Eli Hansen (Real Numbers)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2022? (In order 1-5)
- The Smashing Times - Bloom (Meritorio)
- Cole Pulice - Scry (Moon Glyph)
- The Reds, Pinks & Purples - Summer At Land's End (Slumberland)
- Peel Dream Magazine - Pad (Slumberland)
- Rachel Love - Stories From Another Time EP (self-released)
What band did you discover in 2022 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
Epic Soundtracks, specifically the 1994 album Sleeping Star. Some excellent folk/country vibes from the former Swell Maps founding member. Discoveries like this can serve to remind us that there is "no bottom" so never stop seeking out new music!
How will you remember 2022? (In terms of music)
In 2022 Real Numbers broke the ice and played a whopping five shows across Chicago (Empty Bottle), New York (three shows for New Colossus Fest) and here in Minneapolis (Entry). That Chicago show in particular was memorable due to the stellar crowd and lineup. It was with old favorites Cafe Racer and a very new band at the time Cabeza de Chivo (I believe it was their 3rd show). The show sold out, or close to it, and everyone, including the staff at the Empty Bottle, were having a great time. Cabeza de Chivo was outrageously good and we can't wait to see what they do in the future. This was also when I discovered the amaro Cynar which is the one with the big artichoke on the label and is similar to Campari w/ more complexity.
What can we look forward to from you in 2023?
I know I said this last year but I'll say it again: Real Numbers will record our new songs. At the very least we'll start practicing/playing as a five-piece again. If there's any virtuoso bass players out there with a penchant for indiepop hmu.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2023?
The Gabacho album. Check out the single "Sentimiento" on YouTube.
Live shows are still a mixed bag as we adapt to social gatherings in a COVID world. What is something positive you see about touring right now? Anything you’d like to see change?
I've been seeing some earlier shows happening out there and would like to see more of that. New DIY spaces have popped up here in Minneapolis so hopefully that's happening elsewhere as well.
Eli Hansen – social media links
- Instagram: @real.numbers
