Interviews – MusicGeek.org http://www.musicgeek.org/wp Sat, 20 Mar 2010 18:02:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.7.12 Revolver Records thrives amidst record store closures http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/2010/03/20/revolver-records-thrives-amidst-record-store-closures http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/2010/03/20/revolver-records-thrives-amidst-record-store-closures#respond Sat, 20 Mar 2010 18:02:29 +0000 http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/?p=1391

T.J. from Revolver Records from MusicGeek.org on Vimeo.

T.J. Jordan has a bold goal: to run the last record store in existence. When T.J. Jordan opened Revolver Records on Sept. 1, 2007, most people would have written it off as a pipe dream destined for failure. Two years later, Jordan and his staff are thriving at the Phoenix-based record store.

The store’s success, Jordan said, is down to one thing: It’s appealing to music lovers in search of something new.

“The people who come into record stores are coming in because they want something unique,” he said. “They’re not coming into to buy the latest Lil Wayne record. The only way record stores are going to stay in business is by appealing to the people who actually want to buy records.”

That appeal, Jordan said, is vital to the longevity of every record store; the traditional business model of the record store won’t keep them around, but providing excitement to music lovers will.

“If you go throughout the country, you’re going to see that the ones that are successful are the ones that have found a way to appeal to niche buyers and keep their store exciting,” he said. “I loved those record stores back in the ’90s, but I want to be the guy that owns the last record store. That’s my goal. I want to keep this in business as long as possible. What we try to do here is find ways we can stay in business, have a cushy job, and not have to work real jobs.”

Record stores are an invaluable asset in musical development, Jordan said. While the exit of many from the scene can be blamed on the faulty business model, much is lost when record stores shut their doors for good.

“If you listen to interviews with Paul McCartney or Brian Wilson, they always talk about the record stores they went into and discovered music,” he said. “Record stores are really important in musical development, and I hope it continues. I don’t like seeing record stores going out of business.”

Where Phoenix record stores like long-time city favorites Circles Records & Tapes — mere blocks away from Revolver — is closing its doors after 38 years of business, Revolver Records is busy carving out a niche for themselves. It’s not just Circles, but a business model that’s disappearing.

“The main reason is because they operate on a business model that worked for 1990, but it doesn’t work for 2010,” he said. “I don’t see that business model working now that you can download individual songs on iTunes. The ones that are dying are the ones that had a corporate mentality, and the ones that are thriving are appealing to music buyers again.”

Revolver’s niche, the same one to which other independent record stores across the country are looking, is why two-thirds of Jordan’s sales come from purchases of vinyl records.

As stores that sold vinyl in their heyday but have since moved exclusively to the CD sputter and collapse, Revolver Records represents a new breed of store: one that embraces the “long dead” format — and embraces their customer base along the way. Despite their love for vinyl, Jordan doesn’t think his customer base is simply antiquated.

“I think it would be foolish to say that most of our customers don’t have an iPod; I think they do,” he said. “I think the reason why people buy records is because it’s so unique, and it’s valuable.”

While the CD may have been easy to listen to, and the MP3 even easier to digest, there’s still an appeal to listening to vinyl, Jordan said.

“There’s a bit of effort involved in records,” Jordan said. “It’s tough to experience a record in tracks, you really experience it as a whole. For me, it’s a whole different experience, and I think that our customers come in for that.”

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Politics and Music: Mark Berube http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/2008/09/12/politics-and-music-mark-berube http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/2008/09/12/politics-and-music-mark-berube#respond Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:23:17 +0000 http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/2008/09/12/politics-and-music-mark-berube Mark Berube and the Patriotic FewMark Berube, a Canadian indie musician who performs folk-inflected indie with his group, Mark Berube and the Patriotic Few, discusses his perspective on music and politics. This is the third in a series of interviews with musicians discussing political perspectives. 

What role do politics play in your music?

Politics in modern music can very easily have the tendency to be preachy. I avoid this sort of statement as much as I can, unless I really want to put some balls behind something. I prefer subtlety, like “Ojala,” by Silvio Rodriguez, probably one of the most potent and subtle statments made in a song against Castro.

Mark Berube and the Patriotic Few – “Flowers on the Stones” | download
[audio:http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/08-flowers-on-the-stones.mp3]

What role do you think music should play in politics?

Music has always been a reference point for society to bounce itself against, or it has been pure escapism. Most of the time it fills an entertainment quota in politics … you only have to look as far as Palin’s use of “Barracuda”.

Would you ever allow a mainstream political candidate to use your music in campaigning? Why or why not?

I honestly don’t think any politician is going to be asking to use one of my songs.

Would you consider throwing your endorsement behind a candidate you were passionate about?

One thing that was amazing about Gandhi for example, was that he never actually became a politician, ie. leading a party, but his presence and advice were so heavy he was able to operate outside the political realm but still have enormous clout. I would endorse someone like that, but not a politician.

