ZeroShip Interview

ZeroShip is Jimmy Peace, Aaron Keller, and Joel Tomaeno.


How did ZeroShip come to be?

Aaron: I came around in 2004 when I auditioned for Brave Last Days, a band with Jimmy, Joel and their bassist Mike when they were looking for a lead vocalist. Right afterwards, Mike took his life unexpectedly, and Joel decided to take some time off. Jimmy and I decided a month or so later to start another band under the name ZeroShip.

Jimmy: Through Internet ads, Joel had joined another band named Audio I’d that I was in back in 2001. Aaron answered an ad while Joel and I were still in a band we formed later called Brave Last Days with our bassist Mike. The original Brave Last Days imploded after much success in the late 90s and the band Oh My God!, which is still around, was created by some of the members. After Mike’s death in 2004, Aaron and I kept working together while Joel took a break to collect his thoughts.

Joel: I kept doing music to keep the sadness away from my friend leaving this planet. I was very torn in two. Music is my soul, music is something I have to do or I would just off myself too. I started playing right after I started walking. It's a huge part of my life; it's almost everything; music keeps me living.

How, if it did at all, did being in Chicago influence your music?

Aaron: Chicago is a big enough town that diversity is available. If I can see any influence at all that Chicago has on ZeroShip’s music, it stems from the fact that it’s a place where West Coast, Midwest and International culture and values can come together in the same room to produce art.

Joel: There’s a lot of pressure being from this town, ‘cause so many bands come from bigger cities that pump out a lot of music. When people hear "Chicago" they expect greatness.

Jimmy: It did influence us, but not our musical style. I have met everyone for the band here. I am from California and so is Joel. We both bounced back and forth growing up between here and California.

What bands influenced ZeroShip, and what drew you to the type of music you play?

Joel: Every band that’s ever existed influenced ZeroShip. The world always needs more music. I’m not sure how or what drew us to our sound; it’s more of a friendship thing that hones the sound. You must have a great understanding of the people you play with. The same way great players of the jazz era did. I just play and that’s what comes out.

Aaron: I think the type of music that we play is a combination of what we like, what we consider good quality and what naturally comes out of our heads from what we’ve absorbed. I’m drawn to it mostly because it’s a little new and also a little familiar and I think that helps to place it on the cutting edge.

Jimmy: Do you want me to write a novel? Here it goes: Jane’s Addiction, The Mars Volta, At the Drive In, Fugazi (after they stopped sounding like 311 or vice versa), Yes, Led Zeppelin, Rush, Pink Floyd, NIN, Miles Davis, The Door, The The, Radiohead, rock and roll, progressive rock, Blues, Jazz, world music, classical and ambient. Anything strange! I like a lot of music, but not too many artist’s whole CDs. The bands I mention I can listen to their full recordings, not just a few songs. They are timeless to me, and that is what I am trying to accomplish with our recordings in ZeroShip.

What are your current favorite bands?

Joel: Currently, my favorites are The Doors, Rush, Led Zeppelin, The Mars Volta, The Beach Boys, also two local acts The Syllable Section and Smallwire.

Jimmy: The Mars Volta, Muse, White Stripes, Radiohead. Anything strange or innovative.

Aaron: It’s honestly been a while since I even listened to a band, let alone had a favorite band. I mostly hear devotional chants, aka "weird Indian-sounding spiritual music." I can still dig some George Harrison or Kula Shaker once in a great while, maybe Rasa, more obscure stuff.

You’ve just finished your single "It's Safe to Say Goodbye"; what was it like recording this release?

Joel: Maddening! I did nearly two hundred takes on drums before we figured out we needed a new arrangement. I was exhausted because we record in our rehearsal space and would have to start and stop when other bands were practicing. Jimmy ran the session and we did it in two days.

Jimmy: Seemed like it took forever. We were a slave to whatever other bands were playing around us. At times I had to record guitar parts in between song breaks from other bands.

Aaron: It was definitely a rough experience having to track vocals at odd times of the day and in between outside noises. I’d run in before rehearsal without even warming up and throw in a line or two while it was quiet. Actually, we didn’t end up using most of the vocals when we got to the studio because of the sound quality. I had a good hour or so to record them again with the help of much better circumstances and equipment.

If it’s not too personal a question, is the song "It's Safe to Say Goodbye" at all related to the passing of your bassist Mike?

Joel: Who knows? Let it be what it is to you.

Aaron: The point behind it is to let go of things that we’re attached to. So, it doesn’t really matter who or what it was written about for someone to take deeper meaning from it.

Jimmy: I say goodbye often to Mike, but I never saw the song in that way.

Again, if it’s not too personal, how did the passing of Mike affect the band?

Aaron: Well, since Joel was gone on a year and a half hiatus it definitely had an impact.

Joel: I didn’t even play drums for a year after that. I was just sick of it all. I’ll never play with anyone like that again. Mike had the best ear of any musician I’ve heard. A true natural, he could play anything and do it with taste and style.

Jimmy: It really sucked. He was a great friend and in my opinion one of the best bass players ever! He was my dream bassist who was my friend! It still affects me every day of my life. I want Mike back because in my opinion he was my musical soul mate. I'll miss him and do every day of my life. It makes me sad to think about him, so I am sad every day at moments when I think of Mike.

Have you had any luck finding a new bassist?

Joel: No, just people sitting in, just jamming.

Aaron: A few prospects, but I’ve picked it up for the time being and collectively we’re getting the songs written and recorded.

Jimmy: Not sure yet, but at this moment no. It would be nice. Do you know anyone that is willing to channel or that can bring back the dead?

You also mention online that you "have been ripped off tens of thousands of dollars through shady producers and unscrupulous studios!" Care to elaborate on this?

Aaron: We were working with one small record label owner who at first had a nice idea of a homely artist development type situation. He was talking about a place where artists could grow and get support from the company and each other. It was actually working on a small level as long as things stayed simple.

Later on, this guy developed a very overly ambitious and unseemly side and could be quoted making statements like, "I saw that movie about Howard Hughes and it really reminds me of me." Unfortunately, somewhere in there was money Joel and I had invested and we didn’t get any music out before I learned that "Howard" had somehow squandered the rent money.

Joel: I’ll just say to bands out there, before you pay for anything, do your homework and research people you hire. There’s a lot of scum bags out there, and the better your music gets, the sleazier the people get. Never believe anyone’s promises but your own.

