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Arts & Music

Gimme Five! Bryon Settle of Lud

“Those stupid bastards poisoned the town,” or at least so says the title of a track off 2008’s V, Lud’s latest record. When it comes whom the culprits of said crime may or may not be, there’s no band that’s likely to know any better than Lud, who have been playing around these parts for over two decades.

“Those stupid bastards poisoned the town,” or at least so says the title of a track off 2008’s V, Lud’s latest record. When it comes whom the culprits of said crime may or may not be, there’s no band that’s likely to know any better than Lud, who have been playing around these parts for over two decades.

Founded by Kirk Ross (editor-in-chief of The Carrboro Citizen) and Bryon Settle (of Killer Filler, etc) in the 1980s and currently featuring Tim Salemy (formerly of The Sames) and Sara Bell (of Regina Hexaphone, etc), Lud’s great strength has been the band’s free-form attitude and maniacal passion for the music. They’ve recorded five records, played an untold number of shows, and generally jammed their way through the cobwebs of rock cliché and indie pretension. And you can catch them in action down at The Cave this Saturday when they’ll be joined by Titanium Rex and others.

And now just the five hardest questions in faux business:

1. If you band were a barnyard animal, what would it be?

I’m trying to think which animal cares the least. How about a donkey. All of the other animals get eaten eventually.

2. How has being a father changed the way you think about (or relate to) music?

Parenthood requires one to prioritize all things. time is precious. I no longer want to play tuba and will concentrate on being a better guitarist.

3. Describe what it’s like to play in Lud versus in other bands (like Killer Filler).

That’s easy: I get to do what I want in Lud. I never have to play a song the same way twice. The other band I’m in (Killer Filler) requires discipline and dedication which is also good.

4. Who/what might be a few inspirations or influences that would really surprise people?

Hard to say. Bernard Herrmann, Steve Reich, Kirk Ross, Miles Davis.

5. What did you dream of being when you were a kid? (How ’d that turn out?)

Guitar player. Seriously. I just wish someone would have told me that I needed to work a little harder early on. Turned out fine though. I can play most gigs. I do wish Lud could play out more.

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Bounce over to The Cave this Saturday, November 13th to see Lud in action. And, by all means, give Bryon a high five when you see him!