The Vegetable Kingdom
Incredibly Austin, incredibly weird, and incredibly enthralling, JL McFee’s The Vegetable Kingdom is hands-down the most unique electronic band you’ll hear. At first it just sounds eerie, but within moments, the sounds intertwine and take root in your right parietal lobe, sending you on a spiritual journey.
McFee is a master therapist whose tunes will massage your ear drums. Sometimes it’s a gentle massage and other times it’s deep tissue, but the result is the same. You’re going to feel invigorated and grateful for the time you spent in this super talented individual’s kingdom.
Q&A
1) Who are the members of your band and how did you meet?
JL McFee is The Vegetable Kingdom… The transfiguration began in 2007.
2) How long have you been in Austin and how long have you played music?
I’ve moved to Austin in 2005, and have been playing / performing music since I was a teenager.
3) Has the city of Austin had any influence in the style or direction of your music?
Austin has given me the freedom to create & perform almost anything I’ve dreamt up!
4) Do you perform live shows in Austin, and if so,what are your favorite venues?
Occasionally- my favorite spots to perform are always the DIY spots (Lamar Pedestrian Bridge & Cesar Chavez tunnels).
5) Are there other bands in Austin you’d recommend to your fans?
Black Shroud, My Empty Phantom, Kinder, IAYD, Solar Shield, Mothr, Saakred, Brainwavve, 7layeroscillator, Neon Black, Dylan C, A Better Tomorrow, Butcher Bear, Soundfounder, Trax Rebo, BRTHR WLF, Tangence, ManoftheDown, Hobo D, 4th Wall, Boombaptist, NickNack, Botany… I could go on for hours!
6) What musicians have most influenced you?
Bogdan Raczynski, Wisp, The Faint, Rustie, Samiyam, Modeselektor.
7) What’s the best thing that has happened to your band?
One of my tracks (“Behave Yourself”) got pressed to vinyl last year on the Exploded Drawing 7 year compilation- a dream I’ve had since childhood!
8) Any cringe-worthy moments the band has endured that you’re willing to divulge?
Very early on, I was doing a DJ set at a New Year’s Eve party and my laptop screen started glitching out to the point it was completely white and I couldn’t see anything at all. I was train-wrecking super hard and a couple of other artists came up to me and said, “You know everyone can hear what you’re playing, right?” I will never forget that moment.
9) Is there anything you’d care to share or anything else you’d like to let us know about?
If you are positive, persistent, and patient, you can achieve almost anything you set your mind to.
10) Give us one fun fact.
There’s a smoothie named after me at JuiceLand and I’ve never tried it because I’m terrified of beets.
