Sweet Sweet Music Blog

Sweet Sweet Music talked to James Gilling about Midnight Daydream, the new release by his band Lilliput.

File under: west coast, power pop, mellow, beautiful!

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What was the biggest fun during the making of the last album?

David Bowie passed away halfway during recording, and the bar next to the studio had a full on Bowie listening party. We listened to the whole of Blackstar and the room burst into applause. Was an amazing thing to be part of. It affected the overall recording too.

The music industry has changed a lot (or so they say). What did it bring you? And what not?  

To be honest, the music industry hasn’t done much for us. We’ve funded everything ourselves, recording, sourced merchandise, printing, vinyl pressing and artwork ourselves. If anything we’ve learned to operate without a lot of help. We can control everything we do.

She tells you she will decide on a 5-song-mix tape if there is going to be a second date. Which 5 would you put on?

Low Flyin Bird – Cass McCooms
Sooth Lady Wine – Matt Corby
Jóga – Björk
Breathe – The Cinematic Orchestra / Fontella Bass
As Time Goes By – Dooley Wilson

What’s up for the next couple of months? 

We’re rehearsing the new album and playing around with it a little at the minute as well as writing some new stuff. Working toward our annual christmas show also. There’s a couple little projects in the works also!

How will you promote Midnight Dreamer?

The next few months we’ll be promoting the album. It’s available to stream online currently, so keep an eye out for the physical copies!

You have a Autumn/mellow/melodic/harmony …. beautiful sound. How would you describe it?

Thanks! I don’t know about beautiful, but we’ve been listening to a lot of west coast singer songwriter stuff recently, which is a lot more laid back. I think you’ve described it better than I ever could!

A huge HUGE album! 

Sweet Sweet Music talked to Josh Berwanger.

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The bio says you recorded Exorcism Rock in 7 days. So it is possible to create a million dollar sound in a week?

Thanks for the kind words. We really worked our butts off in those 7 days. We would get to the studio around 11am and go until we were all zombies which sometimes meant 1-2am. Then we’d all go back to my place and unwind by watching Apocalypse Now or playing Tecmo Bowl and partying pretty hard. Then wake up and do the same. 

All killers no fillers. You must have had a zillion songs to chose from or … ?  

I had about 20 songs that I teally felt great about, some of them were just a little more out there. We recorded 11 songs, one didn’t make it on the album.

How will you promote Exorcism Rock?

We will tour on it, made 3 videos, college radio.

The music industry has changed a lot (or so they say). What did it bring you? And what not? 

I look at this as what more can we bring to ourselves. I don’t care about the music industry and it doesn’t care about me. I really just focus on making great music and working hard, so if at the end of the day I tour, only sell a few albums and am broke I at least know I did what I set out to do, make music I love and work hard. If people buy it and come to shows that’s just icing on the cake.

It should bring you packed Arenas as far as I am concerned!

Thank you, could you set that up please 😀

She tells you she will decide on a 5-song-mix tape if there is going to be a second date. Which 5 would you put on?

1. Ned Doheny “Get It Up For Love”

2. ABBA “Take A Chance On Me”

3. Little Walter “You’re So Fine”

4. Bobby Fuller Four “Only When I Dream”

5. Don Covay “You’re Good For Me”

If you could pick two bands (any) to tour the world with. Who?

Wilco

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers

You just finished touring. What kind of tour was it? Type of venues? Is touring still a good way to promote your music or make some money? 

We toured the midwest and east coast. I would say it was a pretty bad time to be touring. We had a few great shows but we also had some bad shows when we were competing with the World Series and the election. Small club venues (cap 150-350). I have no idea what the best way to promote music is these days. I assume every little thing you do helps. 

Half the songs on Endless Love are snappy punk numbers… That’s what I grew up playing and I consider it my roots.

What was the biggest fun during the making of the album?

The most fun thing about recording this album was just taking my time with it. Working from my studio at my home I was able to relax and hone these songs over the course of almost two years. I’m a little superstitious about showing my work before it’s completed. I’ve also kept very busy the last couple years with other projects in the role as producer and as a musician. So when the album was finally done I showed it to my peers, bandmates, etc and they were like “wow, when did this happen?” I think that laid-back approach really came across in the final product and I’m very happy with it. 

Were the late 70s the best? Or just a huge inspiration? 

