anderson movies, and "Shaun of the Dead." Gotta like a good zombie flick now and then... Oh yeah - don't forget "The Birds."

Do you have any favorite books?
Loaded question for a Librarian! Hard to choose, because I've read so many over the years. Currently I read a lot of teen fiction (because I'm a Teen Librarian), and there are some great books in that genre. I enjoy reading post-apocalyptic fiction for some reason. One of the best so far was "Dies The Fire" by S. M. Stirling. Don't bother with "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy. IT STUNK! I didn't even finish it. Talk about glum. One of my favorite authors is Tim Sandlin. Anything by him is good - kind of quirky and very funny.

What music are you into, in addition to Red Elvises?
I like all sorts of things. I am particularly fond of DeVotchKa, Ghostland Observatory, Ozomatli, Los Campesinos!, Slavic Soul Party, Ancients, and DUSTdevils...

When, where, how, etc. did you first hear and experience Red Elvises?
My brother and I were looking for a show to see when he came to visit at Christmas time last year. I saw that the Red Elvises were playing at the Tractor Tavern in Seattle, and it just sounded like a fun time. We always like to try out new things.

How many times have you seen them?
Only the one time - but what a great show it was! It was December 21st, 2007, at the Tractor Tavern.

What is it about Red Elvises that draws you to them, that you like the most?
I love the music style - the combination of surf and Russian is very unique. I also enjoyed the live show - outfits and energy!

Did you travel very far to see them? And if so, do you have a good story around that?
Seattle is a bit of a haul for me - about 90 miles. But on that particular day I had to pick up my brother at the airport, and his flight was two hours late...yay. I did buy a new camera earlier that day as well - that's always a GOOD thing!

Any standout, great memories of the first show you saw?
I really enjoyed watching the crowd at the show - there was a pair of guys right in front next to us that seemed to be super fans. Though I was a little surprised that one of them could even stand up, considering the amount of beer I saw him consume through the evening... There was also a guy from Russia who kept asking me to take his picture - he was having a great time!

What are your favorite Red Elvises songs?
Again - hard to choose. But I'd say "200 Flying Girls," "Bellydance," and "Closet Disco Dancer."

What would you like to see them do in the future? Any ideas? Anything you’d like to say to the band?
More live shows in the Pacific Northwest - Bellingham perhaps? Much easier to get there and back from where I live. And my message to the band - THANK YOU for putting on such a great show, and sharing your music. I can tell you really enjoy what you're doing!

Okay, last question… Do you have anything you’d especially like to say to all the fans?
Keep supporting live music! Get out when you can, and buy music and schwag directly from the band - they are working hard doing what they love, but need your support. Peace!


Thanks so much, Anne, great job! Maybe someday there'll be a Red Elvises book for you to feature in your library!



Wondering how YOU can become a future Fan of the Month? It's very easy! Just write to: redelvisesfotm@yahoo.com to nominate yourself or a friend. Or if you see me at a show just come over and say hi, introduce yourself and tell me you'd like to be a Fan of the Month. And when you see the band perform live please remember The Red Pages -- send in your photos and write ups of the shows so other fans can enjoy your experiences too!

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This page last altered: 02/29/08 Contact Us