Jimmy: I didn't lose any money, but a so-called friend set me up for a crime once. That sucked a lot! As you can tell, I was innocent and didn't go to jail. It would have been a felony and I would still have another 5 years to go. Good thing I have a clean record and was not a criminal in my life or I might be behind bars. This so-called friend was trying to do an insurance scam.

The single is "exceeding even [your] producer's expectations." Could you describe what the single sounds like? Has your sound changed at all from song samples such as "FoH"?

Aaron: ZeroShip’s sound has really come together so that there’s not a leap from one song to the next stylistically. "It’s Safe to Say Goodbye" is really in a different mood than "FoH," but the same musicians are there composing. I guess the biggest difference is that this song represents more of my influences. I didn’t have a big hand in composing "FoH." Jimmy was the main composer of that one.

Joel: Every ZS song tells a story; I can only describe our sound as truthful.

Jimmy: Yes and no. We like the sound on "FoH" because it for the most part sounds like us. I think the newer songs have more of our original sound then "FoH," but I still love that song and can't wait to play it for people. Mike is playing bass on "FoH," so it will always mean a lot to me. Aaron came up with the idea for "Goodbye" and we spent hours making it everything we are and what we sound like. No song is really written by one person in this band. It’s always a group effort. No one is above another in this band. We all contribute.

What’s next in store for ZeroShip?

Joel: Who can say?

Aaron: That’s probably a good answer. But at least the usual scheduling shows, releasing more tracks. We’ll be recording more for an EP or LP to release in the very near future.

Jimmy: Playing shows, promotion, sponsorships and touring. We have to deal with reality like our leaders messing up the country and the crazy gas prices. We will tour and make it work even if gas becomes 5 dollars a gallon. Touring. Loving the fans and making more music.

What were the very early days of ZeroShip like? Lots of touring/shows or more locking yourselves away in a practice room?

Aaron: Since Jimmy and I were on our own, the very early days of ZeroShip included months of organizing business plans, searching for musicians and honing the painstaking process of co-writing. Our writing styles started out somewhat polarized, but with some friction we got to a point where we combined our heads and came up with something like what ZeroShip would eventually sound like. After that, it was mostly rehearsal, finding musicians, losing musicians and trying to get something recorded along the way. Since Joel got back in the mix we’ve spent a lot of time solidifying the full sound.

Jimmy: We have had a hard time finding the right people that get what we are trying to do. That is why we started playing bass and keys ourselves. Then Aaron took it upon himself to fill those roles so we could develop them live.

Which do you enjoy more: playing live or recording?

Joel: Yes.

Aaron: For me, the goal is distributing as much music as possible, so they’re both necessary and I enjoy them both for the part they play in reaching that goal. I really just like figuring out how to say what I want to say in the music, whether live or on recordings.

Jimmy: I like them both. I love playing live and I love recording. I just love playing with Joel and Aaron.

Which do you think is better in general, listening to music live or on a recording?

Jimmy: Both.

Joel: Apples and oranges. CD’s are great ‘cause you get the optimal feel the band was going for. But it’ll never replace the energy of a live band. Especially ZS.

Aaron: I think there are things on our recordings that I love that aren’t reproducible on stage, but then it’ll work the other way too. If we’re talking about ZeroShip, we’ll try to bring the same quality and impact into both performances, though there will be different elements.

How would you describe the music scene in Chicago?

Jimmy: I don't know, but it doesn't seem to be around at the moment.

Joel: Chicago feels a little stale right now. I think people are afraid of taking a chance playing new music. A lot of local acts try to do an LA thing or a British thing. Do your thing!

Are you close to any other bands?

Joel: Yeah, we hear them through the fuckin’ wall when we practice.

Aaron: Or record. We hear smoke detectors beeping in the hall too. Those should be fun bits for people who really listen closely to the tracks.

Jimmy: A Bird Song Valentine.

What hopes and goals do you have for ZeroShip?

Jimmy: Tour and keep touring loving all the fans and keeping everything going. And always having as much peace as we can have.

Aaron: I want people, many people, to hear the music, get a little interested by something they hear or something they see maybe and look a little deeper into what we’re all about. Music in my experience is most often an attempt to turn heads for one reason or another, and ZS music is trying to do the same thing.

Joel: I just hope the people love it. My only goal is to turn people on to this music, get ‘em to really listen, stop being in such a hurry. Enjoy life, enjoy the moment.

Where do you see ZeroShip in say 5 years?

Joel: That’s up to the fans. Five years is a long way away. If you think too much about yesterday or tomorrow you’ll miss today.

Aaron: Today does have plenty already. I believe though that barring unforeseen tragedies we’ll be doing what we want in the music world.

Jimmy: Touring around the globe and on our 3rd record. I like the ride and the process. I am happy being with these guys.

Why did you get into music? Why start a band?

Aaron: Music was always something I had an idea of how to do. With a little studying and practice, it just worked. So why do something else? I tried a lot of stuff. I ended up joining a band more or less to use my talents while trying to do something positive.

Joel: You don’t choose what you do, it chooses you. Sometimes that’s hard to accept, especially when people you love don’t. As far as starting a band goes, it’s either that or practice alone in your room! You don’t become a fireman and never fight a fire.

Jimmy: For the escape and pure joy of creating. Then it turned into the community and interaction, then it was about being famous and now it’s just because I love making music and just need to live music. Fame would be great, but at the end of it all I just want is to make great music that I can listen to and enjoy hearing years from now; that and tour.

It is also being creative and always learning something new. I'll never stop learning because there is so much to know. That is one of the coolest things about music, it is a never ending process and there is always something new to do no matter if it has been done or hasn't. What matters is how you put it together.

Can you see yourself doing this in 20, 30, 40 years?

Joel: God willing and the creek don’t rise.

Aaron: I’ve stopped predicting the future. It seems to have a direction of its own.

Jimmy: Forever! I hope I never have to die. I personally would like to live for the rest of eternity so I can keep playing and creating music. If I can remain functional I don't want to die, ever!

What has been your best/worst/funniest/favorite moment in ZeroShip?

Joel: Ask me again in 20, 30, 40 years.

Aaron: So far, having Joel rejoin and completing the new music have been the best. As far as the worst goes, I think I’ve learned valuable things from even those incidences that you might call "bad."