I love all eras of music and all sorts of styles. I do find the production style of the late 70’s particularly provocative. There’s a gratifying mixture of cutting edge and nostalgia that was popping up around that time. My two favorite producers are Prince and David Bowie (its a sad coincidence they both died this year). I take a lot of cues from their vocal arrangements along with the songwriting styles from the likes of T Rex and the Stones who were most active in that same era. There’s something about that time in music that just feels like home.

You cover a lot of different styles. I like that a lot. Did that happen or did you chose to do that?

Throughout my career I’ve often been complemented on jumping between genres… but it’s something I struggle with as well. Someone may like one of my songs but be repelled by another in a different style. Half the songs on Endless Love are snappy punk numbers… That’s what I grew up playing and I consider it my roots. At this point my challenge artistically is to use my favorite elements from many of the genres I like and put them together into something new, cohesive, and stimulating. Endless Love is a collection of songs that were written over the course of many years. So this album was an exercise in trying to collect all these pieces from disparate times and influences and place them in the same sonic universe. (For a foray into tons of genre jumping and criss cross, check out my collaborative project Ego, which released 13 albums in 2015.) 

The music industry has changed a lot (or so they say). What did it bring you? And what not?  

One thing I’ve learned is that it’s a lot of hard work. Beyond just writing, recording, rehearsing, performing, etc, promotion for an artist or an album is a full time job if done correctly. Many of these roles are now directly in the hands of the artists themselves. It’s empowering but also a lot of responsibility, time, and pressure. A long time ago I realized I’ll never be a platinum-selling arena-packer. My goal is to be as good as I can be at what I do. I am an artist and an entertainer and take pleasure in creating work that balances my vision with something that’s enjoyable for the audience at hand. In today’s music industry climate it’s unlikely for anyone to land a multi-billion dollar record deal. But as long as I’m capable of writing and recording music and getting by modestly I’m very happy.

She tells you she will decide on a 5-song-mix tape if there is going to be a second date. Which 5 would you put on?

Hmm…

Try Me- James Brown

There was a Time/Raw Ramp- T Rex

Wanna Be Your Lover- Prince

Let me try– MC5

Very First Lie- Material Issue

What’s up for the next couple of months?

I’m on tour playing guitar with hard rock band MAMA from Chicago through November, then getting to work on a new album through December and January. Expect a tour in the spring!

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Beautiful melodies. BEAUTIFUL MELODIES. Beautiful vocal harmonies. BEAUTIFUL VOCAL HARMONIES. Like The Beatles, like Crosby, Stills & Nash.

Sweet Sweet Music talked to Andy, Chris and Keith.

Short Term Memory is my favorite. Is it a political song or is it a description of what you feel if you walk down memory lane?

 

Andy: Its mainly about how forgettable things can be these days. A lot of music and film are very dumbed down to be as simple as it possible can. Then I was thinking about his great it would’ve been to be around in the 60s and 70s. So many great bands back then. I do think there is an insane amount of great music today, it’s just not what you hear on the radio. So I guess, in a way, it’s an anti-pop culture song.
 

She is talking more birds less bees. That’s a wonderful line. Do they make you happy if they pop up? Or don’t they pop up? More labour of love?

Chris: Well, we certainly wouldn’t be anywhere without the birds and bees. They do indeed make us happy when they appear. The idea behind this song had more to do with the fear of the unknown in regards to the furthering a relationship knowing well that true concerns lie in waiting.

 
The harmony vocals are great. How did you record them?
 

Andy – We approach the harmonies as an instrument itself. The lead vocal always get laid down first. Then we discuss the areas we feel that background vocals will fit best. Then we try a few things one voice at a time. It’s almost like a puzzle that we are putting together.

 

Will Conrad become what Eddie is for Iron Maiden?

 

Chris- we love that! Conrad has really taken off – we love him and he really seems to be connecting with people everywhere. We may need to consider creating a 50ft Conrad to stand behind us on the stage while we perform. Grand idea!
 

How will you promote Conrad?

Keith: We have the amazing “Omnivore Recordings” with us on this one, so we will do anything we can to help them bring “Conrad” to the masses! We also have our first full band live shows planned, so maybe we’ll be bringing that show to your town!
 

What about all these great reviews? Surprised or were you confident you had created something special?

Keith: we were pretty sure that we created something special, but it’s always a relief when it turns out other people agree with you. It was a lot of months between us finishing this one and it coming out, so it’s a welcome release to let the world meet “Conrad”!

