Church Mice hails from Detroit, MI. Comprised of seasoned area vets of the local music scene, CM is breaking the mold of modern rock & roll. CM brings a fresh approach to their music with classic rock prowess, ascending sonic guitars and tight, rich harmonies. With widely varying influences such as Wilco, Pink Floyd, STP and U2, this band seeks to capture old-school vibes in an entirely new package.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Church Mice about adapting during a pandemic, the latest music, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and how do You describe your style of music?
Church Mice hail from Detroit City. The musical style is Sonic Americana.
How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?
Christian & Bill have been making music together since they were 13 years old. From high school, all through college and on into the “adult years,” they’ve always found their way back to musical co-creation. In a previous band, Letterbox, Bill wrote the material and sang lead vox. In Church Mice, Christian takes on the lead roles. This balance and blend of skills makes for very polished, highly deliverable songwriting.
As far as what inspired this band’s creation, it was the death of Chris Cornell. Bill and Christian hadn’t been playing together for MANY years. Then, in 2017, Christian had the opportunity to see Soundgarden at the Fox Theatre in Detroit. Soundgarden (and the entire Seattle sound from the 90’s) were heavily influential on Bill & Christian’s college band Keeper Wild. Having seen Chris’ last notes sung, Christian was inspired to begin writing and collaborating with Bill again.
It was a “grand epiphany” for Christian; “life’s short – get back out there and rock!”
How does your latest project compare/contrast with your previous release(s)? Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?
Keeper Wild was a college band, set on catchy, sing-song lyrics and a “thrash-jazz” sound a la Faith No More. Letterbox was more straight Americana: a Wilco meets Lennon & McCartney vibe. Church Mice falls more in line with Christian’s influences: spacey, echoing guitars (David Gilmour influence,) emotional & contemplative lyrics (U2/Coldplay influence,) wailing classic guitar solos (Brian May, Dean Deleo influence) and bright, crisp horn sections (Ray LaMontagne influence.) In general, the band is going back to their roots while taking chances with newer sounding song structures and themes.
Name the biggest challenge you faced as a creative during these unprecedented times? How did you adapt? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?
The 2020 pandemic actually was positive for the band from a production of new material perspective. All members of the band play professionally/semi-professionally in other bands, so we were able to share new ideas and spend time on them (because all other musical outlets were shut down.) The other bonus was that because each player is so “pro,” the inability to have live, group-rehearsals wasn’t any issue at all. In fact, the first gig the band played after a 14 month layoff came after a single rehearsal! And it was (by fans & friends standards) the best show these bandmates had ever had.
What music are you listening to these days?
Christian is rediscovering NRBQ, Built to Spill and Big Star. Bill is focussed on Brazilian/bossa nova music. Jason recently spent time gigging with a Rush tribute band. Matt has been leaning into “blue eyed soul” like Boz Skaggs & Joe Jackson, while Rob is focussed on worship music and Phish.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?
The re-emergence of the vinyl record store is really an amazing phenomenon! There is something so very “sensory” about the LP. But cassettes have a certain nostalgia about them that is equally appealing.
Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?
I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?
Please support DIY, indie bands like Church Mice!
