THE FORTY NINETEENS – Rebooted (interview)

Posted on by patrickdonders

Getting a “Coolest Song in the World this Week” title from Little Steven’s Underground Garage has meant the world  to us. 

Sweet Sweet Music talked to Nick Z about Rebooted.

Listen to Rebooted

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


I and the others in the band will concur that, once we have the basic tracks down, then the fun really starts.
We woodshed the tunes before going in, but once the basic tracks are committed to tape, we sit down, take our time, and listen to to them all over again. It’s as if the songs take on a whole new life once we come up with extra ideas. It’s a fun way for us to create.

How did you record Rebooted?


We recorded at David Newtons Rollercoaster Recording in Burbank Calif. 
The band comes in on a weekend and records basic tracks, scratch vocals, and essentially lays down the framework for the tunes.
Prior to taping, David listens to us run the songs and comes up with suggestions that help or enhance the progressions. We adjust what needs to be done, then roll tape. 
With basic tracks completed we take the roughs home and make sure the ideas we have all fit with the basic tracks. 
Then we return on separate days and put down the guitars: solo, rhythm, then percussion, vocals, and finally keys. 
We take our time, and record over two to three months, and in that time we enjoy how the songs constantly take new directions.
David really pushes the ‘anything goes’ attitude in the studio. Our main influences are in the Garage Rock genre, but otherwise they are all over the map, Rock n Roll, big band, jazz, any era, we like it all, and we feel it sounds it has a fresh sound that pays homage to those that paved the way.  

Which other music/artists do inspire you?


We all like 60’s Garage Rock
John is a fan of bands like The Romantics, Graham Parker, The Beatles, The Kinks
Chuck likes The Ramones, Social Distortion, and other SoCal punk bands.
I enjoy The Who, The Doors, late 70s punk, various non rock n roll acts from Sinatra to Aker Bilk.  

If we want to know you, which song do we have to listen to? And why?


I would suggest “I’m Free” 

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


The most important thing we’ve received is the kudos from fans, artists, DJ’s, and writers. This band is a second creative wave for singer John and I, we go back many years, and are having the time of our lives. Getting a “Coolest Song in the World this Week” title from Little Steven’s Underground Garage has meant the world to us. Little Steven, Genya Ravan, Kid Leo, Mighty Manfred, Michael Des Barres, Handsome Dick Manitoba and all the other DJ’s have been really supportive of us. We dig their credo “Be prepared to relinquish your self imposed limitations, and comfort with the status quo. All that is over baby, you’re not alone no more.”

When we got involved with the industry, I don’t think we expected much from it. The band believes that when opportunity comes, you have to be ready. But in most cases you have to manufacture opportunity, rarely does it come your way. Airplay, and press are things we really value, and don’t take for granted. 

Your songs sound like hits but nowadays it is almost impossible to reach a big audience …. On the other hand it’s very easy to create a new Dutch fan, like me. Does that make sense? How do you cope with this situation? 


Thanks Patrick, we appreciate your friendship! It makes total sense to us. Thanks to the advent of the internet, we now are able to reach the world, and also instantly thank radio stations, blogs, and newspapers for mentions. It means a lot to us. 

We are happy to hear from people take the time to write to us, and if they don’t write, we hope that they are experiencing happy times listening to the band. Either way, its great to bring positive energy to people. 

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 hope she likes fun music!!

Elvis Presley / Such a Night

C’mon and Swim / Bobby Freeman

Rock Lobster / B 52’s

Chuck Berry / Johnny B Goode

Bobby Darin / Splish Splash

What’s up for the next couple of months?


The band opens for Berlin w/Terri Nunn on Sept 30 in Temecula wine country. 

Other gigs can be found at thefortynineteens.com/gigs
We’ll be back in the studio recording the follow up disc, and hopefully heading to NYC to play for the east coast fans that heard us on Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

We are looking to get distribution in Europe. We are at all Disc Union locations in Japan, and if anyone in Europe would like a physical copy, please visit Kool Kat Muzik 

What about the I Walk with the Zombie cover?
John and I were introduced to Roky Erickson from his work in The 13th Floor Elevators, and this track was just a fun song that we performed during a show with Johnny Vatos’ Oingo Boing. It went over well, and we decided to record. What a fun song!! 

ED RYAN – Roadmap (interview)

Posted on by patrickdonders


Man, when the soul hits your power pop …. You create something really special! Hope you take that as a compliment!

Thank you so much for the kind words! I am a slave to melody but for me the songs have to have some meaning and soul beyond the hooks. I’m so glad you hear and appreciate that…thanks for really listening!