Jimmy: My best hasn't happened yet, but if I had to choose it would be meeting
the members of ZeroShip. The worst moment is when that so-called friend set me up for a crime. On top of that, I was living in Seattle and was thinking of coming back because my band out there were on heroin and I wanted no part in that.

Has it all been worth it up until now?

Joel: You gotta pay your dues if ya wanna sing the blues, and ya know it don’t come easy.

Aaron: If I didn’t think it was worth it I’m sure I would’ve turned back a while ago.

Jimmy: Every minute.

More information about ZeroShip can be found here.

(Published at ComfortComes.com)

Plumerai

Answered by Elizabeth Ezell (Vocals), Martin Newman (Guitar), and James Newman (Bass)

How did Plumerai come to be?

Elizabeth Ezell: James and Martin were already Plumerai but needed a singer and drummer. I met Martin and James off a Craigslist add and we toured about three weeks later.

James Newman: After the demise of previous bands Martin & I continued working out songs until the right combination of people were found.

If you didn’t mention above, how did the members all meet?

Elizabeth Ezell: We met Todd a few months later...I think also through Craigslist...?

Martin Newman: Besides James and myself who are related…Craigslist. You can find anything you want on that site.

How, if it did at all, did being in Boston influence your music?

Elizabeth Ezell: I’m originally from California and the music scene, at least where I grew up, lacked diversity. There weren’t a lot of venues for bands to play and the venues that were there would book a lot of the same stuff over and over. Boston has so many incredible talents...you can go to the symphony and see Fantomas in the same night.

Martin Newman: It actually keeps me from working as much as I would like because of the hassles involved with having band rehearsals or being able to play through amplification in my apartment. But I don't think it's really influenced what I write at all. Maybe the people I’ve met but not Boston as far as geography is concerned.

What bands influenced Plumerai, and what drew you to the type of music you play?

Martin Newman: A combination of Nick Cave, Gogol Bordello and the Cure for me personally. And when writing it's just a combination of things I like about music I’ve heard...but I try to not outright steal anything, hopefully I’ve succeeded with that.

James Newman: Instrumentally some direct influences could be Cranes, Nick Cave & the Badseeds, the Cure, Hooverphonic, Lush, Siouxsie & the Banshees, and Gogol Bordello. I like songs that affect the way I feel.

What are your current favorite bands?

Elizabeth Ezell: Led Zeppelin, Faith No More, Minor Threat.

Martin Newman: Gogol Bordello, Nick Cave, Hefner, DeVotchKa, the Cure...and I’d like to point out to someone that there aren't any "chick" singers involved.

James Newman: The bands listed above plus Tindersticks, Air, Hefner, Cardigans, Sugarcubes, Queen Adreena, and Slayer.

What were the early days of Plumerai like?

Elizabeth Ezell: A lot of writing new songs and playing shows.

Martin Newman: Hectic. We formed and did some stuff. Then we lined up a tour, met Elizabeth, and went on tour like, 3 weeks after her audition. Then we got off that tour and had to find a new drummer because our bassist quit and our drummer moved to bass. So we had a big show come up and had to prepare for that, and then two weeks later do another tour, and when we finally got back from that tour we recorded this EP, and have been working on getting that out and securing a label to release it.

James Newman: It was a busy time: writing, rehearsing, recording, auditioning.

What drew you all into playing music? Why start a band?

Elizabeth Ezell: I’ve been singing my whole life but never really did anything with it. I know a lot of musicians in Boston. I started singing with the guitarist of Stretch and I got the confidence to audition and joined Plumerai.

Martin Newman: I just always have since high school. There's never a point where I don't play or involve myself with music one way or the other. As far as being in a band....it gives me the drive to do the music and gives what I do a direction to go in...or else I may put something down and not deal with it for months later, like what happened with my side projects and film projects. Also, having other people involved, while it can be troublesome, sort of gives the songs that I write a freshness that wouldn't have come about if it was just 100% me.

James Newman: Air guitar can only get you so far. Eventually you'll want to do it for real. Band? I can't sing.

What’s the Boston music scene like?

Martin Newman: None of us are from Boston and Plumerai sort of exists outside of the Boston music scene for the most part. But there are a lot, and I mean a lot, of bands here, and only a handful of venues worth playing. Sometimes I think it sucks here when only 20 people show up for a show...but then I remember what it's like to play in other cities where only 2 people show up to any given venue.

James Newman: Pretty healthy. A lot of bands for a small city, and fortunately a decent number of venues. You can always find live music here; even in subway stations. I’m not a fan of a lot of it, but there are a few gems. Plus there's so many bands that I still haven't gotten around to checking out.

What was recording "Res Cogitans" like?

Elizabeth Ezell: It was very quick but I’m really proud of the end results and I feel like having completed it Plumerai is stronger

Martin Newman: It was a long tiring process during the initial tracking. Started at midnight and finished at 5am. But we recorded all the songs live in about 2 or 3 takes each...so overdubbing was pretty easy. Mixing is another story though. I try to stay out of that process as much as I can.

James Newman: Tiring. Ryan at Get Nice let us use his rehearsal facility after business hours. So we brought all of our own recording gear, amps, and instruments, but we had to wait for all the clients to leave before we could set up, soundcheck, and start recording. I didn't get home until after 5am. It was a very long day. The session itself went rather smoothly. We just did two takes of each song and overdubbed parts later at my place. Then we spent a few weeks mixing.

If so, how’s the new recording looking? When might we expect it to be released?

Elizabeth Ezell: Uhhh...

Martin Newman: We actually just re-recorded a song "Fixed" and another new one "Iris" last weekend. And we're in the process of writing and finishing up writing about 6 or 8 more songs for a full length. I'm hoping we'll be done recording by fall, and with any luck we'll find a label to release it shortly thereafter.

James Newman: Maybe January. Depends whether we find a label to release it or do it ourselves.

Is "Res Cogitans" your first record? If not, what have you released before?

Elizabeth Ezell: My first one.

Martin Newman: Technically no. But it is the first record for this incarnation of Plumerai and if you take into consideration the previous versions of Plumerai were never more than the error portion of Trial & Error then, yes it is our first record. It's definitely the first record that sounds like Plumerai should.

What were the very early days of Plumerai like? Lots of touring/shows or locking yourselves in the practice room?