Why are the political opinions of popular musicians such a hot topic with their fans?

It would be hard for some people to continue loving some folk singers music if they found out he was a leader of a KKK group. I know I would. Is it possible to truly separate someone and their political beliefs? Not sure…there are the famous examples Wagner, a huge anti-Semitic … Dali more or less complete fascist. Their art is amazing … but …

Do you think there are major problems with the modern political system? Does celebrity involvement play a part in this?

Modern politics have definitely become more slanderous in the public realm, to the point where it’s almost pathetic, i.e., Canada’s political campaigns right now. Either the contestants belittle their audiences with tried homegrown folksy semantics, slander each other, or dance around poignant questions. I have yet to hear an interview so far in the current Canadian campaign where one of them came off truly confident in what they’re saying and not trying to say answers they think people want to hear. The shape of the voice can be extremely telling. Of course this is a bit idealist, but better to start with the ideals then move down I figure. What did Churchill say … Democracy is the worst sort of government but better than all the other options.

Celebrity involvement … it’s always been there, just different celebrities now, maybe more pop culture based, which would explain the trajectory of today’s campaigns.

Are you following the 2008 U.S. elections? Are there any thoughts you’d like to share on what you’ve seen?

Yeah, I’m following it a bit. I’m definitely pro Obama. It’s interesting that so many Republicans worry about him having no international experience when they elected Bush II, and he’d hardly ever been out of America, and very obviously failed geography class in elementary school. He actually seems a hell of a lot more proactive, whereas McCain fills the typical aged reactive approach. I think a lot of people are tired of that approach … and McCain dies and Palin is suddenly leading the US …

Share your perspectives on music and politics; comment below and get involved.

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From the archives: An interview with Sean and Christian of Monster Movie http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/2008/09/09/from-the-archives-an-interview-with-sean-and-christian-of-monster-movie http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/2008/09/09/from-the-archives-an-interview-with-sean-and-christian-of-monster-movie#respond Tue, 09 Sep 2008 13:00:28 +0000 http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/2008/09/09/from-the-archives-an-interview-with-sean-and-christian-of-monster-movie Monster MovieThe following is an interview conducted with Christian Savill and Sean Hewson of Monster Movie from 2005. The interview is being resurfaced mostly because I think it’s interesting. Nothing in the interview — aside from formatting — has been changed, though multimedia content has been added in for user interest.

As a child, were you around music much?

Sean: Only when I got to school and started learning instruments. I think we’re just classic geeks and we spent a lot of time at home listening to music when we were teenagers because we didn’t know how to get girlfriends.

Christian: Not that much. My Dad didn’t even know who the Beatles were, he is a bit of an opera man. I was also hopeless at music at school. Aside from kids music like The Wombles, I remember hearing “Wuthering Heights” by Kate Bush when it first came out and being really interested in it, but not knowing why or what it was. After that I loved listening to the radio and taping the Top 40 singles charts every Sunday night. Those cassettes would literally get worn out. I didn’t get a guitar until I was about 16 or 17, my Dad bought me a right handed guitar, I’m left handed.

Monster Movie – “Letting You Know” | download
[audio:http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/lettingyouknow.mp3]

Why (and when) did Monster Movie form?

Sean: We were originally The Geeks in 1989, then we were Eternal. Then Slowdive happened. In the mid-1990s we kind of messed about but we still weren’t old enough and close enough to death to take things seriously. By 2000 we were old enough and we formed Monster Movie because we were bored at work and we hated every other band — it was all that Travis and Coldplay nonsense — music for people who found Radiohead too difficult and read the music reviews in fashion magazines.

Christian: There was a whole bunch of us indie kids who would hang around in Reading town centre and were all about the same age. I think most people had guitars, but Sean was about the only one who could actually play it. Because of that Sean got roped into playing in The Geeks after I had arranged a gig when we hadn’t ever practiced and couldn’t even play. So in a way that was the start of Monster Movie. I suppose our first ever original song was played in that farcical gig “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, No” maybe it was also our pinnacle.

Sean: When we went in the ‘dressing room’ after our set the headlining band were all taking the piss out of us.

What are some of the struggles you’ve had in your years as a band?

Sean: We’re too lazy to struggle. The continuing fight is to get enough money to record and then to get enough people to take notice of the recording to create money to record again. The other struggle is to not be rubbish, I think we’re not rubbish more than we are rubbish but I wouldn’t like to look at the percentage breakdown.

Christian: One of the up sides of being completely unsuccessful is that there is no pressure or people trying to exploit you. Our struggles are fairly minor, like trying to sing a song in tune or trying to finish recording before the money runs out. Having said that, getting a record sleeve designed seems to be a huge struggle for us. They hardly ever turn out how we want them to.

You probably get this question a lot, but… Lon Chaney or Boris Karloff?