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

The most fun for me were the happy accidents that happen during arranging and recording. Since I have a home studio I can go from song idea to rough tracks pretty quickly so it’s fun having that immediate burst of ideas.

Melodic & Bashing: which music/bands/artist do inspire you?

My biggest inspirations are Buffalo Springfield, The Kinks, The Who, Bowie, XTC and John Hiatt for songwriting and style. For guitar…Jeff Beck and Mick Ronson.

How did Roadmap come together? I can’t imagine the songs were written overnight but your sound is “raw/fresh/live”. Both remarks are meant as a compliment!

Roadmap began as me learning how to record and engineer songs from a huge backlog of material. The further I got into it the more new songs started to appear so it is a mix of old and new. I’m glad you appreciate the live feel. Over the years I’ve done many recordings and found them a little too slick for my tastes. When you’re a one man band it’s hard to not sound stiff…so when I record I try to do it quickly and if something has the right feel but isn’t perfect I keep it!

If we want to know you, which song do we have to listen to? And why?


Everything’s Gonna Be Alright and Roadmap. They begin and end the album and express my ideas about how people adapt and change to keep their sanity. The small lies and good deeds we do to survive.

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

I started out in the mid to late 70’s as part of the CBGB and Max’s scene in NYC. It was very difficult to get signed, record etc. but playing live was incredible…I got to share the stage with some incredible bands! What I love about the music world now is the easy access to recording and being able to find your tribe online.

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?

5 songs? 

That’s tough but I’ll give it a shot. 1. Broken Arrow- Buffalo Springfield 2. Waterloo Sunset- The Kinks 3. Senses Working Overtime- XTC 4. I Can See For Miles- The Who 5. A Rose For Emily- The Zombies I don’t know if that would get me the girl but if she didn’t like them I’d say it wasn’t meant to be lol!

What’s up for the next couple of months?



I’m currently putting the finishing touches on my second album, then on to mastering. Trying to get the word out on Roadmap through airplay and reviews. Working, living, walking the earth!

Songs like Roadmap and Darker Side must have been hard to write?

Yeah, you feel a little exposed putting yourself out there emotionally. My favorite lyric writers in any genre tend to go deep and a little dark. Like most songwriters there’s a fair amount of romantic relationship stuff but I like to go beyond just boy/girl stuff as much as I can. Davies, Townshend and Hiatt are such great storytellers while staying emotionally true…they are my gold standard.

The guitar solo at the end of Roadmap ….. Is it stange as I say that I can feel the pain?

That solo was pretty cathartic for me. I’m essentially a blues based player so it’s as much about feel as melody. The solo was completely improvised in one pass…it was supposed to be a fade but it just felt so raw and right I just let it be. I teach music and when one of my students heard it he asked me to teach it to him…I said I’d have to learn it myself since I only played it once lol!

Listen on spotify

Listen on bandcamp

KEN SHARP – New Mourning (interview)

Posted on by patrickdonders

 


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

 

Ken Sharp: Seeing my songs come alive in the studio form a germ of an idea to finished production is always exciting. Working in the studio with the insanely talented Fernando Perdomo was a real treat and blessing, his contributions were invaluable and I salute him as well as my other gifted musical contributors, Rob Bonfiglio and Ritchie Rubini. No matter how you have envisioned a song in your head, more often than not it turns out differently, and often it’s better than you can ever have imagined. I worked really hard on this record, went through a very difficult few years emotionally, dealing with a breakup, depression, financial hardships and all of that filtered into the creation of this record, which is a 14 song cycle navigating the beauty in darkness and regret. One of the highlights for me was working in the studio with Rick Springfield and Wally Stocker of The Babys who both lent their prodigious six-string talents to my record; Rick even sang background vocals on the song “Satellite,” A thrill of a lifetime!

 

 

You get all these great reviews, must be amazing? Where you aware something was happening during recording?

 

I’m really gratified that the reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. I felt this record was special as it was shaping up in the studio but never could have imagined it would have elicited such positive response. It’s a raw and honest record with and I left lots of musical blood on the tracks. I’m really happy that people are connecting with it.

 

Did you write a zillion songs and pick the best?

 

I didn’t write a ton of songs but certainly picked from a surplus of material and saw what would fit within the scope and theme of the record. The litmus test was it had to speak to me emotionally, it had to be authentic and real no matter how a dark the subject material.

 

If we want to know you, which song do we have to listen to? And why?

 

I’d say listen to all 14 songs on the record as they tell a story, a song cycle of who I am and what I’ve been through in the past few years. If I had to pick a favorite I’d choose the ballad, “Haunts Me,” I really love the lushness and beauty in the melodies and vocals. Rob Bonfiglio’s magnificent background vocals and Ritchie Rubini’s gorgeous piano playing slay me!

