NickGCherryDot On the Making Of ‘The Perfect Storm’
How does 'The Perfect Storm' reflect your musical journey and growth as an artist?
I suppose looking at it in the context of where I've come from it is much more than just a culmination of 4 years. I feel this is more concentrated and flowing as a complete work. The songs intertwine and reflect the moods of highs and lows but maintain consistent melodies and strong hooks which are my benchmark. Whereas prior albums were more eclectic ranging from Heavy rock instrumentals (Thrash Dystopian Annihilation) to Blue Note derived Jazz (Jazz 53) so I suppose this is more listener-friendly in that you can see there is diversity but its small touches, like the jazz break solo in 'Moves You' and the vocals take more a centre stage and I love weaving their harmonies almost as much as running the frets on the bi phased solo of 'I Can'.
Can you talk about the recording and production process for 'The Perfect Storm?'
Blimey that could be a few words, ha! I would say now this being my 11th album I have a process and feel that works efficiently for me. I used to be the sort of guitarist where if you gave me 64 tracks well most of them would contain guitars so now with experience and more focus on self control in the process I can streamline this and stick to a more tried and tested regime. Thats not to say there isn't experimentation but whereas I would previously tinker with a track endlessly I now know what works so the process I suppose is more linear and efficient. 80% of my work comes from rough demos I record on a portable machine and it grows into some semblance of the finished track within a week or two.
Which song do you like the best and why?
Naturally, I like them all and there's a story behind each but to be more specific I'm immediately drawn to the opening track 'Can't Erase The Memory' as it transpired exactly how I wanted it, loads of layered harmonies and a sixties feel that's accented with a strong guitar line. Also 'Deja Vu Blues' which has so many traditional traits however I wanted to reinvigorate and reinvent the blues shuffle with a modern twist. Also 'Observations' as its Vocal harmony led and probably has more dialogue than most of my tracks it's compressed into a pop song format, it's alluring and addictive.
Can you share a bit about your musical background and the journey that led you to where you are today?
I'll keep this succinct, I have a very strong recollection of playing my sister's T Rex and Beatles records on an old player when I was 4. I started playing my first electric guitar at 15 (late compared to these days) and fell in love with the British Blues Boom guitarists from the 60’s.
My thirst for music was obsessive and is still ongoing now encompassing genres like Brit Pop, Northern Soul, Americana, Grunge, 90's metal scene, 1960's Blue Note, and Hammond organ-led groups, it's all there. I've played in so many different bands and venues but there was a break for family and I lost the momentum. This was renewed just prior to Covid where a combination of life changing events created the perfect storm that fuelled my desire to write and record.
How do you balance creativity and commercial success in your music career?
A good question! I feel my sound is highly commercial however the balance is finding that sweet spot where I satisfy my artistic/creative nature and also that of commerciality. I feel this album is pivotal given the positive media response so far. I find it fascinating how certain songs I wouldn't necessarily go to as favourites are extremely well received and I suppose with the growing body of work of circa 200 songs in under 4 years and given the range of styles I have that will continue and I love that as it excites and motivates for the next track..needless to say 2 weeks after 'The Perfect Storm' was released I have 3 new tracks at varying stages of work and their melodies are constantly playing in my mind...watch this space!
Oddsmokee On The Making Of ‘The Good, the Bad and the Oddy’
How does 'The Good, the Bad and the Oddy' reflect your musical journey and growth as an artist?
Great question. I believe ‘The Good, the Bad and the Oddy’ really shows listeners how far I have come as an artist and individual in the last few years. I started making music as a coping mechanism to deal with my mental health and substance abuse and share my journey with others as a reminder we are not alone. Almost four years later it has turned into a dream. This album in particular means the world to me as an artist due to the storied nature of the 8 tracks following someone's struggles with getting sober, to falling back into the pitfalls of drug use. I also feel I have really grown in the sense of intermingling genres to reflect an original sound, that is never quite the same. One of my biggest goals starting out was to blend numerous genres, drawing on all my inspirations as an artist. I believe this album in particular has brought that original goal into fruition.
Can you talk about the recording and production process for this album?
Yes definitely, I decided on 8 songs for this album. I wanted to reflect on everything I have been through as detailed as possible while keeping the Oddsmokee persona and remaining my true self. I also wanted to portray a story of the pitfalls of using substance abuse as a crutch to deal with mental health or any life struggles for that matter. Once me and Augmented finalized the release arrangement I took this album to the studio. My recording process has grown tremendously over the years. The process for this album was very much planned in sequence. I always go into the studio knowing what I’m going to lay down for each individual track. I go through hours of preparation before I record anything. However, this album surprised me, new high melodies and harmonies were not planned and came out during the recording process. This was a big step in my eyes. I never want to stop growing as an artist. This album inspired new sounds and almost forced me to get out of my comfort zone. As an artist, I never want to stop trying new things to expand my reach with my music.