Elizabeth Ezell: We definitely practiced a lot but we just dove in head first trying to get new material and play shows.

Martin Newman: Locking ourselves in a practice room and then going on tour.

How are songs written for Plumerai? Is it a solo work or more group composure?

Elizabeth Ezell: Basically someone will come up with the main idea for how a song will sound, and then everyone will go off and put their ideas over it. Then we get together again and try to make four parts into one song.

James Newman: Usually Martin comes up with a guitar or keyboard part, and then everyone works it out.

Martin Newman: It usually starts with a part I’ve written and introduced to everyone else and they come up with their parts...and then we re-arrange the lengths or add new parts depending on Elizabeth's vocals. In the end it's a group effort. Sometimes I get a bit impatient and start writing a bass line or something, but I try not to if I can help it. In previous groups I wrote a lot of the different parts to a song because I couldn't trust the other members coming up with anything satisfactory or interesting...however with this Plumerai I’m perfectly fine with just handing over the bare bones of a song and having the others do what they want. It's the way a band should work....the only time it becomes an issue is when there's somebody in the group that shouldn't be.

What’s more important for you in a song? The lyrics or the instrumentals?

Elizabeth Ezell: In general, it depends. Some people are amazing story tellers, like Thom Yorke of Radiohead or James Taylor, I find myself listening to how beautiful the music is, but being distracted by the story or message. But, it has to sound pleasing too. Personally though, when I am writing lyrics, they are extremely dependent on the music because the music evokes certain emotions that influence what I am going to write about. Sometimes, certain tones in a song will make me think of a word and I try to write a story or idea around that one word.

Martin Newman: For me it's the music including the vocal melodies...but not necessarily the actual lyrics. When those are amazing, that's more like icing on cake. Not that lyrics aren't important...but honestly how many pop or rock groups have amazing lyrics? Not many...so it's all that much better when a song does have great lyrics. It's all subjective anyways....I’m sure Beyonce lyrics are meaningful to many 13 year olds and 30 year olds with the mental capacity of a 13 year old.

James Newman: I have no idea what the lyrics are and I still like the songs, so I would say the instrumentals.

What hopes or goals do you have for Plumerai?

Elizabeth Ezell: I just want to keep doing what we have been because I am having so much fun and I hope that we can keep making music we are proud of.

Martin Newman: If we can do what we're doing on a larger scale and actually earn a living from it, that would be pretty sweet.

James Newman: To make a living would be great, but I’ll settle for mass appreciation/recognition. Maybe groupies.

Where do you see Plumerai in say 5 years?

Martin Newman: In a bigger apartment hopefully.

James Newman: Riding in a bigger van, playing bigger shows with a professionally done album. Perhaps sharing the stage with some of my favorite bands (if they're still in business).

What has been your best/worst/favorite/funniest experience with Plumerai?

Elizabeth Ezell: Drinking on the beach in South Carolina. Tequila rose and Jagermeister Walking like an hour to get to that kick ass record shop in DC. That time we played in a clothing store...south of the border was pretty good too, or any time Brian is around.

Martin Newman: Best: The time we were rehearsing for a show it was right before Todd joined...and we were working on Avernal before it was Avernal, and Elizabeth was like...yeah we need another part to the song, and on the spot everything just came together for the chorus to that song which is probably one of my favorite bits on the EP. Worst: That time we played in DC at Staccatto's and there were literally only 2 people there...two people that came to see us, which was cool but still. Afterwards was fun though so I guess it worked out for the best that we didn't have to stick around til the end of the night. Favorite: That tour in November. Funniest: That time a certain band member stuck maraca's down the back of their pants and shook their ass into the mic during the end of a song.

James Newman: Best: Touring. None in particular. I just like traveling, getting to play, and hanging out. Worst: Being on stage with poor monitors and playing to a nearly empty room. Both suck. Favorite: The Raleigh show. Everything clicked on stage and although the turnout was meager, the people there seemed impressed. Funniest: Meeting up with Brian & Pete on tour. Funny guys.

What do you consider "success" in music?

Elizabeth Ezell: Not having a VHI band reunion in like 30 years.

Martin Newman: Being able to do what you want musically and enjoy what you're doing. That however is different than success in the music industry.

James Newman: Being able to write/play songs without compromise and still be widely appreciated.

Do you see Plumerai achieving success?

Elizabeth Ezell: Yeah, we are going to be rock stars.

Martin Newman: If we can get the publicity and backing that we need...then yes.

James Newman: Yes.

Has it all been worth it up until now?

Elizabeth Ezel: It beats doing nothing.

Martin Newman: Definitely. If you don't get caught up in dollar amounts.

James Newman: Yes. The first two and a half years was a bit frustrating, although we had some great times. Since Elizabeth & Todd have joined I’ve been really pleased with the way things have turned out as a band. I feel like we finally have our own sound, which is an achievement.


For more information go to the Plumerai website.

(Published at ComfortComes.com)

Sleeping At Last

Answered by Ryan O’Neal, Chad O’Neal, and Dan Perdue 6/13/06

How did Sleeping At Last come to be?

Ryan: Well, we started playing together about 7 years ago, now. I had been playing in some local bands in the area since I was 14 and eventually, our current line up fell into place. My brother Chad started playing drums and once, when my former band's drummer was out of town, Chad filled in for a show and eventually joined. Shortly after, Dan joined too. A spine-tingling story, eh?

Chad: When I started playing with Ryan and Dan, I had really no idea about music in general. I had mainly played sports for years before joining the band. I had always wanted to play the drums and when I was 18 I started. Ryan had asked me to fill in for their drummer since he was leaving the band and I played one show on New Years Eve and that was the start of it. They then asked me to play with them even though I wasn’t very good and the rest is history.

If you didn't mention it above, how did Ryan and Chad meet Dan?

Ryan: We met Dan through his sister and through local bands that he played in at the time.

How did, if at all, did living in Wheaton influence your music?

Ryan: I’m not sure if I can pin-point any specific influence that Wheaton has had in our music...but it's been a nice place to grow up..it's nice and quiet, which may have some effect on the writing process.

Dan: When I first started playing in high school there were quite a few bands in the area that were really good. I was able to go to shows just about every weekend to see them play. It was really inspiring to be able to see live music so often. Some members of one of those bands, Doran Stambaugh and James Scott, ended up recording our first full length "Capture". They were in a band called Waterworks that was really great and they taught us a lot about recording and song writing during the making of that record.