 

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

 

For an indie musicians like myself, it’s a tricky business to be in given the changing paradigm in the industry. While power has reverted back to the artist, making a mark and getting people’s attention in today’s society remains a big challenge.

 

What a great album cover?! 

 

Thank you…Yes, I love the cover too. That image perfectly evokes the title of my album, “New Mourning,” the brooding, dark, contemplative nature of the music and lyrics. I think it’s really striking and I’ve received amazing feedback from others who love it as well.

 

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?

 
This can change any day…here goes off the top of my head

 

 

“Creepin” by Stevie Wonder

“Be Nice To Me” by Todd Rundgren

“Tin Soldier” by The Small Faces

“Eight Days A Week” by The Beatles

“Lady-O” By The Turtles

 

What’s up for the next couple of months?

 

Writing songs and recording more new music, hopefully playing more shows, working on my series of Power Pop books, lots to do and so little time!
Buy on CD: 

http://ken-sharp.com/new-mourning/
Buy on iTunes (Digital): https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/new-mourning/id1123757286
Buy on Amazon (Digital): https://www.amazon.com/New-Mourning-Ken-Sharp/dp/B01H43UHDK/
Buy on Bandcamp (Digital): https://kensharp.bandcamp.com/album/new-mourning

THE WELL WISHERS -Comes and Goes (interview)

Posted on by patrickdonders

Sweet Sweet Music talked to Jeff Shelton about The Well Wisher’s new album Comes and Goes.

 

On Bandcamp: The Well Wishers’ 8th full-length release “Comes And Goes” brims with more vim, vigor and full-throttled production than any previous album to date …. And with SONGS to boot! In the process of piecing together “Comes And Goes”, Well Wishers frontman and brainchild Jeff Shelton never strayed far from crafting every song as a potential single – with memorable hooks and catchy choruses at every turn. There’s a little bit of everything for the discerning pop palette…from the full-tilt rock bravado of “It’s On” and “Somebody Lied” to the jangly, mid-tempo glory of “Comes Around”, to the strummy, more laid-bock grooves of “Nobody’s Dancing Alone” or “In Love With”.

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What was the biggest fun during the making of the last album?
Since I’m basically a “one man band”…the most fun is always hearing guest
contributions when I ask/beg them to play on my records. This go round…I had a former bandmate (Charlie Winmill) rip a killer guitar solo for the track “It’ On” and pop chanteuse Lisa Mychols (Nushu, The Masticators) sing vocals on the track “Comes Around”.

It’s like a Christmas present…..opening a track that someone has graciously provided for a song and listening to it for the first time!

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If we want to know you, which song do we have to listen to? And why? 

Wow…that’s a deep question. A lot of the songs on this album are not necessarily
“personal”…but touch on life experiences and relationships…sometimes in the third person. A lot of the album touches on basic human frailties and succumbing to forces
we often have little control over. Listen to “Get On By” and “Ill Equipped” and you’ll get a sense that I’m exposing personal weaknesses….while letting life run its course at the same time.

 

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

The music “industry” never brought me anything. I didn’t scramble for or earn on my own. I’ve never been signed or beholden to a label (except once with a previous band Spinning Jennies many, many years ago … and it was a total nightmare). The freedom and independence bands and artists have now… as well as the tools to market, distribute and create so easily is beyond liberating. I only see it getting better!

 

The quality of your songs is almost taking for granted. Does this bother you?

Wow…Thank you. I’ll take that as a complement! I think after making several records over the course of 10+ years, a certain level of “quality control” is expected and maintained. I always try to raise the bar on myself…as far as arrangements, productions and song craft…but going back to the first Well Wishers record (from 2004) and enjoying those songs is something I can still feel proud of.

 

Compared to “A Shattering Sky” “Comes and Goes” sounds more like a rock record. Do you agree?

Definitely. I went a for a bigger and more full drum sound…which gives most of the songs (even the poppy ones) a bigger, more in-your-face kind of sound. I like the intimacy of clean drums just fine…but I just wanted to try a more full-bodied approach this go around. The song “Three Nights in Bristol” was inspired after watching a documentary of the Sex Pistols and British punk…so I guess you can say more “rock” was definitely coming out of the gates this time!

 

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?

If it was strictly a musical soulmate, I’d pick…

“Watch The Sunrise” by Big Star
“Everyone Moves Away” The Posies
“Knowing Me Knowing You” by ABBA
“Tears” by The Chameleons UK
“Him or Me” Paul Revere & The Raiders
If I were still dating my (now) wife…I’d have to pick 3 songs from The Sundays and probably 2 form the Indigo Girls

 

What’s up for the next couple of months?