Sean: We took our name from Can. If you’re talking horror films my favourite monster this week is Doug Bradley in the Hellraiser films.

Christian: I don’t know. I would love to see this one horror movie again that I saw when I was about 10. I think it was called Bug. The bugs could create fire and electricity.

When do you plan to have your third album released?

Sean: Definitely before the end of the year and hopefully before the end of summer. We’ve just got the vocals to do but we also want to get some of our friends to play on it so there’s still a bit of organising to do.

What have you been listening to lately?

Sean: At The Drive-In, Depeche Mode, “The Process” by Skinny Puppy, Einsturzende Neubauten, Nick Cave and David Bowie. Today I will be listening to Teenage Fanclub and Neil Young because I want to rip-off some of their ideas.

Christian: My favourite songs at the moment are “Number One Song In Heaven” by Sparks, “Big City” by Spacemen 3, “Who’ll Stop The Rain” Creedence Clearwater Revival, & “Bleecker Street” by Simon and Garfunkel. Flotation Toy Warning’s Bluffers Guide To The Flight Deck was my favourite album last year, I reckon Dreamend and Black Moth Super Rainbow will release great albums this year.

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Politics and Music: Jon Crocker, ever-touring folk artist http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/2008/09/08/politics-and-music-jon-crocker-ever-touring-folk-artist http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/2008/09/08/politics-and-music-jon-crocker-ever-touring-folk-artist#respond Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:20:01 +0000 http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/2008/09/08/politics-and-music-jon-crocker-ever-touring-folk-artist Jon Crocker in Cedar City, UtahJon Crocker, the ever-touring folk artist, discusses his perspective on music and politics. This is the second in a series of interviews with musicians discussing political perspectives.

What role do politics play in your music?

Not a very large one … if I ever write topical songs, they’re usually about social or environmental issues as opposed to political ones, and even with those issues I don’t really write about the political sides.

What role do you think music should play in politics?

I think that should be up to the musicians. If someone wants to make political music, they should. I think songwriters should write about whatever they are passionate about.

Jon Crocker – “Six Day Sinners’ Son” | download
[audio:http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/jon-crocker-six-day-sinners-son.mp3]


Jon Crocker in Cedar City, UtahWould you ever allow a mainstream political candidate to use your music in campaigning? Why or why not?

Yes, I would, but only if they paid me lots of money and I had no major objections to their platform.

Would you consider throwing your endorsement behind a candidate you were passionate about?

Well, first, I’d have to feel passionately about a candidate. I suppose that if I did, i would endorse them and whatnot. but I don’t.

Why are the political opinions of popular musicians such a hot topic with their fans?

I’m not really sure about this one, but it might explain why I’m not a big fan of Ted Nugent.

Do you think there are major problems with the modern political system? Does celebrity involvement play a part in this?

Oh yes, I think there are many major problems with the modern system, but celebrity involvement has very little to do with that. Mostly ,I think it’s the result of letting a bunch of rich assholes run your homeland and of the dissenting public not be able to stand up and speak their minds without being shot by rubber bullets.

Are you following the 2008 U.S. elections? Are there any thoughts you’d like to share on what you’ve seen?

I haven’t been able to follow them very much yet, as I’ve been overseas for months. but I’ll say that Europeans seem very keen on Obama. They’re all keen on having an intelligent person be US president. They’re crazy.

Share your perspectives on music and politics; comment below and get involved.

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Politics and Music: Jordan Olsen, guitarist with The Gorgeous Hussies http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/2008/09/04/politics-and-music-jordan-olsen-guitarist-with-the-gorgeous-hussies http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/2008/09/04/politics-and-music-jordan-olsen-guitarist-with-the-gorgeous-hussies#respond Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:08:19 +0000 http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/2008/09/04/politics-and-music-jordan-olsen-guitarist-with-the-gorgeous-hussies Jordan Olsen, guitarist with The Gorgeous Hussies, discusses politics and music from his perspective.Jordan Olsen, guitarist with The Gorgeous Hussies, discusses his perspective of music and politics. This is the first in a series of interviews with musicians discussing political perspectives.

What role do politics play in your music?

On the whole I don’t think mainstream politics, per se, play a significant role in how I write and perform music. There hasn’t been an issue I’ve been so passionate about that I’d be willing to use my music to preach about it. That’s just not my style. However, I have written a few songs that present a larger comment on society and how we treat each other, which, I guess, is the crux of politics. So in that aspect maybe I have?

On The Gorgeous Hussies’ first CD Oh! Hello I wrote a song called “Dangerously Similar.” It’s based on the Israeli/Hezbollah conflict in the summer of 2006. I was watching CNN and watched Israeli troops fighting with Hezbollah troops and I couldn’t tell who was who. I couldn’t help but think that beyond the politics and ethnic conflict these people were first and foremost fathers and mothers but how at that moment they were “dangerously similar”. It’s not really an anti-war song, rather a comment on people who at their core are very similar but find themselves trying to kill each other.

