In this interview spotlight, I chat with Soul Chatter about the latest music, adapting during lock downs, 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?
I am originally from Cleveland, Ohio. That is where I fell in love with music, sang in the shower, dreamed of performing in front of a real audience. My journey has taken me to Southern California, Detroit, Chicago, Columbus, and now to Raleigh NC.
Describing our style of music has always been a tough one for me. I say Indie Rock, but that feels like a catch all. We are rock, folk, singer songwriter. We are retro and contemporary. Our music is intentionally melodic, and I work hard to write about what matters to me. Our lyrics can be serious as a heart attack, tongue in cheek, philosophical, or challenging conventional wisdom. I try to write about how tough life is, but with dashes of hope and plenty of empathy thrown in. We work to make memorable songs with refrains that you can carry with you.
How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?
I started out with the hairbrush in the shower. Gotta love that natural reverb. I auditioned for cover bands right out of high school; but singing other folks songs held no real appeal. I have notebooks full of song lyrics and poems. I couldn’t play an instrument but found some mates who could. I started off singing and writing lyrics and melody lines. Our keyboard player wrote the chords, but he only wanted to play, not to write. I needed this outlet, this release, so I learned what I could through observation. I started doing all the writing after a few years. I call myself a reluctant keyboardist, as I am completely self-taught.
I have always had a lot to say. Often to the annoyance of those around me. I look at the world around me and I try to make sense of it. The music business is confounding. You can’t just write and perform well, you need to market, to sell, to network. Same with any art form. I have never been exceptional at self-promotion. It is painful and uncomfortable. But music is the very best language in this world, and so it was an obvious choice for my soap box.
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?
Our latest release is a single called Home Again. It is a deeply introspective song. Imagine yourself getting into your car. It is the Holiday season. You fire up the engine to drive towards your large, dysfunctional family. You are engulfed with a mixed bag of emotions as you start your journey. I think there are many folks out there that have likely had a similar experience. I love to explore moments in life like this. I try to dig in, turn the stones, understand what goes through our heads as we navigate this crazy planet. I guess I want to encourage my audience to be curious.
Our previous release was a song called Switzerland. Upbeat, catchy, Filled with vocal harmonies. It is a composition that explores, pokes fun at neutrality. I am a typical middle child. I hate confrontation, I try to be the peacemaker whenever possible. But is it OK, smart, acceptable to never take a stand, chose a side or a conviction? It’s a pretty fun tune, and our most listened to so far.
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?
We are at the point in our lives where money and fame are unlikely and are also not the goal. I think that when you have been doing this as long as we have, you just want folks to hear you. You want to find and grow an audience that finds something special in what you have created. A great songwriter (Joe Pug) wrote this: “There’s a world out there, I know there is. Where they play my songs on their silver harps and their violins.” That’s what we want, what we crave.
During the pandemic we became this remote recording project. Down here in Raleigh I would write and record keys, vocals, maybe some strings or horns. Then those music files would travel up to Cleveland for guitar and drums, back to Raleigh for bass, out to Mobile Alabama for harmonies and mixing. Crazy, really, but you do what you can to make new music. Then it hits every platform out there, and you work to get on playlists, interviews, radio stations. It becomes a welcome distraction to the fact that you are living in isolation for the most part.
What was the last song you listened to?
Sensible Shoes, by Ross Newell. He is an amazing singer songwriter from Mobile Alabama. His songs are thoughtful, poetic, funny, sad, powerful. Check this guy out if you get the chance!
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?
We have adopted streaming platforms as the path of least resistance. I love vinyl, I amassed an extensive CD collection, but there is something about creating playlists to fit any mood, whim, or fancy. I think this is where folks go for their music these days.
Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?
We have a band website and a FB page. We are on Twitter. We are on any streaming platform you can think of. We would love folks to stop by!
I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?
Music distribution is the Wild West these days. Streaming platforms have opened up to countless unsigned artists hoping for an audience. If you hear something you like, spread the word. We are pouring our hearts out to anyone who can spare a few minutes for a meaningful musical distraction. Thanks so much for having us, it is truly appreciated!