What bands influenced Sleeping At Last, and what drew you to the type of music you play?

Ryan: There's been so many for me...early influences that made me certain that this is what i want to do were - Sunny Day Real Estate, Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead, etc …and through the past several years - Billie Holiday, Nick Drake, Bjork, Nina Simone, Wilco...

Dan: The first band that I really fell in love with was the Beatles. Listening to them really made me excited about music. From there I really got into Radiohead and Sunny Day too.

Chad: For me it was a little different because of not really knowing a lot of music. I started off listening to a lot of bands that Ryan and Dan would show me and at first I wasn’t drawn into it but after a little while I started to see the light. I really got into Sunny Day, Radiohead, Bjork, U2 and now the music I listen to is pretty broad.

What are your current favorite bands?

Ryan: Well most of the music that has influenced me is still much of what I listen to ...I've also been listening to Frou Frou & Imogen Heap, Sufjan Stevens, a collection of older songs from animated Disney movies and I've been really excited about some early jazz and jazz singers from the 40's-50's (Nat king Cole, Nina Simone, Louis Armstrong, etc)

Dan: Lately I've been listening to a lot of Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Van Morrison. Also I think Bright Eyes, the Arcade Fire and Joanna Newsom are pretty great.

Chad: I have been listening to Wilco, Phoenix, Radiohead, Muse, Coldplay, The Beatles, The Cure, Sarah McLachlan, Over The Rhine, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, etc

I've seen it mentioned in many places that you are a Christian band, is this true and is it a major factor in your music?

Ryan: Our faith is a big part of who we are and it's something that means a lot to us, so it inevitably comes through in the words, but we've always intended our music to be for anyone that cares to listen, no matter who they are or what they believe in.

How does Sleeping At Last write music? Is it a solo effort from one of the members or more a group composure?

Ryan: I write the songs and when they're ready, we all dissect them a little together, Chad adds drums and Dan adds bass, etc and we sort give each song their final shape.

Chad: The writing is such a different process for us then anything else and Ryan does a wonderful job of compiling all of thoughts onto a piece of paper and I am always amazed at how it evolves into what we in the end record down to the final work. Writing can be a challenging part of the puzzle because, for me at least, I never always know where Ryan is taking a song in the first few stages of the song’s life. Once Ryan starts playing it around the house it always falls into place and he takes some amazing journeys with his work.

What parts of a song are most important to you? Is it important for your lyrics to hold a lot of weight, or are instrumentals more important?

Ryan: I’d say for each of us, a good balance between the two is our main concern. We try to find out the best ways to support and compliment each element.

Chad: I think the most important parts to our songs would have to be the lyrics. Ryan really puts his heart into each line of every song and I think that a great song should have a great meaning.

What were the early days of Sleeping At Last like?

Ryan: We had a lot of fun and still do! early on, it was a lot of fun to discover what we wanted to do with our music and with the sound. A lot of experimenting and playing a lot of shows.

Dan: Yeah, we just played a whole lot of shows. Pretty much anywhere that would have us, we would play. Anywhere from church basements, peoples houses, bowling alleys to clubs in the city.

Chad: The early days were so much fun. We definitely experimented with our music and it was a wonderful learning experience for all of us. We spent a lot of time playing anywhere that would let us.

What was recording "Capture" like?

Ryan: Recording "Capture" was our first lesson in recording. We worked with some amazing people, Doran Stambaugh and James Scott, who were kind enough to be patient with us, as we were young and trying to figure out what we were doing. We learned a whole lot during those sessions.

Chad: Since Capture was our first real record, it was a big learning experience. We would spend so much time playing things over and over again until it was just right. Working with Doran and James was amazing as well. They are such great guys and they taught us a lot.

Were you satisfied/excited/disappointed/etc with the way "Capture" turned out?

Ryan: I think we were pretty happy...tired by the end, but happy with how it turned out. For us now, hearing it is like looking back at a picture and thinking "wow...I looked like that?..weird" But it was an important part of our growth.

Chad: We were very happy how it turned out and we had a great time making it.

As a Smashing Pumpkins fan, I think the story of how you met Billy Corgan is amazing, could you please retell it?

Ryan: Well, we were playing a show in Chicago at the Metro, opening up for a band called Kill Hannah. Billy happened to be there, to see some friends, I believe. We saw him backstage and were obviously very excited and surprised to see him. We debated for a while whether or not to give him our CD (our capture album)..and as we were trying to decide, he walked right by and we just handed it to him. We were really excited all night and the next day..just to shake his hand. And the day after the show, we got a phone call from his assistant who said he would like to talk with us and wanted to make sure we knew he was calling...our first thought was that it was some mean joke from a friend of ours..but it wasn't. And he said he liked what we are doing and offered to sort of take us under his wing. He told some people in the industry about us and taught us a lot about the industry..the good and the ugly and just became a good friend to us. His encouragement was really inspiring to us, considering we had been fans of his growing up, so just to have him support us, made us want to be the best band we could be. It was an incredible blessing to have his encouragement.

How did Corgan's influence help shape "Ghosts"?

Ryan: He always encouraged us to discover for ourselves what we're capable of, to find our "voices" as musicians..our fingerprints, you know? And because of his encouragement to find our own way, we reached further and further to find our "sound" and gave our best, so in that sense, his support shaped how we approach creativity.

Chad: He was very good about not taking the music and trying to make it his own. He said that he wanted us to find out for ourselves what our sound and voice would be.

How was "Ghosts" different from "Capture"?

Ryan: For ghosts we knew a bit more about our abilities as a band and felt a lot more comfortable in our songs, than we had for capture. We knew exactly what we wanted it to sound like. Also, it was our first for a label (Interscope) which added some new pressures.

Chad: Capture and Ghosts are both different and the same. They are both pictures of the past in the sense that they mark each step of our journey. They are different sounds and we took very different approaches on each record.

What was recording "Ghosts" like? How was it working with the likes of Bjorn Thorsrud and Alan Moulder?

