Self-described as "two dudes who love music," Maxwell Drummey and D.A. Wallach of Chester French are just a couple of local boys making good. Music, that is. In between touring the world, being picked up by Pharrell's label Star Trek and releasing a bad-ass new album, these two Harvard kids took some time to sit down and chat with Yelp Boston's Community Manager, Leighann F, to tell us about their neighborhood faves, where to pick up chicks and the absolute best food on the planet!
LF: Why did you decide to name yourselves after the sculptor Daniel Chester French?
DA:
We had seen the John Harvard sculpture he'd done, which is the
centerpiece of Harvard's campus, as well as a bust in our dining hall.
At the end of the day, though, we just thought the name sounded cool!
LF: How would you describe your sound in 5 words?
DA: A blast from the Mass.
Max: Imagine a bunch of sounds.
LF:
You guys met at Harvard, in the dining hall. What were some of the
places around Cambridge that you’d check out together as young lads?
Any fond Harvard Square memories?
DA: We probably did
the same half-mile walk from our studio to our dorm a thousand times or
more. Our standard reward was pizza or a cheeseburger sub at Pinocchio's, the best pizza place in the world.
Max: There's this dope restaurant called Dunkin' Donuts. Had some great casual encounters there.
LF:What are some of the more memorable shows you’ve seen in Boston? What are your favorite venues in Boston to play at?
DA: We didn't really go to too many shows together, but our senior year went to see the Raconteurs at the Orpheum. That was pretty dope. We also went to see several jazz shows during college.
Max: I've seen a pretty ridiculous amount of shows in Boston. Tortoise at the Somerville Theater was one of the best. Kurt Rosenwinkel at Sculler's was dope, despite the atmosphere. Herbie Hancock at Symphony Hall blew my mind. I've never played downstairs at The Middle East. I've always wanted to do that. Been to a ton of shows there.
LF: Any record stores hold a fond place in your heart?
DA: I used to shop at Newbury Comics while in college. It's pretty awesome that they're now helping us spread the word on our debut album, "Love the Future."
Max: I really like In Your Ear. Both the Harvard Square and Comm Ave locations are dope. My two favorite places to dig in Boston. Cheapo Records in Central Square is awesome too.
LF: Any favorite eateries, bars, places to meet the ladies?
DA: Pinnochio's, The Wrap, Charlie's Kitchen.
Max: Pinnochio's is probably the best food on the planet.
Now I'm vegan, so that's out. Really though if I'm in Boston, I want my
mom to cook for me. F*ck restaurants. Bars? I also prefer to get drunk
at home. I usually have fun when I'm in Central Square though. I like to meet women on the train.
LF: Your style is insane. Any top shops you’d recommend for that CF aesthetic?
DA: Thank you. The Andover Shop
has all the classic old-man gear but most of it fits too big because
it's made for fat moguls. I like buying Spring Court sneakers over at Concepts or The Tannery.
Max: Boomerangs in JP is my favorite spot to get dressed in Boston. In Harvard Square, Proletariat was really cool when they still sold mainly vintage stuff. Obviously you can find dope stuff at The Garment District.
LF: What’s the last thing you searched for on Yelp?
DA: I just this moment searched for food near our venue in Philadelphia.
Max: I've been trying to get a massage and a hand job in a lot of cities recently.
LF: What’s the last impression you want to leave yelpers with?
DA: We want them to come to our own awesome online service, The Chester French VIP Concierge Service. If folks come to www.chesterfrench.com they are able to communicate with us by email and we try to fulfill all of their deepest desires. Anyone who is down with us right now gains access to a special world. We're really like a club in which anyone is a welcome. Get with it!