In August, I’ll be doing a one-off live Well Wishers show (full band) as part of the International Pop Overthrow festival here in San Francisco. I also have some songs worked up for possible inclusion in a major studio film that is being shot this Fall in Los Angeles. I’m really excited and hopeful about that. Beyond that…I have a nagging desire to do an album that is not so blatantly guitar pop or power pop …..although I think I’ll have hard time straying from that tried and true formula, no matter how much I try.

 

 

FAMILY FOLD – Lustre Glo (interview)

Posted on by patrickdonders

Family Fold is the new musical project for Paul Andrews (singer and chief songwriter from Sydney band Lazy Susan). Their debut, Lustre Glo, is really good. REALLY REALLY GOOD and contains the perfect Pop – Soul – Country – mix. Great lyrics, great songs. Sweet Sweet Music talked to Paul Andrews about all those gorgeous songs.

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

Tied for first in fun: recording pedal steel on Pot of Gold – hearing those tones was just amazing – and then hearing Sarah Humphreys’ vocal on top of mine on the same song, exactly how I’d imagined it, which just lifted it stratospherically. It gave me goosebumps.

If we want to know you, which song do we have to listen to? And why?

New Friends. It’s the simplest song on the album, but probably the tune I’m most proud of in terms of everything coming together: tune, lyric and performance.

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Shanie Love is the best soul, country, pop mix ever. These different styles are so similar as they mixed up perfectly. What do you think?

That’s very kind of you to say. I actually recorded the majority of that song on Garage Band on a pretty old iPad. I was just mucking around, trying to record the song a little bit differently, rather than just walk down a similar path to the other tracks on the album. I had a bit of luck and ‘voila’.

It was probably overly electronic sounding when I’d finished it on Garage Band, so we added real drums and bass in the studio which added another texture and a layer of warmth.

 

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

It’s brought me countless opportunities – apart from this album, the ability to record four albums with my previous band, Lazy Susan; tour throughout Australia; play in front of thousands of people – and for which I’m eternally grateful. Frankly, none of the predictable and run-of-the-mill disappointments I’ve experienced in music are enough to undermine the great memories, laughs and the things I’m grateful for.

“How can you only call me …” , is extremely sad. Does inspiration come easy for such sad lyrics?

Most of the time, ‘no’ – lyrical inspiration comes pretty hard to me these days. But sometimes I get lucky and *kapow* the good stuff comes. I was trying to write about a dysfunctional and self-destructive relationship in a small town and for some reason, it all came out pretty quickly.

I was really proud of the title but ended up being slightly deflated when the first person I showed it to said, “Oh? Like the Arctic Monkeys song?”…I was completely oblivious.

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Beautiful cover! What’s the story behind it? 

Lustre Glo is actually the name of smash repairs shop in Marrickville in Sydney’s inner west. It has the most magnificent writing – in huge cursive font – across its facade: ‘Lustre Glo’.

There’s a grand tradition in popular music of using the names and facades of shops as album titles and covers. Think Ian Dury’s “New Boots and Panties” or The Beastie Boys’ “Paul’s Boutique”. The moment I saw it, years ago, I thought it would be perfect for Family Fold’s album name and cover.

When I told a friend where the name came from, she had an unexpectedly poetic take: ‘Smash repairers are all about new beginnings, rebirths. They bang out your dings and you’re as good as gold again. It’s a new start, and that’s what you’re doing with this album. It was meant to be!’

I liked it so much I told her I was going to steal her interpretation as my explanation for the album title and cover.

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?

Ask me tomorrow and it could be a different list:

Beatles – Something
Bob Dylan – Sweetheart Like You
Fleetwood Mac – Save Me A Place
Phoenix – Too Young

Olympia – Smoke Signals

What’s up for the next couple of months?

Just trying to write more songs. It’d be good to record a new album next year.

Check the website for updates, but the album here

B-LEAGUERS – Death Of A Western Heart (interview)

Posted on by patrickdonders

Sweet Sweet Music talked to B-LEAGUERS’ frontman James Styring about Death Of A Western Heart, the new album.

PowerPop/PunkRock magic.

“Ignited by both attitude and awareness, Death of a Western Heart will have you pogoing around the room the minute the on button is activated. There’s nothing b-league about B-Leaguers, as these guys belong in the major leagues!”, writes BEVERLY PATERSON (for SomethingElseReviews). But I guess you hope some will listen to the lyrics too?