Ryan: "Ghosts" was a difficult process..for a number of reasons (being stress, our first time in a real studio, etc) but recording that record taught us even more about ourselves and our music and how to use the studio as an instrument and a tool to shape our songs. And in the end, we got exactly what we had hoped for and aimed for. Bjorn is a good friend of ours and is very devoted in the studio, is very talented and he works incredibly hard! And working with Alan was amazing, he is a true professional and is a such warm and friendly person, he did an amazing job!

Dan: The best part was definitely going to London to mix with Alan. He was so great to work with and getting to live in London for a month was definitely one of my favorite experiences with the band.

Chad: Both Bjorn and Alan were great to work with. It was definitely a plus that we were able to go to London to work with Alan. We were very blessed to work with each of them.

You guys then went on a nation-wide tour with Yellowcard, The Format, Something Corporate, some heavy hitters to say the least. What was this experience like?

Ryan: It was amazing for us! We had such a good time. We were a bit scared before we went out on that tour, because our music a bit softer and slower than all of those bands, and wondered if that would something the audience wouldn't be into, but it ended up being really perfect for us. The audiences were always wonderful and supportive. It was a really great experience for us.

Have a favorite memory from that tour?

Ryan: Just traveling and playing every night was really great...I can't think of one specific memory though, sorry!

Dan: Yeah, I think just getting to play for such great audiences every night was really the best part. When you're not performing on tour you're either driving to the next show or waiting around the venue until you get to play.

Chad: Meeting wonderful people in each of the places we played would be my favorite memories. But there are so many great memories from that tour its hard to pick.

Why did you decide to produce your new album "Keep No Score" independently and not with Interscope?

Ryan: We parted with Interscope a couple of years back and have since been talking with several other labels, but just hadn't felt right or at home with anyone just yet, so we decided to rather than waiting for a right fit, to keep on moving and make the best record we can! The music business is such a strange thing right now (and always, I suppose) and to be able to remember why we create music and to have the means to go forward without the messes that can come from the business, is a really great feeling. We couldn't be happier.

You guys spent 75 days recording the new album, this is pretty darn long compared to other independent bands I’ve talked to. Why so long?

Ryan: Well, thankfully we were able to afford the time we needed to focus on this album and make it the best we possibly can. 75 days is actually a lot less compared to making our last record, but for an independent release, it was a bit lengthy. Hah. A good chunk of that time was spent experimenting with each song. Another chunk was spent in Boston, where our record was mixed by John Goodmanson, who is awesome!

What was the experience like recording the album?

Ryan: Making this record was the best experience we've ever had as a band.. we could not have had more fun and it couldn't have run smoother. We approached this record more organically than anything else we've ever done before...recording less takes, being more comfortable with our performances and just enjoying the process without any stress..which lead to us being really proud of how this album turned out.

Chad: I would agree. Recording this album was so much fun since we had an idea from the beginning on what we had to do. From day one it was a lot of laughs and a ton of fun.

Do you expect the album to do well?

Ryan: You can never ever know, but i feel like it's the most personal, honest and sincere effort we've ever put out. we've already been very excited with how the pre-sales are going, so we're already happy with how it's doing.

Is the album different from "Ghosts" and your other previous recordings?

Ryan: Well, it's always tough to say exactly, but there are a few more obvious differences.. Some of this album is a bit more intimate musically and lyrically than anything we've done before. And other points are bigger and louder...hmm..I'm not good at explaining it, I suppose. Also, on this album strings are a bigger feature, we had a string quartet play on 8 songs on keep no score. other than that.. overall it's our most sincere and personal album yet.

What ís your favorite track off the album?

Ryan: Right now, I think "Dreamlife" but it changes often.

Dan: I think "Dreamlife" is one of my favorites too. Also "Envelopes" and "Umbrellas"

Chad: I would have to say that "Envelopes" is one of my favorites to play live and I love "Keep No Score" a lot as well.

What is next on the agenda for Sleeping At Last?

Ryan: Well, with the release of our album, we plan to tour/play shows a whole lot in promotion of this album all throughout the year and more.

How would you describe the music scene in Chicago today?

Ryan: Hmm..I'm not very sure! I've never been very aware of what's going on exactly in the scene, but there is really great music being made, for sure!

Are you close with any other bands?

Ryan: Yeah, we've had to pleasure to be friends with a lot of really amazing people/bands. Switchfoot have been wonderful friends to us..not only are they an incredible band, but they have been some of the nicest people ever to us and have always amazed us with their kindness.

In what direction do you see the music world going in the near future? In Chicago?

Ryan: Wow, I'm not really sure...I think people really do love good, well written songs that mean something, when they get exposed to it, so hopefully that exposure will continue to grow.

Dan: I definitely think there's a change coming in the industry. I think with the Internet, as powerful as it is now, we're going to start hearing a lot more stories of bands like Clap Your Hands and Arctic Monkeys selling like a 100,000 copies without any label. And because of that I think the big labels are going to have to change the way they do things. They don't hold all the cards anymore.

In what direction do you see Sleeping At Last going in the future?

Ryan: I'm not exactly sure either, but I know that we are planning on focusing more and more on sharpening our craft, and to put all that we have into the songs. We just hope/aim to keep writing songs that mean a lot to us.

What reasons did you have for starting Sleeping At Last? Have any of those hopes been fulfilled?

Ryan: Well, music means a lot to us, and we love that it can mean so much to strangers as well. It's such an amazing form of communication..everyone hears a song in a different light and we've always been attracted to that. We've always had the ideal that maybe our songs could bring some sort of hope to those that listen, that they could pry open new ideas and prove to be some sort of encouragement in whatever form people give them.

Which do you enjoy more, playing live or recording?

Ryan: They're both really great in their own way...I'm not sure which I like best, I think they're too different for me to choose..

Chad: I would have to say they are pretty equal to me.

In general, which form (live or recording) do you think is better for music?

Ryan: I’d say the same thing..they both can prove to be amazing art forms, you know?

What do you consider "success" in music today?

Ryan: Not to sound too cliché, but I think that creating something that means something to you and if you're able to continue creating personal art, that is success.

How successful then do you think Sleeping At Last has been up to now?

Ryan: I think we all feel very lucky to be able to do this...we couldn't be luckier in fact, as there's nothing on earth we'd rather be doing.

Would you still want to be doing this 20, 30, or 40 years from now?

Ryan: For sure, I'd love to write music for as long as it means something to me.

Chad: I would love to be doing this 50 years from now!

Has it all been worth it up to now?

Ryan: Completely.

