Meet Friko, the Band Bringing New Life to the Indie Rock Scene
Photo by Tallulah Totten
Interview by Eli Nava & Tallulah Totten
Hailing from Chicago, Friko is revitalizing the indie-rock scene with intensity and creativity. After putting out a demo album and a series of singles (the latest being “Crimson to Chrome,” released in March), the band has cultivated a style and sound that is exhilaratingly unique and exciting to listen to. Friko consists of three members: Niko Kapetan (vocals and guitar), Bailey Minzenberger (drums), and Luke Stamos (bass). Between passionate vocals, raw guitar shredding, intoxicating basslines, and adrenaline-pumping drums, they are carving their way into the scene with their memorable live performance. As the band continues to make their mark, there is plenty to look forward to in the future. 1127 had the chance to catch up with Friko at their Los Angeles stop, The Echo, and ask a few questions.
1127: You guys have just officially put out a new single “Crimson to Chrome”, what was the process of creating the song like?
Niko: I wrote the song on guitar and vocals. I wrote it a lot actually in my head while at work, I wrote the hook. And then I brought it to them. And that one came together super naturally because it’s very simple, barely any overdubs, it’s just guitar, drums and bass. They wrote their parts. We all sang harmonies together-that was one of the first times we did that and that was really cool.
1127: Your music style has changed a lot from the demo album, how would you describe how you’ve changed and is there a particular direction that you see yourself going in musically?
Niko: That was definitely because the first demo album was just me in my parent’s basement and I was just recording everything. From the EP on, and even more so the newer stuff that’s going to come out is very collaborative.
Luke: We want to make it sound more live—the recordings. So that’s a big thing we've been working on for this new stuff.
1127: Who are some of your guys’ biggest musical influences?
Niko: We’re not talking about early ones, but when I was growing up it was The Beatles. And Car Seat Headrest I loved in high school, and still do…
Luke: The Microphones—
Niko: The Microphones.
Luke: Philip Everum, anything he does.
Niko: David Bowie, St. Vincent
Luke: Elliot Smith, Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley
Bailey: Yeah y’all put me on to Leonard Cohen, and Jeff Buckley actually.
Photo by Tallulah Totten
1127: So how has the experience of being on tour been so far? I know you guys have recently gotten a flat tire, but other than that are there any memorable moments or stories that you can share with us?
Niko: We’ve had numerous car issues at this point-which sucks but…
Bailey: We got to the Great Sand Dunes National Park, which is really beautiful. It was these massive sand dunes on one side and then mountains on the other and I had never seen anything like that in my life. We got kind of beat up by the wind, because it was kind of just sand, and snow pummeling you from the top of a really tall sand dune. But it was really fun and I think we all felt pretty energized afterwards even though it kind of hurt a little bit. But it was really special.
1127: I know Colorado is a beautiful place.
1127: You guys are from Chicago-Evanston Chicago, correct?
Friko: Mhm!
1127: How has it been navigating the Chicago music scene and venturing out of it into now LA?
Niko: Well it’s super welcoming in Chicago and the scene’s super tight. There are a lot of great bands coming out of there right now. I guess it’s just…I don’t know, not humbling, but it’s just…lonelier on the road. But we met Bendigo Fletcher that we’re playing with tonight, who are the nicest guys.
Bailey: They’re so sweet, yeah.
1127: What would be your guys’ dream venue or festival to perform at?
Bailey: Honestly, Pitchfork would be a really big one just because I’ve been going to Pitchfork for years, since I was in middle school.
Luke: I would love to play Pitchfork.
1127: Pitchfork’s a good one.
Niko: Chicago Theatre in Chicago, I’ve always loved that.
Luke: Yeah!
1127: Are there any long term goals or dreams that you have for Friko that you can share with us?
Niko: Sustainable life and music getting better and better.
1127: Love that! So our last question-to wrap up. Are there any upcoming plans for the band that you’re excited about that you can talk about or share with us?
Niko: Well, it’s not totally confirmed but Europe at the end of the year, very excited. And finishing a record in the next month.
Keep up with Friko!