 

Yeah, I would hope that people pick up on the words. Especially if they’re going to sing along! But you can take our songs on face value and pogo around the room, as you mention, and that’s fine. And if you wanted to look a little deeper, there’s meaning in there, too. But I never like to make things too obvious – it’s far more important what the listener thinks, than what the writer had in mind. All of them are based on real life and experience, so hopefully they’ll resonate with people.

 

 

Death of a Western Heart sounds big and very ambitious. What are your goals for this band? What do you think is possible with all these great songs, great hooks, great singing?

 

I think initially, you get together to write a bunch of songs, and see where it goes. But we knew from very early on that it was coming together fast – the songs were really taking shape. We were lucky in that respect. And we’re fortunate to be on such a prestigious label (Kool Kat Musik), who have helped get the album out there and heard. But I don’t think it pays to set yourself unrealistic goals – you can set yourself up for a fall. We’re all very ambitious and committed to making something happen, but we are also very aware of how difficult and competitive it is out there. We just do what we do. If folks come along with us, great!

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The thought of your band being as big as “Green Day” comes back to me a lot. But I think it is almost impossible for a band nowadays to grow that big. (Where do you begin if you are songwriter, singer, head of marketing etc all by yourself). What do you think?

 

I agree. The very nature of the music industry has changed. Very few bands are making it on such a huge scale. But that’s ok. The internet has allowed musicians to do it for themselves – it’s what punk rock has always been about anyway. Don’t wait around for something to happen, get out there and make it happen! Bands now have that instant connection online – fans can decide for themselves if they like something, or not, without a multi-million pound record company promoting the life out of the latest ‘next big thing’. People like to find something new for themselves. I’m not saying it wouldn’t be tempting to sign on the dotted line, should the opportunity ever come our way, but we’re realistic. It’s not going to happen anytime soon. If you’re in a band for the right reasons, you’re passionate, driven, love what you do, that becomes it’s own reward.

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

 

Like I say, the internet has changed everything. Gone are the days of a record company A+R guy being at a gig and offering you a huge recording contract. It just doesn’t happen. It’s almost unrecognizable as an industry. But that’s not all bad. Bands can now cut out the ‘middle man,’ who always took a big cut of the band’s money, and get their music out directly to the fans. It’s all more DIY now, you’re not answering to anyone. But a great band is a great band, and will continue to write and record great music, regardless if they’re on a label or not. Go out and discover them.

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?

Now there’s a question! Think I would need at least 10 songs, but here goes..

1. Ramones, Judy Is A Punk Rocker

2. Buzzcocks, What Do I Get

3. Jimmy Eat World, Salt Sweat Sugar

4. Frank Turner, Recovery

5. The Promise Ring, Happiness Is All The Rage

What’s up for the next couple of months?

 

We recently played The Cavern Club, Liverpool, as part of the International Pop Overthrow Festival. We filmed in and around Liverpool, so there will be a video out sometime soon. We’re also in talks with management and promoters and play our home city of Lincoln, on 2nd July. It’s an all-dayer, with a load of other great bands, so it’ll be messy! We’re also busy writing for our next record. Sounding great so far – can’t wait to get back in the studio!

Buy the album here
Check the website for updates

 

THE LASH OUTS – Validation Song (interview)

Posted on by patrickdonders

Sweet Sweet Music talked with Joey Holbrook and Ralph Thompson about The Lash Outs’ new release Validation Song.

“These songs merely express a common dude’s observations on consumerism and spoiled young people combined with the familiar themes of fear, anxiety, and social ineptitude.”

Find out what else they have to say about this Punk-Power Pop – Rock gem.

 


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

 
Joey:  We drove to Oklahoma to record with Stephen Egerton again.  He’s very detail-oriented which is one of the main reasons why we keep going back to him.  The fact that he’s an extremely gifted songwriter doesn’t hurt either.  We always have a good time when we go up to visit him.
We also spent a lot of time in the hotel room watching Mr. Show on DVD.  That was fun.

If we want to know you, which song do we have to listen to? And why?

 

 

Joey:  I’m more of an “album guy” than a “song guy”.  If I had to pick just one song then I would say “State of Excess” (the title track) because it exemplifies the general theme of the album, or at least the second half of the album.

 

Ralph:  I’d say check out “Don’t Know Why” as it demonstrates the progression of the band wrapped up in a tight, two and a half minute nugget.  Who doesn’t have two minutes to spare?

 

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

 

 
Joey:  As a music fan, the Internet has not only given me access to new music but some amazing old music as well.  I’m in my late twenties now so I’ve been using the Internet as a resource since I was a little kid.  It takes very little effort to get your music online and available to the public and I’d much rather e-mail a link to a publication, radio station, etc. than mail a tangible product and press kit.  From a financial standpoint, it costs us virtually nothing to take the digital route.
I’m pretty introverted and I can be shy when meeting new people.  The Internet allows me to network without having to leave the house or make an awkward phone call.  It’s great.