Dan: Absolutely.

Chad: Yes, in every way.


More information can be found about Sleeping At Last here.

(Published at ComfortComes.com)

Daydream Nation

How did Daydream Nation come to be?

Daydream Nation was basically what came out of a year of writing and recording songs on the dole, back in 2003. I’d had enough of working shitty jobs, and figured I’d rather be making music then working. I basically locked myself in my recording studio, and just wrote as much music as I could come up with. I kept writing up until the a month or two before the government was going to throw me off the dole, and then picked the songs that would make the first Daydream Nation record, and mixed them up. After I found Elephant Stone Records to put it out, I got a call from Hunter, who was a friend of Ben Vendetta's, who owns Elephant Stone, and he asked if I wanted to work with him on the next Daydream Nation record. So I spent the summer of ‘04 writing what was to become Bella Vendetta, and then packed my bags for Los Angeles, and set about making another record. After working with Hunter, I knew he’d be a good fit to work with, and then Daydream Nation became a duo.

How, if it did at all, did your home and surroundings influence your music?

Well I never really listened to any Canadian music per say, if anything I think most of its complete shit, especially Metric and that lot. Seriously how the fuck can anyone like that music? My record collection pretty much consists of loads of British bands. And a lot of older stuff, I’m a big fan of a lot of old 60's bands etc.
What bands influenced Daydream Nation, and what drew you to the type of music you play?

The biggest bands were probably the Creation Records lot, bands like Swervedriver Ride MBV, JMC those guys actually pointed me towards the music I wanted to make, although I guess there is probably a lot more that probably influenced me somehow somewhere down the line, I’ve been obsessed with music for as long as I can remember, so its hard for me to dissect my writing influences.
What are your current favorite bands?

Honestly I cant really think of any, not to sound completely down on music, but there is so much shitty music out there right now, that’s its made me lose my appetite to seek out new bands. I still just listen to the golden oldies Swervedriver, the Stones, Bowie, Beatles, Etc. But I’m still optimistic that the haircut synth music will die a much deserved death, the way hair metal went out, and cool music will rise again.

How do you think your previous bands influenced Daydream Nation’s music?

Well, I didn’t really play in any real bands before Daydream Nation, Hunter was in the Warlocks, and the Brian Jonestown Massacre, you’d have to ask him about that, although we’ve been lucky enough to have people check us out, because of his association with the Brian Jonestown Massacre, although we don’t really have anything in common with that lot.

What were the early days of Daydream Nation like?

Dole checks, cigarettes, and lots of fun and creativity.

You’ve been described as a cross between Sonic Youth, My Bloody Valentine, The Jesus and Mary Chain, and lots more. How would you describe your own music?

I don’t know, I’ll leave people to draw their own conclusions. Its just rock’n’roll to my ears.

How are songs written for Daydream Nation? Is it the work of one member, or more group composure?

I pretty much write all the music, and arrangements. And Hunter plays drums and handles the production elements of the music. Although sometimes we get help from friends etc, if it works it works that’s my attitude, I’m not a control freak about our stuff.

What’s more important for you in a song? The lyrics or the instrumentals?
I think both, especially with the new stuff that I’m working on, my lyrics are starting to be less generalized and more direct and reflective of my life, not to say they weren’t before, those lyrics mean a lot to me, but on the last 2 albums I was all about the melodies and the music rather than the words, they were always last on the agenda. I think you need both elements to be deeply personal, or you never really experience catharsis with the music. Besides there is nothing more beautiful than throwing yourself completely into a song, and letting it all out, and not being afraid of saying what you really want to say.

Which do you like more? Playing live or recording?

Well since we haven’t played a show, I'd say recording. The thing is Daydream Nation music has a lot of shit going on in it, this music would be very hard to pull of live, without 5 guitar players and an orchestra, at certain points. But having said that, I would love to do it live, and connect with our fans on that level, I really really want to do that, it would be so cool. I’m just waiting for someone to kick us the dough to be able to do it right, cause I refuse to compromise the music, if that means we never play live than so be it, although I hope that’s not the case down the road.

In general, which way (live or recording) do you feel is the best for listening to music?

That’s a great question, both a certain times, I mean a really great live show, can blow your fucking head off, cant it? I saw Richard Ascroft awhile ago with my girlfriend, and it was so amazing. That show totally moved me, and his energy was fantastic and so personal you know? On the other hand I’ve had a set of headphones glued to my head since I was 13 years old, sometimes just walking down the street, listening to music can pop your lid, so I guess both have their place you know? Music is just such a personal experience, I really think the experience is unique to everybody.

How would you describe the UK music scene?

Crap, these days its just parody music you know, the UK has lost it balls in my opinion, I ask you where the fuck did all the great bands go? And the ones that are around are a joke, aside from the Doves they rule. I mean Noel Gallagher is a fucking joke now! Hey lyla...........blah blah blah. How did that guy write so much amazing music, and then go completely limp? Sad really. The NME doesn’t help either, they have no choice but to champion every asshole in Camden, cause they have to sell their shitty ass paper, so basically rather then shutting down shop till something worth writing about comes along, they basically find some band to suck up too, and tell everybody that the music is actually good and sell loads of papers, and funny enough people buy it!!

How would you describe your new single, "Feed Me A Kiss"?
Its got loads of guitars, swirling organs, and a nice hook. Go buy it!

What can we expect from Daydream Nation in the near future? Tours, new albums?

Well we have a new EP coming out soon enough with 5 new tunes, and I’ve just finished writing the next Daydream Nation full length which well probably start recording in the fall.

Could you describe the experience? Favorite memories and that kind of stuff?

Its been a blast, I wouldn’t change anything for a second, I love making music, no matter how stressed i get at times, it always seems worth it to me.

What hopes or goals do you have for Daydream Nation?

Make more records, hopefully tour a bit, maybe meet the Queen of England, who knows!

Can you see yourself doing this in 20, 30, 40 years?

I think ill always be involved in making music, not sure on what level, cause it takes a lot of energy when its your main gig, id like to write, and pursue other passions, I’m really into gardening these days, hahaha.

What has been your best/worst/funniest/favorite memory with Daydream Nation?