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New York all over. Sweet Sweet Music talked to Brijitte West about From Ny with Love. Americana Punky Rock & Roll.

You have a way with words, these storytelling songs sounds like they come very natural to you. (That’s a compliment). Do they?

Hey thanks for the compliment! I do love to tell stories, I think the most engaging songs are the ones where the listener can follow a storyline and imagine a character. Once I think of an idea for a song it usually comes really easy. It sometimes feel like the song was already written somewhere in the universe and I am just the vessel to receive it. 

From NY with Love … it has that end of 70s NY sound. Was that where you were after?

Well if you look at my history it’s the sort of sound that I am known for. I don’t usually go after anything. I think it is just what I do naturally. The backing band plays that sort of style naturally as well. I am hoping with my next record I can do something different. 

I first read about your music in the Classic Rock magazine. That’s a big magazine. Are these type of reviews important?

Yes,  they are important and I am really  that a giant like Classic Rock will review a timey release like mine! 

How will you promote From NY with Love?

We dont have a huge budget so we will do as many shows as we can.

I never type your first name correctly at once 🙂 what about that?

yes I have a unique spelling!

How did you record NY with Love?

We recorded it at a studio near London called The Brook. We recorded all the drum tracks in one day! The whole album was recorded in about four days. We had to be quick because of financial restraints. I hope it doesnt sound like a rush job!!!

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… it could be a good soundtrack if you u r going to make a short ride to the Liquor Store on a Sunday afternoon.

Sweet Sweet Music talked to Juan Pablo Mazzola about Life’s a Trap. Power Pop from Argentina.

Songs like ”The Ballad Of Music Biz” and “Life’s Better When U’re High” could have been big rock songs, I guess but the acoustic approach … even better. What do you think?

Well, yeah….the state of music in the year 2016, lol….

I believe it all became too “hipster”, too “shallow” and don’t have a long beard, I do listen to the records I buy….so..it was already complicated 20 years ago, today’s already dead, the real stuff is only made by fans and for fans.

I write these songs out of pure love for music, which was my escaping tool when I was 13 and it still is.

I’m a “song” guy, so I really like acoustic songs, “Life’s Better When U’re High” was inspired by The Jayhawks.

You have your own way with words. You can recognize if a lyric is yours from a mile. How about that?

Ha, thanks for that! 
I always try to come up with stuff that sounds like me, I actually write in the same way I usually speak.

Life’s a Trap will be released on cassette. Perfect mixtape for …. ?

Probably for shooting yourself in the head, haha, no that’s just wrong, sorry for that.
Really…. if you wanna listen to Classic Power Pop stuff while drinking a beer, or maybe it could be a good soundtrack if you u r going to make a short ride to the Liquor Store on a Sunday afternoon.

Uh, well, what about mixtapes … She tells you she will decide on a 5-song-mix tape if there is going to be a second date. Which 5 would you put on?

Jellyfish – Baby’s Coming Back.

Black Sabbath – Planet Caravan.

Cheap Trick – Didn’t Know I Had It

Aerosmith – No More, No More.

John Lennon – I’m Losing You.

If she can deal with that, then that’s it, she’s the one….which is actually what happened! 

What’s up for the next couple of months? 

Probably touring Brazil, and playing a few more gigs in Argentina, then xmas, 2017…we’ll see what the future brings, maybe I can go back to Europe in March and stay there for a long while (really crossing fingers here)

How will you promote Life’s a Trap?

Kinda hard really, trying to get reviews, radio airplay, playing as much as I can….same ol’ same ol’….always so hard.

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dadaism, surrealism, garage rock, soul, surf, country and western, power pop

Sweet Sweet Music talked to Jhohn Arlie about La Panther Happens’ new album For The Night Crawlers.

“In my fist I hold your cobra ah ah and a lock of your cherry cola hair.” That line from Weird to Me makes me smile and wonder all day?

… to be honest, in the same way Roky Erickson ‘s lyrics do …

Nobody Does it like Roky. I know some people who listen to his music and say something like ” Yeah, vampires, demons, aliens, … cool ” , but when I listen I experience supernatural suffering. 13th Floor Elevators were not of this earth. 

I also enjoyed the album he made with Okkervil River. My personal favorite is Good Bye Sweet Dreams. Those lyrics are simple, haunting, and profound. 

The name, the artwork, the video for Year of Tarantula … inspiration seems to come from a lot of different art forms. Does that make sense?

