Guitarist/vocalist Adam Selzer says the idea of his band Norfolk & Western was basically a project to make records.

Selzer and multi-instrumentalist Rachel Blumberg started the band in 1999. "It was basically Rachel and I playing with whomever wanted to make some music," Selzer said by phone from his home in Portland, Ore. "Our musical influences range from Camper van Beethoven to the Pixies and R.E.M. In fact, I still love Camper van Beethoven. They're my favorite band."

Selzer, who owns and runs the Type Foundry Recording Studio in his hometown, said he moved to Portland from the Midwest in 1997. "I moved just to open a recording studio. The band thing came around because we basically had a need to do it. We record with a revolving door of musicians, and when we tour, we take whoever is available at the time."

Norfolk & Western will be touring in support of the album "A Gilded Age." The touring band includes multi-instrumentalists Dave Depper and Peter Roderick. "This lineup is great. Dave played on the album. And Peter is this young buck who is eager to make music."

The band plays an eclectic mix of folk rock and pop and has been making a name for itself by touring with close compadres the Decemberists, Iron and Wine, M. Ward, Calexico and Sparklehorse. "We have had some good things happen to us in the last couple of years," said Selzer. "We went to Europe and toured with Sparklehorse. And we actually came to Utah with the Decemberists. But I think our most fun and exciting show for us was with M. Ward."

Although Norfolk & Western is currently focused on promoting "A Gilded Age," the band is looking forward to making a new album. "We are looking to release a new album in October, but we're trying to get our fan base built and get decent turnouts at the shows."


If you go . . .

What: Norfolk & Western

Where: Kayo Gallery, 315 E. 300 South

When: Tonight, 7:30 p.m.

View Comments

How much: $6

Phone: 363-1016

Web: www.kayogallery.com


E-mail: scott@desnews.com

Join the Conversation
Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.