We don’t make much money from digital sales and streaming music, but we’re just glad that people are listening to our songs.  If we were “in it for the money” then we wouldn’t be playing rock music.  We would have implemented a drum machine or a ukulele by now. Gotta stay current, you know?

 

Ralph:  The model for “local” bands now allows a little band from Dallas, Texas to reach folks all over the globe, yourself included.  We’re grateful it allows us to connect with bloggers, podcasters and fans who enjoy similar music.  There’s nothing not to like about this model – like Joey said, we aren’t focused on making money.  We’re more interested in reaching people who enjoy our stuff.

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Who is the best musician in the world nobody has heard of yet? And why will this change very soon?

 

Joey:  We played a gig with Mugen Hoso a few months ago and they put on one of the best live shows that I’ve ever witnessed.
I don’t listen to a lot of modern music these days, which is unfortunate because I’m sure that I am missing out on a lot of good stuff.  For the past ten years or so, I’ve been habitually revisiting old music maybe every six months; but in the last year I’ve pretty much immersed myself in old blues.  If deceased musicians are allowed then I would have to namedrop guys like Mississippi John Hurt, Henry Thomas, Blind Boy Fuller, Sleepy John Estes . . . the list goes on and on.  These players directly or indirectly influenced every style of western music that came after them, but to this day their contributions are still being overlooked.
It’s some of the best music ever recorded and a lot of these dudes (and ladies) incorporated some pretty dark or risque themes into their songs.  When I listen to a standard pop-rock love song now, there’s a part of me that sort of resents the person who is singing the song.  After hearing someone like Charley Patton sing about spending time in jail or surviving the worst flood in American history, the whole “Oh, baby / You broke my heart / Please don’t leave me” thing just seems trivial.

I digress.

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?

 

Joey:  I’m married now and have been with the same girl for eight years, but I’ll try to pretend that I’m making a mix for a friend in need.  This ultimatum is pretty out of line though.  Honestly, I’d probably just tell my friend to forget about this girl.  Go play video games or read a book instead.

1.  The Toms – Better Than Anyone Else
2.  The Descendents – Cheer
3.  The Gants – I Wonder
4.  Dolly Mixture – Will He Kiss Me Tonight

5.  The Ramones – I Want You Around

Ralph:  To answer this question correctly I’m going to have to take myself back to college….

1. The Promise Ring – Happiness Is All The Rage
2. Weezer – Devotion
3. Paul McCartney – Every Night
4. The Mr. T Experience – I Just Wanna Do It With You

5. Weston – New Shirt / Heather Lewis

 
 

What’s up for the next couple of months?

 

 

Joey:  Hopefully, more writing and home demoing.  I’ve heard musicians say that they try to write a song every day.  That’s unfathomable to me, but I wish that I could do that.  It takes me about a month to write a song and demo it before presenting it to the rest of the band.  We’ve got a few new tunes in the bag though.

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BRIDPORT DAGGER – Knife through Water (interview)

Posted on by patrickdonders

Sweet Sweet Music searched the “noir” corners of the garage and found Bridport Dagger. They just released Knife Through Water, a 4 song EP.

Singer/frontman Jason Idnani-Powdrill shares his thoughts about the songs, the recording process and Harry Dean Stanton.

 

The 4 songs on Knife Through Water sound so intense. Did that sound come naturally?

 

 

We did try and write some sunny-sounding pop songs but we only know how to play minor chords and there’s no windows in the studio. Also, we always play like we’re about to die, whether it be to two people and a dog or a crowd of 500 (although I can’t say we’ve ever played to that many people, we certainly have played to two people and a dog).

Harry Dean Stanton is more than just an actor, is he? You must have known that you had something when you finished that song?

 

We did, and it’s really caught on with people. It actually started off being a very slow song, but then took on a life of its own and blossomed into this beautiful, great big bird.

It’s not particularly about Harry Dean Stanton, but it needed a great title and he’s an awesome human being so it somehow fit perfectly. He’s also a connection to many of our cinematic tastes, so it’s us paying tribute to him in a way.

If we want to know you, which song do we have to listen to? And why?

 

All of them. The songs are made of our blood, sweat and beer. We feel that the music is just as important as the words, rather than it just being a vehicle for telling a story, or a stylistic choice. Our lyrics tend to unveil themselves over time rather than being straightforward, and I’d also say that’s an apt description of us as people.