Man, I don’t know, their have been a lot of each. Best moment- Mixing "A Passing Notion", and knowing I had written the song I had been after my whole life Funniest- Watching Hunter have a few nervous breakdowns mixing "Bella", and then having a few beside him, and freaking out at the same time. That is probably my worst moment as well. And my all time favorite moment is when Hunter and I raided that zoo one night, and stole those penguins.
Has it all been worth it up until now?

Absolutely, I wouldn’t have it any other way, I love my songs like children, I couldn’t imagine having spent all this time doing, or worrying over anything else!

(All Questions Answered by Pat Vaz of Daydream Nation, 6-6-06)

More information on Daydream Nation can be found at http://www.daydreamnation.ca/

(Published at ComfortComes.com)

Split Habit

How did Split Habit come to be?

I met Chris in the bathroom in high school where we used to go to smoke. Chris always had drumsticks with him and he was a skater so I thought he was cool. He was the drummer of the punk band Dischord and I was in metal band that quickly disbanded. I stole him from the Dischord and we started writing and recording together. I met Frankie through some mutual drinking buddies.

How, if it did at all, did being in Chicago influence your music?

To start: the Smoking Popes are one of my all time favorite bands and inspirations. We aspired to achieve local success like the popes. Chicago is a great city, very underrated. It has produced some of the greatest bands in the world. We always looked up to bands like the Blue Meanies, Smoking Popes, Alkaline Trio, etc. The city of Chicago is responsible for our influences and part of our sound. Thanks god we don’t live in boofoo Iowa, because then I would still be playing metal in some corn field.

What bands influenced Split Habit, and what drew you to the type of music you play?

Ever since I was a kid I loved music. My parents would play the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Hendrix, and Doors records all the time. I loved music time in my household. Then I was six and my parents bought me my first 45' We built this city on rock n roll by Jefferson Starship. I played that record until it didn’t work anymore. Shortly after I was introduced to Michael Jackson, Van Halen, and Hall & Oates. I would never be the same. In high school I got turned onto metal. I worshipped AC/DC, Sepultura, Helmet and Metallica. I ditched the metal for punk, NOFX, Green Day, Dead Kennedy's, and stuff like that. We all have a lot of musical influences, so this question is quite impossible. I say we are a mix between Green Day, The smoking popes, and The Beatles.

What are your current favorite bands?

Right now I have been listening to Living End, Ryans Hope, and T.I I actually don’t listen to much music anymore, the industry is just so flash in the pan and saturated. Its hard to get attached to any new artist these days due to the turnover rate Major Labels have been up to

You describe yourself online as punk, rock, pop punk, and finally apocalypse pop. Could you elaborate on these labels? How would you describe your sound?

We're not really punk, we just have punk roots. We're not pop punk because we don’t play that silly gallop beat. We used those labels to try and fit in with the current craze. We re a rock band, straight up. We're a three piece that can sound just like a 4 piece band but tighter. We don’t use effects and all that crap. We are just straight up rock trio, period.

What were the early days of Split Habit like? Lots of touring/shows or shutting yourself away in a practice room?

The early days were just playing as many shows as possible. We would play anywhere, anytime, for free. Luckily, Allister (Drive Thru records) saw us play once and brought us on our first tour. After that we learned a lot about running a band from them. We rehearsed twice a week and played every weekend. To this day not much has changed.

What was recording your 2002 EP "Biting My Lip" like?

It was exciting to record that EP, because it was at SOLID SOUND studios where the smoking popes recorded most of their catalog. Its like idolizing Mickey Mantle and then hitting one out of the park at Yankee stadium. At that point we had 5 songs we thought we great so we laid them down in a day and mixed in a day. It was very grueling but we thought it was a good representation of what we were doing at the time. Joe Dililo engineered and he was very good to us, considering we had never really recorded at a good studio.

How would you describe that style of sound and playing to your newer album "Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is"? Has it changed between recordings?

Yeah, every band will tell you that their latest record is their greatest. Put your money....was the experience of a lifetime. We wrote and recorded that album at my house then turned it in to our producer Sean O’Keefe. He revamped a few things and polished us up. Sean is a great guy, talented producer, and a lot of fun. It was no problem to be locked up in a studio for a month with him. I don’t think our style changed as much as the content was better and more produced. Its like Biting my Lip on steroids.

What was recording ""Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is" like?

Recording the album was a month long commitment. We tracked the drums in 3 days in Madison Wisconsin at Butch Vigs studio smart. (Garbage was there tracking there latest album) After the drums were finished we tracked all the instruments @ Rosebud Studio (RIP). I was in college so I would go to class, drive to the studio record all night, crash on the couch and then drive to school and repeat that schedule for 3 weeks. I didn’t go home for along time. We had limited time and funds but we came through unscathed.

How would you describe the Chicago music scene nowadays?

The Chicago scene is booming. Every good band we came up with is doing well: Spital Field, Alkaline Trio, Lawrence Arms, Fallout Boy, Lucky Boy Confusion, etc. All the band help each other out but we're all still competitive.

Are you close with any other bands?

We're close with a few really great bands: Allister, Ryan's Hope, and Army of Freshmen.

What does Split Habit have in store for us in the near future?

We are recording a new album this summer, doing warped tour dates, and have several songs lined up for TV shows, and out album will be released in Japan soon. We just plan to rock.

What hopes or goals do you have for Split Habit overall? Where do you see Split Habit in 5 years or so?

To tell you the truth I have reached all my goals for the band. We have traveled internationally, Won the warped tour battle of the bands, played a number of warped tour dates over the last 4 years, recorded an amazing record, signed to an indie label, met thousands of great people, played with the greatest bands ever, and had a great time doing it. If I die tomorrow, I would have no regrets.

Why did you get into music? Why start a band?

I have always loved music, played piano at age 6, drums at age 10, guitar by 14, and now I sing. I wanted to start a band to rock and have a good time. I wanted to create something people could enjoy.

Can you see yourself doing this 20, 30, 40 years from now?

No, I will probably be golfing or entering the World Series of Poker by that point.

What has been your best/worst/favorite/funniest moment with Split Habit?

I would have to say signing to Double Zero records (Mike Felumlee ex ALK3, Smoking popes owned) would be my best/worst/favorite/funniest all wrapped into one.

Has it all been worth it up until now?

Yes, it sure has, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

(All Answered by Travis Brown of Split Habit, 6-05-06)

More information can be found at http://www.myspace.com/splithabit

(Published at ComfortComes.com)