photo: Rita Badalamenti

Tonight, the Snuggle Ups will pack up the cuteness and say goodbye forever. But before they disappear into the horizon, the band took some time to chat with Our Town Can Be Your Life columnist Cary Clarke about their run as a band, the importance of not taking yourself too seriously and a shirtless Liam Kenna.

MP3:
The Snuggle Ups - Dancing in the Dark

The Snuggle Ups perform tonight at Berbati’s Pan.

Why is this the last Snuggle-Ups show? Is the romance over?
The decision to end the Snuggleups was due to our individual musical directions, time constraints, logistics, and the fact that we hate each other (just kidding). Honestly, we came to the conclusion that if we were to collaborate again it would make more sense to start with a different band. The Snuggle Ups have been the most important first step for both of us as musicians, and partially as people. However, there comes a time for change. We had been sitting on our hands for so long with this that our enthusiasm dwindled (which obviously is the core of this project). We are still best friends, and still support and love one another. We are each others biggest fans.

Are there any plans to release any final recordings?
Yes, we have been tirelessly working on recording the unreleased jams. We will be giving CDR's away at the show on Friday. There will be about 4 new (old) songs. Also there will be a greatest hits album coming out late fall of 2015.

What's next for both of you, musically speaking? New projects? Concentrating on old ones?
Liam is currently involved in two active projects, MegaDome (electro R&B jams), and Pocket Parade with good friend Kate Walsh. Brett is working on two active projects also, Fleshtone with long time friend Jayme Hansen, and B*RETTA (remix/electro jams)

What can people expect from the final Snuggle Ups performance?
Sweat. Mostly from Liam. It's been a long tradition for Liam to take his shirt off, but he swears after every show he won't do it at the next. We'll see!

Any relationship suggestions? For bands?
Long walks on the beach, little surprises. Make dinner, it works! Seriously, make music with friends, if you don't love the people you are creative with than what's the point.

Lessons learned? Wisdom gained?
People will dance if you give them a reason, everyone is so ready to have a good time. The important first step is breaking down the barrier between performer and spectator. There are many ways to do this, we've found that acting as stupid as possible on and off stage usually does the trick. We have also learned that one of the many beautiful things about Portland is the hugely supportive music scene. If you have some crazy idea for a music project there is most likely a venue or a house out there that will let you play a show.

Some have questioned whether this band has been a joke all along, we would say that it has been no more of a joke than we are. We both came to the conclusion when we formed the Snuggle Ups that it was time for us to stop taking ourselves so seriously as musicians and as people, I don't think either of us have regretted that decision.