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

 

It brought us the realisation that it’s now much harder to make any kind of living from music, and also that we’re never going to be part of any trend (thank goodness) or part of the hype machine. Whilst the Internet does prove useful in getting your music out to people quickly, there’s just so much stuff swirling around online that there’s still very much a need for word of mouth unless you have a massive promotional force behind you.

Thankfully, the word of mouth is starting to kick in and it’s here that the Internet comes in useful regarding direct communication, so it’s all relative, I guess.

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?

 

As I’m married, I decided instead to imagine a young fella wooing a girl he’s met with the following late-night selection:
Townes Van Zandt – Kathleen
Roy Orbison – In Dreams
Tindersticks – A Night in
Gallon Drunk – In the Long Still Night

The Flaming Stars – London After Midnight

When she agrees on the second date, he’ll take her to one of our gigs.

What’s up for the next couple of months?

 

We’re planning on doing a very limited run of the EP on CD (how quaint), and are also planning to record a double A side for release either later this year or early next year.

We’ve just started working with an independent theatre company – Crooked Tree – on providing the music for an immersive performance that’ll be happening in October at the Brunel Chamber in Rotherhithe (Docklands area of London).

 It’s all very arty, but it’s good to approach making music in a different way than just playing gigs and slinging out records. It’s also a great way to reach a different audience that might not particularly have encountered you at a standard gig too.

We’d like to play some European dates (here’s hoping England comes to it’s senses and votes to stay in the European Union), and we’ve got plenty of new material to work on, so keep your ears open and if anybody has a spare £50,000 available we could certainly put that to good use.”

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DAVID BROOKINGS and the Average Lookings (interview)

Posted on by patrickdonders

He is getting the best reviews ever for his latest release. Sweet Sweet Music talked with David Brookings about David Brookings and the Average Lookings. This one is from Power Pop heaven.

 

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

The fun thing about this album was the crew we worked with. Our engineer / producer really got the retro vibe I was going for with the sound, and he liked a lot of the same bands I like (Oasis, Badfinger, Fountains of Wayne, etc.)

If we want to know you, which song do we have to listen to? And why?

On the new album I would say ‘The Optimist’ or ‘Time to Go’. But this is my 7th album, so for overall I would say to listen to ‘Sand in the Hourglass’, from the 2nd album. It’s about not giving up, and that’s my whole thing .

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

Tough question. Well, it brought me a great job working as a tour guide at Sun Studio in Memphis, TN. Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Howlin’ Wolf all started their careers in that legendary place, and it was an honor to work there>

The outro on Don’t Stop to Doubt Yourself comes from soft rock heaven. Or is that a stupid thing to say?

Ah Thanks. That is a fairly simple 3 chords played over and over again, and then my brother-in-law played the guitar solo on it. He’s such a good player. He just went in and nailed it

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Were you expecting all those great review when you finished the album? Did you knew you had something?!

The reaction and response has been tremendous. It just came out a week ago, and I was hoping people would like it. Yes, I’m very proud of this one. But I’m a little surprised at all the new friends and people I’ve met because of it. I just keep writing songs and putting out music, because that’s what I know and love. I’ll always keep at it .

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?

OK, if I were picking 5 songs. This could change on any given day, but here goes…(1) Hold on Tight by ELO (2) I Love LA by Randy Newman (3) Jumpin Jack Flash by the Rolling Stones (4) Someday by the Strokes (5) Sadness is a Blessing by Lykke Li.

What’s up for the next couple of months?

We just got a great gig opening for Bryan Adams in a few weeks. So we’re excited about that. Other than that, hopefully will keep having things happen with the new album, and start writing new songs.

Check the website for updates

VISTA BLUE – Baseball Collection Vol 1 (interview)

Posted on by patrickdonders

Sweet Sweet Music talked with Mike Patton of Vista Blue, a power pop band from Nashville. They just released a 20 songs baseball-themed album. To know Vista Blue is to love them, so check this out

How does a Vista Blue- day in the studio look like? Your songs sounds like you are having fun. But I am sure it is not all that?

It’s definitely all fun! That’s the only reason to still be doing this. I thought I would’ve stopped a long time ago, but for whatever reason, these catchy songs keep popping in my head. So we keep going.

These days, we do most recording over the internet actually. The technology has finally brought us to where we can make really fun music in totally separate locations.

So typically I’ll have a bunch of songs ready, and I’ll start with some basic demos. I’ll send these to Todd or Mark or whoever might be helping on the tracks. But it also helps me work on vocal arrangements for a few days. Then I’ll usually come back and re-record all of my vocals.

From there, if someone else is jumping in, they might e-mail me files, or I’ll go to Mark’s house or something and record his parts there.

