Alicia Wagner Calzada | 210SA Contributor

THE BAND: J. Stiles and the Cemetery Hips

THE MEMBERS: Jason Stiles, guitar and vocals; Tybor Cook, guitar and vocals; Kevin Holmes, drums; Andy Pape, keyboard; Rick Rios, bass

THE SOUND: Rock with a folk influence. The band members pride themselves on being chameleons with a varied repertoire, which they said accounts for their diverse fan base. Stiles is influenced by Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen, and Cook brings a blues vibe to the mix. Pape is into digitally driven rock and throws in traditional as well as analog tones into the music.
 “Rx,” about a woman abusing prescription medication, is “kind of aggressive but swingy, total rock and roll,” Stiles said. “So Sophisticated” is an upbeat song with lots of distorted organ tones courtesy of Pape. “Heat Is Golden” is a slow, almost droning tune. “Girl’s So Fine” is a fun Kinks-esque number.

The Hips’ live shows are all about energy and having a good time. “We don’t take ourselves too seriously. We’re pretty ridiculous on stage, as far as our crowd banter goes,” Pape said. “I think people appreciate that.”
 
THE HISTORY: Stiles originally put together the band Za Panther around 2005 to back him at live gigs after he recorded a solo album, Out of the City a Skeleton. In 2006, Stiles renamed the group with a reference to the Dylan song “Tell Me, Momma.” Stiles, Holmes and Pape (and former bassist Chris Brown, who was replaced by Rios in 2007) came from the indie-rock band The Cinderleaf.

CURRENTLY: The band is in the process of making a new CD, slowly. They’ve recorded the bass and drum tracks to about 14 songs at Matchbox Studios in Austin but plan to finish laying down the rest at their home studios. Stiles is also working on a solo acoustic album.

THE WEB SITE: myspace.com/jasonstiles, myspace.com/thecemeteryhips

CHECK THEM OUT: At Rock Bottom Tattoo Bar on Saturday, June 14; opening for Billy Bob Thornton at Scout Bar on July 23.

Jessica Belasco | 210SA Contributor