Slanted, Enchanted… and back in Mexico.
Bob Nastanovich talks about the documentary, the passage of time and the excitement of playing in the country for the first time.
Pavement are one of those bands that never set out to define a generation, but did so anyway. Since their beginnings in Stockton, California, their lo-fi sound, absurd humor and honesty made them an absolute benchmark of 90s indie rock. Now, more than three decades after its formation, the group led by Stephen Malkmus is preparing to perform for the first time in Mexico within the festival Hypnosis 2025and he does so at a time when his legacy is once again being revisited thanks to a new documentary and an unexpected connection with the younger generations.
In chat with Indie Rocks!, Bob Nastanovichpercussionist and one of the most charismatic members of the band, reflects on this new stage, the years shared with Malkmus and company, and the excitement of playing in front of a Mexican audience for the first time.
Indie Rocks!: Pavement has led the way in indie rock for over 30 years. How does it feel to look back and still experience “first times,” like your visit to Mexico?
Bob Nastanovich: It's incredible. We always wanted to play in Mexico, especially in Mexico City. In the nineties there wasn't as much interest in alternative or indie rock, but that changed a lot. The new Mexican generations are very involved in underground and experimental music, and we feel that now there is an audience that connects with what we do. It took us a while to get there, but there are a lot of bands here that grew up listening to Pavement. So for us it is also a very special day.
GO!: With the new documentary about Pavement, the public has rediscovered its story. Did it make you rethink who you are as a band?
Bob: Yes, in a way. It's a fun movie, a little eccentric, and I don't know if it reflects exactly who we are, but I like that it presents a different version of the band. Hearing our songs turned into a musical was strange, but also nice. It's strange to see how a group of people can reinterpret something we did decades ago and do it with so much love. I guess that forces you to accept that music, when it connects, continues to travel across generations.
GO!: After so many years sharing tours and stages, how has your relationship with Stephen Malkmus and the rest of the group changed?
Bob: I think we are all calmer. In the 90s there was a lot of pressure: endless tours, press, expectations, record labels… Now there is none of that. We got together because we like playing together and because we still get along. In this version of Pavement there is more freedom. Rebecca Coleour new member, has contributed a lot. It's great music and helps us sound more complete.
GO!: Their song “Harness Your Hopes” went viral and brought a new generation to the band. How do you experience this unexpected resurgence?
Bob: It's something we didn't expect. While the documentary was being made, “Harness Your Hopes” exploded on the internet and suddenly there were teenagers listening Pavement for the first time. It was strange, but at the same time it made us feel grateful. If someone discovers our music because of a lost song, that's fine. The important thing is that the interest is genuine.
GO!: How do you choose which songs to play at the festival? Hypnosis? Does it get more difficult with so many different albums and eras?
Bob: Yeah! It's difficult because there is a lot of music and everyone has their favorites. Generally I put together the setlist, but Stephen He reviews it and sometimes changes things depending on what he can sing or the mood of the moment. We try to find a balance between what people want to hear and what we enjoy playing. The important thing is that it feels good, that it flows. It's not about making a perfect list, but about maintaining energy.
GO!: What would you say is the secret to continuing making music without falling into monotony?
Bob: I don't know if there is a secret. I think the important thing is to have fun. In my case, I was never a professional musician; I started playing a week before our first show. I was always more of a guy who was there to encourage and keep the pace going. If I keep taking it like that, everything is still fun. Monotony sets in when you start taking yourself too seriously.
GO!: And how would you describe Pavement in three words?
Bob: Twisted Spellbound. Eternals.
