1)What do you want people to hear most when they hear your music?
There is a lot of attention given to tone, arrangement and lyrics, but in the end I think about what I want people to feel more than about what I want them to hear. All that detail adds up to emotion. When I recorded "Summer Dresses" I wanted people to feel that same tired euphoria you get after a long sunburnt day at the beach. For "Last Days of Black" I wanted to build a sense of impending claustrophobia.
2) Having music on Band Camp, along with other such platforms in music right now such as Sound Cloud, Spotify and others, do you feel that music is moving into a virtual age? Personally, I fully support the idea of downloading songs for free from Band Camp and then if I like them buying them on vinyl.
Definitely a digital age. Today downloading to your computer or phone is the easiest way to get music. But maybe in the future we'll be able to download to other kinds of objects like sculptures or furniture. I like the idea that any object could become a receiver. That might bring some physicality back to music. As for free downloading, it's just the norm. I think access to music is more important than owning it now. I also believe that when people connect with the music then they are generally cool with giving the musician something too - like buying the vinyl, or even a CD if the artwork is interesting enough.
3) How important of a factor do you feel that record labels play in music these days when pretty much anyone can put their music on the internet as opposed to having to hand out demo tapes at shows, the distribution record labels can offer, etc. It just seems like it’s a bit easier these days to succeed as a band- and even build up a strong fan base- before a label possibly comes calling for you.
I think you're right. It's way easier to record and release music today. I think the labels actually like this fact too. They wait and see who is really gaining fans and it gives them a chance to see how a band's voice is developing. I don't think DIY technologies have made labels less important. We have more labels and music than ever now. Labels can help promote and get PR. They have some cred with music blogs so their bands get noticed first. I think rising above all the noise is the hardest part. Since there is so much music available you have to work hard to stand out. Sometimes you can do that on your own and sometimes you need a label.
4) If you could tour with any single band or musician who would you pick and why?
This is hard question! I really love the theater of Sigur Ros shows. And Radiohead are amazing. But who would be better to follow around in a bus, or eat hash browns with at a Waffle House at 2am? That answers it for me. I want to time travel back to 1963 and tour with Johnny Cash.
5) Who is your favorite New Kid on the Block?
This one isn't hard. You know they are a Boston band? Marky Mark.
6) Who would win in a musical fight: Jack Black or Jack White?
Depends on the weapon. If we are dueling air guitars then Jack Black will rule. But if its real guitars Jack White will crush him. You have also made me realize there is space for a Jack Gray.
There is a lot of attention given to tone, arrangement and lyrics, but in the end I think about what I want people to feel more than about what I want them to hear. All that detail adds up to emotion. When I recorded "Summer Dresses" I wanted people to feel that same tired euphoria you get after a long sunburnt day at the beach. For "Last Days of Black" I wanted to build a sense of impending claustrophobia.
2) Having music on Band Camp, along with other such platforms in music right now such as Sound Cloud, Spotify and others, do you feel that music is moving into a virtual age? Personally, I fully support the idea of downloading songs for free from Band Camp and then if I like them buying them on vinyl.
Definitely a digital age. Today downloading to your computer or phone is the easiest way to get music. But maybe in the future we'll be able to download to other kinds of objects like sculptures or furniture. I like the idea that any object could become a receiver. That might bring some physicality back to music. As for free downloading, it's just the norm. I think access to music is more important than owning it now. I also believe that when people connect with the music then they are generally cool with giving the musician something too - like buying the vinyl, or even a CD if the artwork is interesting enough.
3) How important of a factor do you feel that record labels play in music these days when pretty much anyone can put their music on the internet as opposed to having to hand out demo tapes at shows, the distribution record labels can offer, etc. It just seems like it’s a bit easier these days to succeed as a band- and even build up a strong fan base- before a label possibly comes calling for you.
I think you're right. It's way easier to record and release music today. I think the labels actually like this fact too. They wait and see who is really gaining fans and it gives them a chance to see how a band's voice is developing. I don't think DIY technologies have made labels less important. We have more labels and music than ever now. Labels can help promote and get PR. They have some cred with music blogs so their bands get noticed first. I think rising above all the noise is the hardest part. Since there is so much music available you have to work hard to stand out. Sometimes you can do that on your own and sometimes you need a label.
4) If you could tour with any single band or musician who would you pick and why?
This is hard question! I really love the theater of Sigur Ros shows. And Radiohead are amazing. But who would be better to follow around in a bus, or eat hash browns with at a Waffle House at 2am? That answers it for me. I want to time travel back to 1963 and tour with Johnny Cash.
5) Who is your favorite New Kid on the Block?
This one isn't hard. You know they are a Boston band? Marky Mark.
6) Who would win in a musical fight: Jack Black or Jack White?
Depends on the weapon. If we are dueling air guitars then Jack Black will rule. But if its real guitars Jack White will crush him. You have also made me realize there is space for a Jack Gray.
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