Interview with Graeme Stage: Member of Experimental Rock Band Racecourse

Enjoy This conversation I had with my good friend and housemate Graeme. Check out Racecourse on instagram @racecoursemusic and go listen to their EP on Bandcamp, link in their instagram bio!

What is your name, where are you from, and what do you do?

I’m Graeme Stage. I’m from Long Beach and I play guitar and bass in a band called Racecourse.

Tell me about the band you’re in. How did you all come together?

We started out as a three-piece—just me and my friends Joaquin and Jackson—playing ambient-style music. We kind of just threw on a bunch of reverb pedals and played really long songs. Over the last two years, we’ve added some new members, and it’s been really fun.

What does music mean to you?

To me, it’s an outlet—something separate from school, work, or whatever else is going on. It’s something I’m passionate about on the side.

Kind of a random question, but where do you see yourself in 40 years, at the age of 62?

When I’m 62, I’m going to be so cool. I’ll probably only listen to Skrillex… just kidding. I think music will always be a part of my life. I’ve got a record collection I love, and I bet I’ll still be adding to it. I think I’ll keep playing guitar as long as my hands let me.

You’re a student at UC Santa Cruz. Could you tell me a little about the Santa Cruz music scene? How has it shifted your perspective on music?

It opened up a lot for me. Before I was in a band, I thought being in one was way more serious than it actually is. I used to think you had to follow all these rules—but really, you can do whatever you want. You can take it super seriously, or just have fun with it like we are. We don’t go out of our way to get gigs—we just play when people ask us, and that’s been fun.

Another thing is, I used to be really focused on having the best gear, but I’ve realized when you’re playing live, it doesn’t really matter. As long as you have a loud amp and a decent guitar, that’s all you really need.

Do you have any goals with music? I know you guys just released an EP on Bandcamp. Any future plans?

Definitely recording a full album with the boys would be cool.

Who are “the boys”?

Racecourse. I’m going to be back in Long Beach for a while, so maybe I’ll record some stuff on my own. I just want to keep doing what I’m doing—maybe start a new band in Long Beach.

No plans to be a DJ?

Being a DJ would be really fun—not an electronic DJ, but I’d love to be a vinyl DJ. It’s expensive and you need a lot of gear, but it would be awesome.

I know you’re a big basketball fan, so I’ve got two questions for you.

Lakers in 5. Lakers in 5.

Who do you have winning the chip?

Gotta be my boy SGA.

If you were to compare yourself to an all-time NBA player, who would it be?

Let’s stick with a Laker. I don’t think I’m like a center when I play guitar—but on bass, maybe. I don’t know… maybe I’m like Pau Gasol. Someone who’s fire but not the greatest of all time.

Any upcoming shows or things you want to plug for yourself or Racecourse?

We’re playing a few shows before we all graduate, so look out for some gigs in Santa Cruz.

When is commencement? Are you excited?

June 15th. I’m so pumped to enter the workforce! 

What’s going to be your hype-up song for graduation?

Probably Runner by Alex G.

Sick. Thank you, Graeme Stage.