Sacramento, California indie group Oh Lonesome Ana recently completed work on their debut full-length entitled ‘MEG/ \DETH TEE’. The band recorded the single and album with Grammy nominated producer Jack Shirley (Deafheaven, Oathbreaker, Gouge Away etc).
The spirit of the lead single “Rushing Lattice” and the upcoming album is deeply personal, reflective and explores the depths and memories of childhood. The lyrics for the track were written by artist David Mohr as long form prose poetry, and further adapted into shorter lyric form. The dual format approach is also taken for each song on ‘MEG/ \DETH TEE’.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Oh Lonesome Ana about musical memories, dream collabs, the latest project and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
What’s something you’d like readers to know about your latest project?
This record is not dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Countdown to Extinction. Additionally, the record MEG/\DETH TEE has a theme, and hopefully there will be some additional payoffs if you can put it on and listen to the whole thing.
How does this project compare with your other release(s)? Was there anything specific you were trying to accomplish?
I think my goal in songwriting is to be as honest and thoughtful as possible. A lot of times, I’m working with poems or prose written by someone else. The record was inspired and majority based on poems written by my dear friend Johnny Allen. To adapt the poetry melodically while retaining its meaning is really important, because I want to respect the intention of the source material as much as possible. I was also pushing myself to write somewhat complicated music that still could be considered folk songs if they were played on acoustic guitar. This is Oh Lonesome Ana’s first record. Ashley (bass) and I have played together in other projects, namely Sun Valley Gun Club; the biggest difference between this record and the last Sun Valley Gun Club records is that the band is different. Zach (drums) and Jacob (guitar) both brought their own individual sensibilities that shaped the sound of the record. And that we workshopped the songs live for about two years prior to recording them. I think a lot of the transitions are smoother and the tunes are more seamless as a result.
What motivates you to create music?
It’s the thing I love doing most in this world, writing and playing with the people I love.
What’s one of your first or most powerful music memories? Did that play any role in driving you to create?
When I was a kid I used to write out the chords to my favorite songs. At some point it seemed like a good idea to try to write something myself, and I remember sitting on the stairs outside my house with my dad’s guitar. I wrote something pretty bad, but it was this feeling of having “created” something that I really haven’t been able to let go of wanting.
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.
Maybe Dolly Parton? It would be fun to be in the same room as a music legend, and also, if you spend your time and money providing free books to kids, you’re probably a pretty cool person as well.
What was the last song you listened to? And who is one of your favorite all-time bands/artists?
I was just listening to my friend’s project, Hutchie – their new record. There is a song on there called “The Summer Your Dog Died” and it’s beautiful. And speaking of lyrical dedications to animal companions, the band “The Weakerthans” is a band that I always gravitate back to. Their record Reconstruction Site is a huge influence on my songwriting tendencies. Their records are so dense, especially lyrically, that every time I listen I’m discovering something else that I’ve never picked up on.
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
@ohlonesomeana on Instagram is probably the place that we’re updating the most lately.
I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?
And thank you! I’d just like to say that again the record we made is not dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Countdown to Extinction.
