Morning Benders Find Big Allies in Black Keys and Broken Bells

Ever since the March release of their LP, 'Big Echo,' produced by Grizzly Bear bassist Chris Taylor, the Morning Benders have boasted a "buzz band" label. But it's taken some time for the San Francisco indie pop outfit to get to where they are today.

"A lot of people think it's an overnight thing, but the fact is, we've been going at it for a long time," lead singer Chris Chu tells Spinner. "We feel the difference, but we've been working at things for a lot longer than you might expect."

The band has a few EPs and 2008's 'Talking Through Tin Cans' LP also under their belt, but it's the lush, impeccably-produced 'Big Echo' that has thrust them into the spotlight. Their sunny, harmonic pop has obviously struck a chord with the record-buying public, but they've also had help from some powerful friends.

"The Black Keys have given us a lot of support," says Chu. "Not only did they invite us out on tour, but they've been talking up our record and [have been] shouting us out on stage. [Black Keys drummer/producer] Pat Carney and his girlfriend are both big fans, so that's helped a lot."



But the Akron blues-rock duo aren't their only famous fans. They've also made admirers out of psych-pop supergroup Broken Bells, who personally invited the band on tour earlier this year. "We get compared to the Shins a lot, so it's weird to have their lead singer [James Mercer, also of Broken Bells] asking us to play -- that was kind of a trip."

Broken Bells have made great role models for the Morning Benders who, despite their relative longevity, are newcomers to success.

"They've blown me away, not just with how supportive they are, but also how friendly they are," raves the affable Chu. "It's amazing how excited they were just to get to know us and hang out with us. That's rare to find with bands, especially as they get bigger. They have families and priorities, so they're not usually that into hanging out with kids."

It's a down-to-earth philosophy that the Morning Benders share. Still touring with the same beat-up old van, it's not uncommon to see the band members working their own merch table after shows, no matter how big the venue. Plus, they're playing their asses off; when all is said and done, their 'Big Echo' tour will have lasted a full 10 months.

"We'll play nearly any show or do any interview," says Chu. "We've had to balance that now with the sustainability of our own sanity as the demands have increased, but that's still more or less our mentality. It can get tough, especially in Europe, doing press all day instead of seeing the sites, but it's important to put in the hard work."