The Ian Olvera Beat

photo by Adam Roskom

It’s hardly a shocker when new bands get hooked up with national acts thanks to the Internet. Social media: email lists, blog comments, Twitter, Facebook and the like sometimes make random comments and exchanges easily turn into trading tracks, snagging opening spots and sometimes, touring. In the case of Green Bay twang-pop trio Ian Olvera & the Sleepwalkers, ‘Mr. Internet’ (as they like to call it) was their go-ahead-nod to jump in on a tour with power pop icons, the Paul Collins’ Beat, which truly isn’t a huge surprise considering both band’s like-minded, big-sounding pop tendencies. Collins (best known for his work in the 70’s as part of the punk rock group, The Nerves) formed The Paul Collins’ Beat in the 90’s and his most recent release, King of Power Pop! (out last week), is being called his toughest and most melodic yet. Ian Olvera & the Sleepwalkers bring their Midwestern charm along with Collins on their double-album tour, which began in Green Bay on Tuesday. IO&TS’s spirited The Reckless Kind stands up nicely next to King of Power Pop! and Olvera takes a moment to talk to Fan-belt about the album’s construction, electronic serendipity and the band’s tour stop at Club Garibaldi’s this Saturday.

Home-home for all three of us now is Green Bay.  Connor and I live/go to school in Oshkosh.  Nik goes to school in Green Bay (he used to be in Milwaukee, laziness has prevented from telling Mr. Internet that doesn’t live there anymore.).

You’ve had a busy summer so far — why put your noses to the grindstone, now?

We like to keep busy and get to new places.  We’ve been having a ton of fun this summer getting out and playing/promoting this new album, while putting away a bit of security for the next record.

Your new album (The Reckless Kind) is officially set. What was it like for you getting it together — you recorded it on location, right (at Howl Street Studios)?

It was recorded several places, including Howl Street and Mystery Room in Milwaukee, Topsoil Studios in Oshkosh, and UW-Oshkosh.  Work on it began before “Sleepwalkers” were set and rolling, so on this record Adam Cargin is playing drums and Justin Perkins is playing bass with additional help from some friends including Connor Lamue (who plays bass in Sleepwalkers), Trapper and Tanner Schoepp, and more.  It took a long time, and we were always racing against the clock (sessions were spread out from May 2009 to June 2010). It was great working with everyone on it and I believe the end product turned out pretty solid.

How’d you get hooked up with the legendary Paul Collins (of the Paul Collins’ Beat)? He’s a big deal and you have a pretty nice Wisconsin/Illinois mini-tour with him…

The wonders of Mr. Internet.  I randomly began talking to Paul on Facebook one day and sent him some contacts for shows in parts of Wisconsin…yadda yadda yadda, we ended up hooking up a handful of shows and get to hit the road for a few days.

Are you looking forward to your day in Milwaukee for any extra-particular reasons? You’ve got an in-store at Exclusive and a show at Club Garibaldi’s to take on.

I think I am looking forward most to the Milwaukee shows.  We always have a good time playing in Milwaukee. We have never been to Club Garibaldi, but I’ve heard such great things.  We’re excited that The Obsoletes are on the show — Tim, Jon and Justin have been good pals of ours for a long time but we’ve never shared a stage, collectively.  Plus,  by Garibaldi, everyone will be ten or eleven sets in for the week, so things should be smokin’…

Ian Olvera & the Sleepwalkers release The Reckless Kind at Club Garibaldi’s (2501 S. Superior) at 9 p.m. With the Get Drunk DJs, The Obsoletes and the Paul Collins’ Beat. 21+