rockyourlyricsHow do you usually write the lyrics of your songs?
Books and film inspire me. I like watching films with subtitles on (whether foreign or not) and I think seeing the words across the screen make it tangible allowing me to visualize how certain words are juxtaposed next to one another. I also used to be a big fan of the cut up technique that William S. Burroughs used, so just flipping through a book can trigger a whole song. A word will usually pop out and it will trigger a train of thought and then out comes a whole song.
In your opinion, what is the most important thing in songwriting?
The lack of songwriting is really missing these days as well as the knowledge of music history. It’s very simple these days to record and release songs, such a double edged sword… You have these fascinating unknown artists who really have talent gifting us the most phenomenal music, they really know what they’re doing. At the other end of the spectrum we have things that would make anyone’s ears bleed.
Editing your own work and being objective is really important. If you think every song that comes out of you is the most incredible thing in the world, you have a problem. Sometimes you’re gifted with something beautiful that comes with ease and other times it’s like pulling teeth, but no matter the process of that song, you still need to take an objective look at your work. Some things are best left unknown.
Are you ever scared of revealing aspects of your personal life/experience to strangers through your music?
I don’t have any issues revealing myself. I think the people who really resonate with Brass Box are people who feel similar in the way I do. Even if they don’t relate to the lyrics, their is also a feeling or emotion being express. We’re all here looking for a connection. People are just people and no matter the difference, we’re all really yearning for something similar.
What is the best lyric that you ever wrote (the most meaningful for you)?
I don’t think I have a favorite or “best” lyric. Writing songs and lyrics are transformable for me, reminding me of a period of time in my life where something specific was either haunting or happening to me. I do put effort into the lyrics I write, they are an important part of my songwriting. Some songs have a loose theme while others are very specific, but I’m not interested in anything peripheral.
What inspired “Rivers,” your latest single?
I like to journal random thoughts and phrases that come to mind. Sometimes I will read through them and a melody will come to mind. Rivers is a bit more subliminal, the words coming from some previous writings. I can understand the context in my head, but often have a hard time communicating those thoughts verbally. Writing music is another way to communicate the feelings I have without having to organize or explain myself. I’d rather a person relate to them in their own way, feeling their own emotions from them. It’s abstract, subjective, it’s art. Interpret as you will.
What are your plans for 2019?
A few more singles are set to be released as well as our debut LP ‘The Cathedral’ coming out on Dune Altar and we’ll be doing some touring.
To conclude the interview a short Q/A session, please answer the first thing that comes to your mind:
- Define in one word your song “Rivers”: Forgivness.
- The best show you ever played: They’re all a new experience, never the best.
- The one thing that you must have in your backstage: I have no demands.
- The soundtrack of your childhood: Paganicons – Saccharine Trust or Screamers Demos 1977-78.
- Your favorite song lyrically speaking, but not written by you: There are no favorites in this game.
- Last question is “unusual,” we want to know your best relationship advice: Be yourself, always.
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