Scott Goldbaum (lead vocals, guitar), Molly Rogers (viola, keys, vocals), Mike Musselman (drums), and Nick Chamian (bass, vocals) mold together their eclectic influences into a surreal listening experience and an energetic live show.
Forebear balances the line between light and dark, hard and soft…rock and classical. You’d think, for a band, that would sound disastrous but Forebear seamlessly marries these elements together and somehow makes it work. And it’s mesmerizing.” (via PicksySticks)
In this interview, we chat with Scott from Forebear about the band’s influences, navigating the digital age, and their newest project. Questions and answers as well as a stream of their single “Delroy Lindo” below.
We’ve featured you before but let’s dive a little deeper into the artist and the music. What attracted you to this genre or style of music?
I remember being in 10th grade and having Kenny Hensley (of The Head and the Heart) turn me onto Damien Rice’s “O” when it first came out. I fell in love with the integration of strings. Within a couple months of that another influential music mentor burnt me Mars Volta’s first record followed by “The Shape of Punk to Come” by The Refused. Group those three together and you have a unique taste that I began acquiring while I was bridging the gap from adolescence to adulthood.
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
15 years. If you search deep enough on the interwebs you’ll find some me going through the motions of maturing as a songwriter and performer.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
These days I give a great amount of credit to the off kilter careful crafting of songs by Radiohead, Dirty Projectors, St. Vincent, Tune-Yards. Everything they create and perform feels very meant and felt.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
Definitely. Eric Lilavois, our producer, sought to bring the energy and intensity of our live show to these recordings. We kept all the performances very true to that vibe by recording to tape and not clinging to perfectly refined takes but rather something that felt like it came from a very real and intensely present place.
What was the last song you listened to?
Agnus Obel “Familiar”
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Vinyl for quality, WAV’s for convenience
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Spotify – I’ve adapted to its platform.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
I think you nailed it: A lot of music, monotony and mediocrity to filter through among consumers who have never been more impatient.
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you perform?
We will be performing every Monday night for FREE at The Silverlake Lounge through the month of July.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
www.forebear.la & www.facebook.com/forebearband
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
You never know whom you’ll be a role model for.