The Gorgeous Hussies – “Dangerously Similar”
[audio:http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/track1_dangerously-similar.mp3]

The Gorgeous Hussies, live at The GrindThe other song is one called “Weigh It Out,” which will be on The Gorgeous Hussies’ forthcoming CD tentatively titled Six Radio Friendly Jams & Some Filler. The song discusses how often people focus so intently on our political differences rather than our human similarities. The lyrics are…

I’ve seen the best of every side,
And both proclaim that they are right,
And missed the mark so many times,
I made rash decisions out of spite.
We’ve pushed all reason out the door,
Dug up mistakes we’ve made before,
While ushering in a brand new era of complete disaster!

[Chorus]
But when I close my eyes,
I start to realize,
We’re all the same inside.
And is there something more,
That we’ve chosen to ignore,
A greater truth we cannot hide.
You tell me I can do no wrong,
All sense of reason’s dead and gone,
Spinning the words to hide the guilt you’ve felt inside for so long.
I understand the thrill you find,
Free from constraints inside your mind,
The error of our ways will surely bind us all in time!

What role do you think music should play in politics?

If your focus as a musician is to try and use music as a catalyst for political activism then obviously it plays a big role. However, I have a hard time with musicians (and movie stars) who are politically focused. Politics so often drives a wedge between people. People aren’t always able to see the art beyond the politics, you know what I mean? And I include myself in there. Look at what happened with The Dixie Chicks. By voicing their political opinion they drove a huge wedge between them and many of their fans. I’m not saying I agree with their comments one way or the other, I’m just saying you take the chance of alienating a lot of people by exposing your politics.

I learned this lesson first hand. I post regularly on a Salt Lake City based message board full of local musicians. A lot of the threads are often about politics. I have a differing opinion than the majority of musicians on the site. About a year ago I tried booking my band at two SLC venues and the bookers both told me they wouldn’t book my band because of my ‘political views’. I saw first hand how expressing your point of view can impact your career with people who aren’t tolerant or accepting of differing points of view. Since then I try to keep my politics separate from my music. We’ll see if this interview has any negative impact. ;)

Would you ever allow a mainstream political candidate to use your music in campaigning? Why or why not?

Depends on how hard up I was for cash. ;) But really I don’t know that I would. Like I said in my last comment, politics drives a wedge between a lot of people; people who I would normally find a lot in common with when it comes to music and art and basic desires in life. I want to share my music with as many people as possible so I would probably think twice before potentially alienating myself from half the population.

The Gorgeous Hussies, live at The GrindWould you consider throwing your endorsement behind a candidate you were passionate about?

Doubtful. I’m a fan of musicians and movie stars who practice their craft for the sake of art, not because they’re trying to shove their politics down my throat.

Why are the political opinions of popular musicians such a hot topic with their fans?

People are social creatures and I think people like it when their own political opinion is validated by someone they look up to. They like to know they’re part of a group/team and when someone they look up to feels similarly about an issue as they do it helps to solidify that sense of belonging.

Do you think there are major problems with the modern political system? Does celebrity involvement play a part in this?

Yes, I think all political systems have flaws. I don’t think that’s because of celebrity involvement, rather, human involvement. Humans are all imperfect and a system run by humans is ultimately going to also be imperfect. But that’s ok. We shouldn’t be seeking perfection, rather, the best outcome we can create. And I think politicians on both sides of the isle are trying to achieve the best outcome, as they see it. Now, whether you and I agree with the way in which they/we try to achieve these “best outcomes” is up for debate.

Are you following the 2008 U.S. elections? Are there any thoughts you’d like to share on what you’ve seen?

Yes, I follow the Presidential election closely each day. I think both campaigns have very strong candidates and it’s been a very dramatic race. There are two things I really like about this upcoming election as opposed to the past few elections.

#1: These candidates have very differing ideas on how to move our country forward. So often in the past we heard “there’s no difference between the two. I’ll just pick the lesser of two evils”. I think people have a very contrasting choice this election when it comes down to these candidate’s positions on specific issues. Choice is good!

#2: No matter who is elected, this is going to be an historic move forward for women and minorities in the US. I don’t think anyone’s vote should necessarily come down to race or gender and ignore the issues facing us, but it’s great to know we’re all part of a historic event that’ll take place this November.

Share your perspectives on music and politics; comment below and get involved.

