They’re a Brooklyn-based band that sounds like they’re from the country. They’re a sextet with no set frontman. They’re a mixture of instruments you wouldn’t necessarily think fit together. They are The Hollows, and after just one listen one can’t help but marvel at how they make all of these disparate ideas come together to create a unique sound that’s equal parts classic Americana and modern indie folk.

The band, which consists of Jeffrey Kurtze, Daniel Kwiatkowski, Rob Morrison, David Paarlberg, Erik Saxvik and Justin Aaronson, released their latest album, Between the Water and the Wonder Wheel, earlier this year, and have been touring ever since.

During some time in between performances, Myspace caught up with The Hollows to find out more about their music, their writing process, and their wild live shows. The band also revealed a tour incident involving the authorities they’ll never forget.

Homebase: Brooklyn, NY

Your music features mandolins, banjos, guitars, accordions, horns and harmonicas. How did you end up with this many instruments? Is there a self-control issue when you're in music stores that you'd like to talk about?

Rob: At the end of the day, I love sounds. When I hear a new sound, I want to learn how to make it. That has led to a fascination I have with music from so many parts of the world, and from different time periods.

Erik: It has been a combination of looking for unique ways to fit into the bigger soundscape, and plain old curiosity, that has driven us to throw everything but the kitchen sink at our orchestrations.

Jeff: We're always looking for what fits best with what's bouncing around in our heads. Who ever said self-control was a good thing?

How does having no set frontman affect the writing process? Do you write with a specific member's vocals in mind, or does that aspect of the song make itself apparent later?

Dave: Usually the main songwriter assumes lead vocal duties, though verses will often get passed around.

Rob: But every song is truly a different beast. It's always good to remain open to the group's ideas and contributions. Sometimes an arrangement comes together quickly, other times it's more piecemeal.

Erik: Yeah, our willingness as a group to test everyone's ideas is what helps distill the magic.

DK: I never know what to expect from myself, or my bandmates, when we start fleshing out a new song, and that's an exciting risk to take.

We hear your concerts can be pretty wild. Tell us about a moment from a show that's a perfect example of The Hollows' live experience.

Jeff: I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. I guarantee you will lose control, and start dancing, bouncing, jumping, running, shaking, and/or stomping. At least, that's what I do.

DK: There are times in our shows when it feels like every single person in the room is just letting out their demons. It feels like church, but with bourbon.

You all, obviously, were in bands before this one. Which one of you would you say had the most radically different musical venture before the formation of The Hollows?

DK: I was the lead singer of my high school band called ZAE. We were a product of the alt-90s scene. Yikes. I did, however, pen my first lyrics to a couple of songs: “Caught the Bug,” and “I'm Still Sick as a Dog.”

Dave: And as for radically different, I definitely performed "Run's House" by Run–D.M.C. at a high school talent show.

You toured the country this year, and I know it wasn't your first rodeo, so to speak. The van can be a cramped place that can create horrific eating habits. What’s the worst thing you’ve eaten simply because you were on tour?

DK: We actually ate pretty damn good!  We hit dozens of local spots and ate like kings and queens.

Erik: Though I did enjoy a number of gas station hot dogs this summer … a practice I generally consider questionable.

Jeff: And I learned that I should never, ever, ever, drink coffee from a gas station. Never again.

During all your time on the road, what’s the closest you’ve come to getting arrested without actually getting arrested?

DK:  Oh that's easy!

Erik: US Customs and Border Patrol blew up our spot eight miles from the Mexico border in the mountains east of San Diego.

Jeff: A pleasantly tense encounter, reaffirming the lesson that honesty is always the best policy.

Finally, what are your plans for 2017?

Erik: Drive. Set up instruments. Play. Break down instruments. Do it again.

DK: Yeah, we have a bunch of dates for the winter, and we're looking at summer festivals as well.

Jeff: Anything beyond that, give us a call, we're on board for adventures!

For more profiles on up-and-coming artists, visit our Artist of the Day page.