But again, this whole process is fun. In addition to making these recordings, it also sometimes helps me stay in touch with people I don’t get to see every day. There are phone calls and emails discussing parts, chords, arrangements, etc. Of course, the other side is that it is often just me in a room by myself for hours!

If we want to know you, which song do we have to listen to? And why?

I don’t know that it could be summed up in one song, but I guess a great start would be something like Pulp’s “Mis-shapes.” – “Oh we weren’t supposed to be/We learnt too much at school now we can’t help but see/That the future that you’ve got mapped out/Is nothing much to shout about…”

I guess my main thing is to never do something only because other people think you “should” do it. As long as you aren’t hurting anyone, do what you want.

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

Honestly, I know a lot of indie people do not like the current state of the industry, particularly those who were managing to actually scratch out a living 10-15 years ago by touring nonstop and selling merch. And I definitely appreciate that lifestyle and that commitment. But yeah, things have changed. And for us, it’s now easier to record, easier to share our music, and in many ways, easier to get people to listen.

There are so many blogs, podcasts, and indie radio shows now that we’re getting support from people who never would’ve heard of us back when we were playing shows every week.

I know overall we have access to so much good music, so it can be a lot to get through and a lot of links to click on. But I’m finding great new bands every day, and fortunately people are finding US every day!

How competitive is Nashville? Mostly we only hear the stories about mainstream country and I know about East Nashville being (or at least was) alt.country heaven. But what is it like being independent in a city like Nashville? 

Yeah, Nashville is not really the place for a band like us. When I first moved here in 2008, we started The Loblaws, did a record for Mutant Pop, and had a lot of fun with that band for a couple of years. But we had more people at every show outside of Nashville than we did at any of our local shows, which is kind of telling.

It isn’t really even “competition.” I think it’s more that everyone here plays or has played music. A lot of people move here for that reason. There are 100 shows every night. It’s just tough to stand out, I guess.

Of course last weekend’s CMA Fest had country fans waiting in line for 12 hours before concerts, and our interstates were all clogged up, so obviously it’s working for that side of music.

For punk music, there does seem to be a growing scene here with more and more houses doing shows. If that had been going on when The Loblaws were around, that would’ve been great. But now that our music is more on the “power pop” side of things, we don’t really play live shows here very often. We did play the International Pop Overthrow here last month, and that was a blast.

What about baseball? 

Ha, well baseball is fun! To me, it’s just one of the purest games, at least from a strategy standpoint. It’s like chess, except when the managers make their moves on the chess board, the pieces still need to execute.

And I find it’s just a lot of fun to write and sing about. Baseball can be used as a metaphor in almost any way. Having a coach who won’t put you in the game is no different from having a boss who just doesn’t understand what you’re capable of. A bad teammate is the same as a bad co-worker. We all work with a guy who is a jerk but gets all of the credit. Or a guy who will screw up and hit into a double play, no matter how many chances he’s given. But also, when you hit a home run, it helps people forget about the four prior at-bats when you struck out.

Before we started Vista Blue in 2014, I was writing a few baseball songs for my friends in The Ueckers. But before I knew it, I had like 15 songs. Those guys write a ton of songs too and didn’t really need mine. So when we started this band, I had all of those ideas, and it was an easy first release for us. From there the ideas just kept flowing, so we’ve now done a total of four baseball releases. And it’s hard to stop because now all of our friends keep giving me baseball song ideas.

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?

This is another really tough one. Assuming I didn’t want to go ALL Beach Boys on her so soon, I guess it’d be something like…

Beach Boys – “I’m Waiting For the Day”
Weezer – “Falling For You”
Beatles – “Here, There and Everywhere”
Belle & Sebastian – “Another Sunny Day”

Mamas and Papas – “I Saw Her Again”

This is just some of the greatest music ever released. But hopefully on the second date she’d ask for the rest of the mixtape because there is a lot left out here!

What’s up for the next couple of months?

We are not stopping. We’ve released eight EPs since April 2015, and we’re planning on four more this year!

First we’re taking the sports idea in a new direction and are recording an Olympics-themed EP to celebrate the Rio games in August. Then we’re doing an EP in September that actually may not have a theme. That’s kind of undecided, and we have a lot of song ideas to pick from.

Then later this year we’ll do a horror-themed EP in October and a Christmas EP in December.

I’d also like to say that my band Sally Stitches, a New Orleans power pop band from 2002-2005, will be releasing a reunion EP this month through Radiant Radish and Ice Cream Man. And that one is a lot of fun as well.

So we’re very busy right now! Which is great.

If you want to hear more, go here or check the FB website for updates.