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An interview with Lazy Goods http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/2008/02/10/an-interview-with-lazy-goods http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/2008/02/10/an-interview-with-lazy-goods#comments Sun, 10 Feb 2008 22:53:06 +0000 http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/2008/02/10/an-interview-with-lazy-goods Lazy Goods Lazy Goods is a side project for Chad Felix, also in the Las Vegas, Nev. band called The Tramlines. Though each project is somewhat similar, they are also very different. Lazy Goods is comprised of country & folk melodies along with great vocals by Chad. Lazy goods have a few other occasional members who are on a few tracks of Lazy Goods. Mike Busch, Tyler Mckusick, and occasionally Michael Catalano — the drummer of The Tramlines — join in on the music making of Lazy Goods.

You are in two similar music projects, The Tramlines and Lazy Goods. Is folk/indie your music of choice?:

I can’t really say that I prefer any specific genre of music. I find myself listening to different things every day. I think it is important that people listen to music, and make a conscious attempt to find something good about it. No matter what you are listening to there is something worth your while (minus the obvious exceptions). It is just a matter of time and patience.

You are currently going to release an EP of your own. How is the progress of that coming?:

The Lazy Goods EP is going great. Lazy Goods is less of a band and more of an experiment. This being said, the only song I have formally written for the project is “Pomegranate Blood.” All the others were constructed on lazy Friday nights with little-to-no premeditation. I currently have three tracks completed, with three others in the works. I have no specific date that I am aiming for, but let’s hope its before the middle of the year.

Who/What inspires you to write music?:

Curiosity and Bad Months.

What do you find to be the most beneficial part of writing music?

To be completely honest, I get a real feeling of accomplishment when I write something I am proud of. I can’t say that my motives are entirely selfish however. The reason I love playing in my other band, The Tramlines, is because it is such a different experience than Lazy Goods. Writing and playing in The Tramlines is a community effort whereas Lazy Goods is entirely personal.

Are there any albums out there that inspire you to write, If so, why?:

There certainly are. Recently:

Stars of the Lid – And Their Refinement of the Decline
Peter Broderick – Docile
The Field – From Here We Go Sublime

And Always:

Jim O’Rourke
Radiohead
Pavement
Wilco
Sonic Youth

What is in the future for Lazy Goods?:

Well this EP will come out eventually (Let’s say Early-Mid 2008). I am also working on a collaboration with songs written by myself and good friends Mike Busch and Tyler Mckusick, with drumming provided by Michael Catalano.

Paige Watters, MusicGeek.org reporter, interviewed Lazy Goods.

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An interview with Say Hi, who released a new album today http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/2008/02/05/an-interview-with-say-hi-who-released-a-new-album-today http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/2008/02/05/an-interview-with-say-hi-who-released-a-new-album-today#respond Tue, 05 Feb 2008 19:13:21 +0000 http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/2008/02/05/an-interview-with-say-hi-who-released-a-new-album-today Say Hi / Courtesy of Sneak Attack MediaEric Elbogen of Say Hi (previously Say Hi To Your Mom), who, today, release The Wishes and the Glitch, answers a few questions from MusicGeek.org regarding the new album, working with David Bazan and John Roderick, and more. Read after the jump for more of the interview, tracks from The Wishes and the Glitch, and links to purchase music from the group. Say Hi were previously the subject of a MusicGeek.org spotlight.

Say Hi — “Northwestern Girls” | download
[audio:http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/sayhi_northwesterngirls.mp3]

What’s the geekiest thing you did during the recording of The Wishes and the Glitch?

Well, cooping up in a bedroom full of music equipment for six months for twelve hours a day is pretty geeky, don’t you agree? I got nothing else.

What prompted the contributions from David Bazan and John Roderick? What was it like working with them?

I got to know both John and Dave a little bit over the past few years, from doing shows with The Long Winters and Headphones and just from moving to Seattle, where you end up running into the same people at every show you go to. I just put it out there and both of them were kind enough to indulge me and come over for a few hours to contribute. I have to say that both experiences were pretty exciting. I’ve listened to their records for many years and feel extremely lucky that they wanted to be involved. Both of them have very distinct voices and it was pretty surreal to sit there and listen to those voices fill up my little cave of a studio, singing my songs, voices that I’ve heard so many times on their own records, singing their own songs. Having them guest on this record definitely makes my list of top ten most exciting experiences.

Why did you move from Brooklyn to Seattle?

I needed a break from the hustle and bustle of New York City. I wanted to move somewhere I could afford to live without roommates.

Say Hi — “Toil and Trouble” | download
[audio:http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/sayhi_toilandtrouble.mp3]

How do you approach the music writing process?

I write every single day and then try and pick out the best of the crop when it’s time to make a record.

Aside from music, what are your interests?

Not much, really. A cute, compelling girl is the only thing that can distract me from being obsessed with working on music.

Say Hi — “Zero to Love” | download
[audio:http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/sayhi_zerotolove.mp3]

What are your plans following the release of the new album?

The usual, really. Lots of touring to support the record. I’ve started writing for the sixth record, too.