Yes, My head is all over the place. I draw from many influences: dadaism, surrealism, garage rock, soul, surf, country and western, power pop. I can’t imagine being in band that focuses on one style. I would feel soulless

Blonde on Blonde on my Living Stereo. What about Dylan winning the Nobel Prize? 

Congratulations to him. I know thhe award carries controversy and heavy criticism, but I say good for him and Godspeed.

She tells you she will decide on a 5-song-mix tape if there is going to be a second date. Which 5 would you put on?

I like this question ! 

1. Bob Dylan- She Belongs To Me ( I love the line he sings about her egyptian ring )

2. Gris Gris- Mademoiselle of The Morning- Greg Ashley is one of a kind. A criminally underrated songwriter. His solo records are top notch

3. Big Star- Blue Moon ( A touching song recorded during a chaotic time in Alex Chilton’s Life. I am a Big Star freak )

4. Harlan T Bobo- Stop ( Another incredible songwriter. I wish I could write songs like him ) 

5. Reigning Sound- Not Far Away ( I always want to pick up my guitar and write a song when I listen to Reigning Sound )

How did you record For the Night Crawlers?

We divided the songs into two sessions and recorded & mixed at High/Low recording in Memphis, TN. It was an honor to record with Pete Matthews and Toby Vest. 

And how will you promote it?

We are currently distributing the album digitally. We released some handmade cds and cassettes in our hometown and will be releasing the album on Vinyl through Sound Pony Records. I have been making videos with my brother, Tim Shrum. Sending out copies to radio stations and blogs. Playing live as much as we can. Just doing whatever it takes to get the music out there. 

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Kick Ass ROCK & ROLL from downtown NY. Sweet Sweet Music talked to Jeremy Fury.

Into The Night, the title track, is my favorite song of the year. No need to lie about that. Watch here!

Thanks. It was inspired by the girl I was dating at the time. To me, it’s about being away from someone you love and finding the strength to get to them. I think it could be about anyone or anything; going into the night and persevering. 

As for the lyrics, living in Manhattan, I don’t have a car and wasn’t actually driving when I had the idea for the song. The driving theme came from the pulsating guitar rhythm which feels like driving to me.

Rhythm Don’t Lie, Liitle Steven’s coolest song of the week. What about that?

It’s the closest song on the album to a ‘rockabilly’ standard. It’s pulled directly out of the late 50’s and because of that, I wanted to make the lyrics fun enough to keep the listener interested. There’s a sense of humility to the lyrics, at least that was my intention. It’s a fun rock ‘n roll tune, albeit, a bit self deprecating.  

How did you record Into The Night? It doesn’t sound like too much production (compliment!) or did it take very long to get that live feel (compliment too)?

We recorded everything analog to tape in a basement on Orchard St. in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. It wasn’t even a possibility to overproduce it, so the sound and live feel comes out of the limitations of the recording. Every track on the record was recorded within three takes. We aren’t trying to brag or anything, our situation was that we had limited money and time, an analog basement studio, and five musicians who have been playing in bands for a long time.

You have a record company (Yep Roc), what does “having a record deal’ means nowadays? Times have change, they say 🙂

Well, for physical items (vinyl and CD’s), it’s great! They manufacture everything, distribute our music to record shops, help with all the marketing and publicity that comes with it. On the digital end, they can get better placement in digital music retailers, but realistically… every artist can get their music on Spotify, iTunes, Tidal, etc.  

Honestly, the best part about having a label is having a team of people push our music to more potential fans. The grandeur that used to come with being on a label is gone, and that’s not a bad thing. The ‘old’ industry model was really only about 60 or 70 years old anyway. And, the whole point of being in a band is supposed to be about making music and reaching fans. I think that’s still possible.  

Is it tough to write a song like For Angels?

No, haha. I don’t know. I don’t know what you mean by tough? Some songs take longer than others to write, but this one wasn’t particularly more or less difficult than any other track on the record.  

For me, I have to see the song first, and the entirety of this song was pretty clear from the minute I saw it. All the songs are already there, my job is to chip away the material that doesn’t belong. I think I read that in a fortune cookie.

She tells you she will decide on a 5-song-mix tape if there is going to be a second date. Which 5 would you put on?

