One would think that The Faint, known for hypnotic and exceedingly progressive electronic music, would live in an energy-infused metropolitan hub where everything is in surround. To the contrary, they are from the middle of America-- Omaha, Nebraska. This posse of five-– Todd Fink (lead vocals), Joel Petersen (bass), Jacob Thiele (synthesizers), Dapose (guitar) and Clark Baechle (drums)-– all grew up and still reside within the Omaha area.

Fresh off the chaos of their newest album release, Fascination, Petersen shared his view on Omaha’s idiosyncrasies while on a tour stop in NYC’s Terminal 5. After a tight sound check, he sat down with psychoPEDIA to discuss all things Omaha.

Friends and family are primarily what keeps Petersen landlocked from costal meccas, yet the band is further enabled by living in a fairy inexpensive setting “We couldn’t afford to be a band and own a building with a recording studio, not have day jobs and live in a cool city,” Petersen said. “Omaha allows us the ability to create music without worrying about overhead costs.”

Creatively, the band is on par with world-renowned remixers, producers, and bands like Jacques Lu Cont, Tommie Sunshine, Justice, and Daft Punk – all of whom live in metropolitan cities of London, New York and Paris. In Omaha however, creativity sparks from the opposite spectrum-– lack-there-of stimulants.

“I think it’s because of the opposite of living in a metropolitan area and having inclement weather. It’s either really cool or really hot! In Omaha, you don’t have museums to go to either, or that new kick ass bar to check out. You have nothing. It forces you to make your own fun. You stay in and just create,” Petersen states.

The Faint would probably want to stay inside and create rather than facing the absurdly obese population which Petersen describes as, “the most indicative aspect of Omaha.” It’s a meat and potatoes world where the restaurant chain Omaha Steaks prevails. No one seems to walk in the city, either. Everyone drives, which in turn leaves a void in physical fitness. Unfortunately, if a pedestrian is spotted on the street, drivers will honk and laugh. Walking is equal to being poor in Omaha.

On a brighter side, Petersen does share a few spots where he frequents including his favorite Mexican restaurant in the entire world, La Mesa. “It’s the first and last place I eat before and after touring,” said Petersen. “Their salsa is just perfect for me!” There are also a few bars and music venues which cater to The Faint’s like-minded set. Brothers Lounge, a bar that is about 10 blocks from the bands’ studio and a relatively new music venue called The Waiting Room. Promoters within the city who virtually brought in any great out-of-town band through the Saddle Creek Records community years, finally created their own spot.

If Petersen ever felt inclined to move from Omaha, his change in scenery would be quite drastic, stating “nowhere in the United States! I’d stay away from Republicans, get the hell out of this country, and move somewhere in Europe!"

~Jessica McMenamin

Go There:
Omaha Steaks, 4400 South 96th Street. (800) 960-8400
La Mesa, 11002 Emmet St # 112. (402) 496-1101
The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St. (402) 884-5353
Saddle Creek Records, 725 N 14th St. (402) 558-8208
Downtown Hilton Hotel, 17879 Chicago St. (402) 289-9696