Which song do you like the best and why?
My favorite song is Overdosaa. This song reflects the end of a long battle with substance abuse, and mental anguish. Overdosaa is Oddy and Jozzi, “The Bad and The Oddy'' personas of Oddsmokee, battling feelings of hopelessness while looking back on their past and expressing the anger of the life they have lived, and the dreams they never accomplished. This song is purely a sad conclusion anyone with these types of demons can ultimately come to. You hear me begging god to “take me up” and “get me away from this stuff”. With a mixture of hard grimey rap, high angelic vocals, and meaningful lyrics this sound in my opinion is very much original and one of my best pieces. I am beyond proud of this song.
What role do you feel emotions play in your music, and how do you channel them into your performances?
Emotions play the most significant role in my music. Without emotions life is meaningless. However, one thing I will say is my entire life I have had a very hard time dealing with negative emotions. The only thing that has ever truly worked, has been expressing those emotions into music through my lyrics. In terms of performances, I bring my full self to the stage and try to connect to my audience while delivering my musical truth.
Can you share a valuable lesson or piece of advice that you have learned along your musical journey?
Despite life’s challenges, we can all learn something from ourselves and the positive influences that are brought into our lives. I have recently grasped the true importance of having a “dream” or passion, and how important it is to hold onto that, and never let go.
Milk St. On the Making Of 'V3RM0NT'
What was the creative process like for this particular ‘V3RM0NT?’
This album came really naturally. A lot of the lyrics were already written out from the actual time period in my life that the album is about. Musically, Harry had just joined the band and we showed him China Town and Peyote right out the gate and it just sort of clicked. Also, all of us can at least somewhat play each other’s instruments so there was so much collaboration and input from each of us where we’d sit down and flesh out each other’s parts with each other!
What was the initial spark or idea that led to the creation of ‘V3RM0NT?’
Well, Jonah originally had started writing lyrics to vent and reflect on the time period the album is about right after it all happened, but it’s all really about a road trip he took with his cousin to Vermont right when he first moved out of his parent’s house. It all came supernaturally and we sort of let the lyrics sit how they wanted to as opposed to really work shopping them. It’s a very genuine story that just kind of all flowed out.
Were there any memorable or standout moments during the recording sessions for ‘V3RM0NT?’
The first song we really recorded for the record was Peyote, and it was really the first creative endeavor the three of us all had together after Harry joined. When we sat down to record the song, almost all of it was just one take. It all glued together almost immediately and we were all like “Wow we might really have an album right here.” That also happened with Free Acid and we all were like this is a song that would actually listen to! That’s what we always try to write but it’s genuinely one of our favorite songs.
How is the music scene in Maine?
Maine has a delicate music scene, but it’s sturdy! Bangor, the city we’re from, has a touch-and-go scene where a lot of bands hit the ground but some only stick it out for a couple of shows. In Portland though there are so many bands that are popping up all of the time and so many of them are making such phenomenal music. The downside is there are only a few clubs around and venues that don’t have their own microcosm community around them. Some of our favorites are Sun Tiki Studios, Genos Rock Club, And The Aphodion in Portland! We also run a DIY space in Bangor!
What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
All of us sort of had our own route to pursuing music! Jonah started playing guitar when he was like 8 and then just never stopped really! He was always writing music but got serious with it in college with the start of our band! Gabe had a lot of inspiration from his high school band director and actually goes to college for Musical Education with a focus on Classical guitar! Harry’s drum teacher gave him a “Hey you’re really good at this you should do something with it” and he never really stopped from there. His parents are also musicians and instructors so it came really naturally!
Robbie Rapids On the Making Of “In Our House”
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind "In Our House" and the story it tells?
The couple at the heart of the story pour their hearts into love, blindly without a plan. As the song progresses, their releationship turns into drama and regression, trying again and again to make it work. In "Our" House - Ours is not really shared at break up time.
What was your favorite moment in making the music video?
The animation company who made the music video used the real pictures from the house the song is about. Just someone else's furniture. Who ever lives there now will never know, lol.
What impact do you hope "In Our House" will have on your audience?
This is an old song for me that finally I said ok I'm going to record it get it out of my head. It's really a personal song for me. However, I'm starting to see a lot of people relate to the song from some good reveiws & feedback I've gotten.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
MTV, Poison's CC Deville. Love of the electric guitar
Are there any specific artists or musicians you dream of collaborating with?
I'm actually collaborating more and more with each release with more people and growing as an artist. This song I worked with David Levene because I knew he'd tear it up on guitar, channel the emotions and pain in the song and transfer that to the guitar. He keeps the song interesting, for sure!