1) The Slider – T-Rex

2) Long Tall Sally – Little Richard

3) You Never Can Tell – Chuck Berry

4) Donna – Richie Valens

5) Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow – The Shirelles
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Someone just said to me the other day “You know this is your best album, don’t you?”. No actually.

Great reviews! How does that make you feel? Also a bit strange?

Honestly I think having my albums reviewed at all amidst the sea of releases coming out each year is a real honor. I have been completely surprised at the reactions to Guiding Star. Someone just said to me the other day “You know this is your best album, don’t you?”. No actually. I just thought it was my ‘next’ album. So it’s nice and a bit strange. 

Was there a specific moment when you knew you were on the right track, making a great album?
I’m constantly working on new material but there’s usually a point when I realize I’m actually working on an album as opposed to a handful of songs. But I never know what people are going to like or respond to. And one of the challenges for me is just to not worry about that and make the music that I’m hearing in my head. 

How did you record Guiding Star?
I do most of my recording at my home studio. It’s basically an upstairs bedroom in our house. I’ve done plenty of “proper studio” recording in years past but for some reason the stuff I record at home just seems to resonate more with people. I do things a bit unconventionally in that I almost always start by playing the drums. I don’t use a guide track or a click, I just sit down and play drums with the song in my head. Once I’m happy with that performance I lay in the other instruments and vocals. I typically work quickly and I use a pretty basic set up. It’s all a very low-fi endeavor.

The music industry has changed a lot (or so they say). What did it bring you? And what not?
I think the aspect that has effected artists like me is the access to listeners world wide. It’s fairly common for me to hear from listeners in other countries and that is so exciting to me. I suppose the negative is the fact that it’s easier to make and release recorded music which has made it tougher to be heard or noticed.

She tells you she will decide on a 5-song-mix tape if there is going to be a second date. Which 5 would you put on?
Ugh. I don’t like her already. Do I really have to go out with her again?? And how will I explain this to my wife? But seriously, mix tape of some of my favorites…I might include:

Can’t Stand Losing You (The Police)
It’s A Wonderful Lie (Paul Westerberg)
The Kids are Alright (The Who)
Another Nail For My Heart (Squeeze)
Death of the Party (Keene Brothers)

What are your expectations? How are you going to promote Guiding Star?
My band (Greg Pope & The Popmonsters) is doing a few shows in the Southeast this Fall and we’ll be doing material from Guiding Star, my previous releases, as well as songs from my former band Edmund’s Crown. I’ll also be releasing a video or two. Stay tuned. 

My blog: http://www.gregpope.net
website: http://www.popmonster.rocks
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The new record has such a classy sound! Power Pop with more than just a little bit of twang and a crystal clear production that makes your voice/storytelling really stand out.

Does that make sense?

Yes it does make sense. The songs are not as much story telling as they are situational and metaphorical. There are pop sensibilities, choruses, hooks, but it’s an attempt to move forward musically.

Does inspiration still comes easy? It sounds like a very personal record. Is it?

Yes this is a very personal album. Inspiration always works for me when it’s not forced.

The music industry has changed a lot (or so they say). What did it bring you? And what not?

The music industry doesn’t exist as I knew it in the past. In a way it’s exciting to do the DIY form of working the album yourself. Facebook has helped tremendously with ads and communication to the public.

She tells you she will decide on a 5-song-mix tape if there is going to be a second date. Which 5 would you put on?

My songs or others?

My songs:

Good day to the Night

Crane

Lowe

Whisper Softly

Limousine 
Other artists tape:
Goldfinger: Ash

Dear God: XTC

Up the junction: Squeeze 

Joe Jackson: Sunday papers

Chelsea: Elvis Costello 

What’s up for the next couple of months? How will you promote Blisters and Thorns?

Trying to tour the US and Europe.
Self promotion with an emphasis on house concerts.

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The bio on bandcamp says:

Baltimore legend Andy Bopp is no stranger to rock and roll, whether as a solo artist or in his bands: Love Nut, Myracle Brah, The Modern Ruins and The Bleaker Street Cowboys. Blisters and Thorns, Andy Bopp’s first LP released under his own name that includes new material, stands as one of the best albums of a journeyman’s career. The album is as catchy as his masterpiece, Myracle Brah’s Life on Planet Eartsnop. What sets this album apart from Eartsnop’s brilliant power pop is the seamless blending of genres, such as americana and power pop, creating a gorgeous, cohesive rock and roll album with lyrics that range from darkly introspective to deeply analytical.