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Success of show not expected to be Iffy
With several ties to the Minneapolis indie-rock scene, Iffy is coming out of the blue and delving straight into success quite gracefully.
The Red Carpet has delightfully booked their main stage for Iffy, set to play Friday. The Carpet, as well as the band, both enjoy the band being there.
"We've walked the Red Carpet many times," said lead singer Kirk Johnson. "We love (playing in) St. Cloud."
With continual buzz from several locations, Iffy is getting nation-wide recognition. With their chart-topping hit single "Double Dutch" currently out, they are touring with Better Than Ezra next week, and have recently been chosen as one of 25 bands whose music will play during the Olympic 2002 Winter Games. During the competition, there will be various venues playing Iffy's music along with other big-label artists such as Paul McCartney, Incubus, Michael Jackson and Jennifer Lopez.
Playing music that can be described as complex as Motown with pop and rock, or as simplistic as indie pop, the band has a fruitful repertoire.
The band is comprised of members who have impressive ties to significant people to the Minneapolis local scene. Guitarist and keyboardist Dave Pederson and bassist Tom Merkl worked with Kirk Johnson and his brother Kraig formed their band Run Westy Run. Their first album, Green Cat Island, was released in 1990, and produced by R.E.M.'s Peter Buck. Kraig Johnson has also worked with the Jayhawks and Golden Smog.
Their imperative ties to the music community are everlasting. After being together for about four years now, Iffy put out two CDs in 2001, both through Foodchain Records. Their first EP, Can-o-Cope, was released shortly before their first full-length CD, Biota Bondo. Biota Bondo was produced by John Fields of Semisonic, another band who has connections to the Minneapolis music scene. Meanwhile, the song "Can-o-Cope" was co-produced and mixed by Tom Rothrock of Beck and Elliot Smith, and the remix of that song includes Freddy Fresh and Q Burns Abstract Message.
Of course, Iffy would not have gotten to the place they are today without musical influences.
"We've all been making music a part of our lives since we were itty bittys," Johnson said.
Their biggest influences include Husker Du, Soul Asylum, The Replacements and Prince (all of whom are, not surprisingly, from Minneapolis).
The tour so far has been a big influence on the guys of Iffy. They've grown closer as a band, and gained lots of experience and memories thus far.
"Going out and touring behind this record has been a lift. Performing is a real kick for us, you know," Johnson said.
And a kick for the fans, as well.
Publicist Charles Carroll of Green Galactic has always been impressed with what they play and how they play it.
"They are so fun!" Carroll said. "Total high energy and really good vibe. They're having fun, so of course, everyone else has fun."
So what's Iffy's next move?
"We're going to embark on our next recording with the start of this tour," Johnson said.
That should be highly anticipated, along with their show on Friday.
Regarding just that, Iffy has one request of their audience: "We wanna see your cheers!"
Britt Johnsen can be reached at: [email protected]
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