Purchase music from Say Hi To Your Mom

[amtap amazon:asin=B000X7YGAU]
[amtap amazon:asin=B0011HF61Y]

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An interview with Autumn Chorus http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/2008/01/26/an-interview-with-autumn-chorus http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/2008/01/26/an-interview-with-autumn-chorus#respond Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:30:33 +0000 http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/2008/01/26/an-interview-with-autumn-chorus Autumn Chorus / Photo courtesy of Autumn ChorusBrighton, UK post-rock-sounding darlings Autumn Chorus answer questions from MusicGeek.org regarding production of their music, reception of their debut EP, Rosa, and the support they find in the UK and beyond.

Autumn Chorus — “Remember the Dead”
[audio:http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/autumnchorus-rememberthedead.mp3]

What drives you to create ambient and post-rock music?
I think as a band we’re more about atmosphere as opposed to ambiance, as that suggests it’s in the background, and we want to be very much in the foreground! We’re never sure if we are “post-rock” but that’s what we seem to fit into. I think we’re influenced by classical music as much as we are other post-rock bands.

What, aside from music, do you find to be an influencing factor in your musical production?
Because a lot of our music is about a certain mood, there are certain themes that are hard to shift. Loss and sorrow definitely play their part, and grief. I think each of us has a picture in our minds about what we play; we’ll just never know what each other’s is! For me, it’s trees, pine trees to be specific. They remind me of places near home.

How do you create your music?
Our songs seem to either form out of nothing, or the opposite and we go into massive details about every note and harmony. Both ways seem to work, but it’s always very considered when we play together to know that we’re getting the most from each instrument.

What sorts of factors play into a typical recording session?
– We’ve only done one proper one! Sadly, the main factors were time, and money! We were happy that we got we wanted though, so for a short recording time, we didn’t feel like we’d had to compromise.

What are your post-Rosa plans?
We’re undecided as to whether or not to try and record a full album ourselves, to have the time we’d like to spend on a debut album, or hope that a record label picks us up to pay for it, and get the biggest and best results we can. I think our sound lends itself to big recording rooms and time to get the most from it, and that sadly costs money. We’d feel sad to think that we hadn’t got the best record possible, so it may be a case of waiting for the right offer to come up.

What sort of support do you find locally?
We’ve spent so much time locked away writing, recording, or mixing that our live set is only really just coming together. We’ve found a couple of lovely promoters to help us out with Brighton and London gigs, but our aim would be supporting the bigger bands out there in our field to give us the bigger venues and therefore bigger sound! Some promoters seem to give such strange choices of support that we don’t bother asking them anymore, as they don’t create nights that people will enjoy.

How has Rosa been received?
Rosa has gone surprisingly well! We’d hoped to get a cd out that would get us industry interest, which it has, but we’d put a lot of time into the post-production side of things, and currently have it stocked in the UK in Brighton, and online via Rough Trade. It’s also stocked in Berlin through a promoter friend of ours, and we’ve shifted a few copies there, too, which is cool.

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An interview with Nathaniel Carroll http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/2008/01/24/an-interview-with-nathaniel-carroll-2 http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/2008/01/24/an-interview-with-nathaniel-carroll-2#respond Thu, 24 Jan 2008 13:30:04 +0000 http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/2008/01/24/an-interview-with-nathaniel-carroll-2 Indie pop musician Nathaniel Carroll performs in Hurricane, Utah / MusicGeek.org, Matthew MontgomeryNathaniel Carroll, indie pop pianist, guitarist, and vocalist, is preparing a new album for release at some point in the future. While awaiting the release, take a listen to two tracks, “You’ll Make a Killing” and “A Lie Worth Living,” which he provided for your listening. The tracks, among his most musically mature and best-recorded, feature Carroll’s signature genuine, heartfelt songwriting.

MusicGeek.org previously conducted an interview with Nathaniel Carroll in October, 2005. His music can be purchased at his web site.

Nathaniel Carroll — “You’ll Make a Killing” | download
[audio:http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/youll-make-a-killing.mp3]

Nathaniel Carroll — “A Lie Worth Living” | download
[audio:http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/a-lie-worth-living.mp3]

What’s the status on your new album?

Slow and steady wins the race.  I’d be vain if I told you that I planned on it taking over two years to record my new album, as if I’ve been carefully crafting some masterpiece in my secret underground lair.  In actuality, this album is one of many flaming chainsaws in my juggling routine.  I have the skeleton tracks (drums, piano or guitar, vocals) recorded for 10 songs, and I have 2 songs that are “good enough.”  I’ve enclosed them in this electronic correspondence for your leaking pleasure.  If track lists mean anything to anyone these days, here’s one that looks cool in my head:

1.   Married to the Sea
2.   She Walks Alone
3.   Obvious
4.   Broken Body
5.   You’ll Make a Killing
6.   A Lie Worth Living
7.   Growing Up, Growing Out
8.   Scene Kids (Have you Seen Enough?)
9.   Rx
10.  My Father’s Son
11. The Sea Married Me

Don’t hold me to that.  Don’t hold me to anything!  I want to finish these jams by the end of February or March, but my studio moved away.  I recorded “You’ll Make a Killing” with Jeremy Larson ( myspace.com/jeremylarson), and it’s close to being done.  We had a lot of friends come sing gang vocals in the middle.  From the way things are shaping up, it’s turning out to be more of a rock record than the first album.  That should be fun, right?

Nathaniel Carroll explores Zion National Park, near Springdale, Utah / MusicGeek.org, Matthew MontgomeryWhat’s the geekiest thing you’ve done on tour?

I flew to New York once to play a bunch of songs for a girl with whom I was temporarily smitten.  Instead, an ex-girlfriend from Missouri showed up at the club during my set and totally freaked me out.  Afterward, the ex claimed “I was upstairs at the bar and heard your voice, so I followed it down here!  What are the odds?!”  I’d say about 100%, since it was apparent she showed up just to antagonize me.  Finally, three hours after my set, the girl arrived at the show (thanks to her boyfriend).  In hind sight, it was a pretty geeky thing to do.  I’ll make it into a teen romance comedy movie someday.

I also played a show in a tiny pizza parlor in Baltimore in exchange for the experience of making my own New York style pizza.. in the middle of Maryland.  I was elated.

I also cut kids’ hair a lot on tour.  It’s a fun bonding experience, and it requires a lot of trust.  I think I cut someone’s hair in your kitchen, actually.  Sorry if you found any clippings in your food.

Did you graduate from school yet? If you haven’t, how are your studies? If you have, what are your plans now that you have a degree?

I am currently on a sabbatical from college.  I have about 20 credit hours remaining for a degree in philosophy (another geeky venture), and will be taking classes part-time this coming summer.  I hope to finish in 2009.

To be honest, the moment I decided I didn’t want to go back to school last year, I went to the local library and got my very own library card, and I haven’t stopped reading since.  It was liberating to be in total control of my education.  I love reading, and I love learning even more.  I had hit a wall in college, and was constantly on the fence between jumping through hoops and challenging those holding said hoops.  Since then, I’ve been working full time at a law office doing legal research, and it’s becoming more and more apparent that my mind is geared toward the law.  Good lawyers can be catalysts for change.  People are jaded by the legal system because it is stereotypically insurmountable; to be honest, it’s not that scary, and it is entirely surmountable.  Though I know I will have many projects throughout my life, I can picture myself finishing law school and becoming a voice for people within the system.

The hardest part about the quest for a degree, young souls, is that a degree seems useless if you are already achieving your own goals.  I want to be able to tour the country and play music, and I was able to do that without a degree – without any training – the day I enrolled in college.  The irony is that I became inspired to write music upon entering college, and it was the very thing that stood in the way of my music.  It was thesis and antithesis.  However, having lived life “in the real world” without a college degree, I must admit that it helps you pay the bills while you do the things you love.

Indie pop musician Nathaniel Carroll performs in Hurricane, Utah / MusicGeek.org, Matthew MontgomeryWhat’s the best book you’ve read lately?

I’m reading a book right now by a neurologist named Oliver Sachs called Musicophilia.  It’s about people who suddenly hear deafening music in their head.  Some experience this due to epileptic seizures.  One New York surgeon was hit by lightening and was overcome with classical piano music, so he bought a piano and is now an accomplished composer.  Upon reading that gem, I contemplated the old kite and key trick Ben Franklin supposedly pulled.  I’m not allowed to fly kites anymore.

Who is your favorite philosopher?

Soren Kierkegaard at the moment.  He’s big on empowerment and self-motivation.  We’re in control of our lives and our response to fear and disaster.  We must not passively bounce from problem to problem, but “nip it in the bud,” to quote my second-favorite philosopher, Barney Fife.

What do you think is the nature of reality?

Dialogue… or maybe nature.  But probably dialogue.  Communication seems to be the source of great elation and even greater distress.  The state of affairs would be much better if everyone considered alternative ideologies before dispatching violence and absolutism upon those who are different.

Is time travel something you consider a possibility? If you could somehow travel across time without effecting change, where and when would you go?

My Delorean is on the fritz, so I have no current plans to transcend space or time.  I’m not sure I would go here or there, Matt.  My life is pretty adventurous as it is, and I don’t want to miss out on anything.  I don’t want to know what is going to happen, because when I came back, I would live in fear that my decisions were thereafter based on

How have your studies impacted your life? Do you find yourself in new quandaries as a result?

Studies are everything.  Now my true geek is really showing.  I frequent a certain chain bookstore (for anonymity’s sake, we’ll call it “Narnes & Boble”), and each time I visit I feel completely overwhelmed by the amount of knowledge available in those books.  I want to learn everything.  I want to design green buildings, write books (working on one right now, but I’m keeping the details under wraps for now), travel the world, release this damned record, become a lawyer, make movies, and have some kids.  I’m going to do it, too.

How do you think music affects society? Is it a result of societal influence, or is society influenced by it?

Music doesn’t affect society as a whole the way Lennon’s “Give Peace a Chance” or, I don’t know, “Feed the World” does.  I think music is highly personal.  For my most difficult quandaries, it seems I have to write a song and sit on it for months before I learn the lesson contained within it.  I don’t know that there is one song that can unite the world for the sake of justice or peace.  I think NPR is the answer.  I listen exclusively to National Public Radio to get inspired.  I have enough music pumping through my brain that I rarely “pump up the jam.”  I do think music affects individuals of society greatly, though.  Everyone should go listen to Pet Sounds.  The reverberation of the french horn in “God Only Knows” can make anyone weep.  It has more depth and soul than most of us can ever know.  Seriously.  It’s the best thing you’ll ever hear.

I don’t know if I wish music was more or less influential than it already is.  There is a lot of violent music out there that celebrates hedonism, racism, and sexism.  The songs I’ve written for the new album are the kind of songs I want to hear other people sing.  I want to put people on the philosophical and spiritual fence.  I like singing about the anxiety of being caught in the middle, of having to make a decision one way or the other.  Ambivalence is what makes the world go round.

Matthew Montgomery, MusicGeek.org editor in chief, interviewed Nathaniel Carroll via e-mail.

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An interview with The Raintree http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/2008/01/23/an-interview-with-the-raintree http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/2008/01/23/an-interview-with-the-raintree#respond Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:50:08 +0000 http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/2008/01/23/an-interview-with-the-raintree The Raintree / Photo courtesy of The RaintreeThe Raintree is a folk/acoustic artist hailing from Phoenix, Arizona. Ryan Osterman, once a member of The Maine, is now a solo artist with an incredible voice and amazing talent. With a hint of influence from artists like Bright Eyes, The Raintree won’t disappoint.

The Raintree — “Pairs” | download
[audio:http://www.musicgeek.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/pairs.mp3]

Who are the main influences on your music?:
Well, honestly, just life and love — the people that bring about the sheer joy and accentuate the beauty in all of my surroundings. My musical influences vary and flux quite a bit and often, but I’ve always been a fan of Third Eye Blind, Goo Goo Dolls, Maria Taylor, Bright Eyes, Stars, Jimmy Eat World, etc. I could go on for a while, so I’ll spare you, but a lot of it has to do with what a band or song reminds me of. I embed memories within each song I listen to. Just about anything could influence me.

Why do you write the genre of music you do?:
I never really intended on writing a certain type of music truthfully, and if you were to listen to some of my earliest music, it wouldn’t sound close to what it is now. It was very ambient, almost sleep inducing. I kind of just write whatever comes out, whatever I’m feeling. My music is just something that I can believe in, I suppose. I guess lately my music’s been more on the “folk” side of the spectrum, but to me folk just means “Music for the people, made by the people.”

Would you rather enjoy a small gathering at a house show or play in front of a ton of people at a venue?:
Anything with an intimate setting. I’ve enjoyed both options, but there’s a certain quality about just performing for a small number of people in a basement with no distractions, just love, that cannot (and in my opinion, will not) be matched by any venue.

Who have you shared the stage with?:
Amazingly talented friends. Alexander Ross (The Air Show), Matthew Gilbert (Poem), Raining & OK, The Summer Set, The Maine, Courtney Andrews, and plenty more fantastic musicians that deserve way more credit than they actually get.

A lot of your songs have a hint of something that may or may have not happened with someone; are these real life situations you’re writing about?:
Everything is very real. I try to leave it up to symbolism and vagueness to allow other people to retain their own interpretation of my music, but i would be physically incapable of writing a song about something that wasn’t completely true and genuine. I guess that might be a curse, but I’d rather it be a, “Hey, fuck you!” to the “music” industry (if you can even call it that anymore.)

Aside from music, what influences you?:
Moments in life that knock you flat on the ground and make you appreciate every inch, every second, every breath, every noise, every creature, and every uncertainty.

Describe your ideal day that could inspire a song:
Long trips out to the middle of nowhere, laying in the grass underneath trees wrapped in blankets, kissing, affection, hand-rolled cigarettes, drinking too much, finding yourself, sing-alongs with friends, falling asleep with someone that you care about and truly, wholeheartedly cares about you as well.

Do you plan on touring sometime soon?:
I want to, I need to. Attention, bands of the continental united states: please take me with you. I don’t need much, I don’t eat much, I’m small and won’t take up too much room. Liberate me from the desert sands of Arizona.

Paige Watters, MusicGeek.org reporter, interviewed The Raintree.

· The Raintree on MySpace

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