Blonde Otter On the Making Of “Your Number”
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind "Your Number" and the story it tells?
Rob Falcone (bassist and primary songwriter): "Your Number" started as a demo I put together around 2018. I was starting to get really into the full discography from Talking Heads, and their influence shaped the main groove of the song. The instrumental of the bridge in that early demo actually ended up becoming the bridge of another one of our songs, "Hey, Buster," which was on our 2019 EP, Buster. That was a song about communicating with our original rhythm guitarist who left the band, so they’re spiritually connected in a way, but coming from years of different cultural contexts. The entire initial idea for "Your Number" came after a bad date. I wanted to capture the anxiety of walking away from something you felt like could have been a little less awkward than it ended up being. The original title was even "Miss Understanding." Maybe I should share less. Anyway, the groove just didn't quite fit the vibe of our first album, so I held onto it.
Around 2023, I revisited that core groove. I'd been listening to a lot of Water From Your Eyes and Spirit of the Beehive and I loved their use of glitchy, chopped guitar sounds. So those ideas made its way in there while also wanting to maintain our original voice rooted in the alternative rock canon. Eventually I finished sculpting the rest of what became the instrumental for the song. Once the instrumental was finished, I hit a creative wall trying to come up with vocals. I knew Mike (Michael Guariglia, lead vocalist) has an incredible intuition for melody, so I sent him the instrumental with the new title, "Your Number." I didn't give him any specific directions, even though I had more evolved themes of digital communication and the surveillance state in my mind. Remarkably, he seemed to read my mind and took the song to a much more dynamic place than I could have imagined. He also perfectly balanced the lyrical content with the themes I was considering, again, without any direct guidance from me.
Can you talk about the recording and production process for "Your Number?"
We recorded "Your Number" at Red Convertible Recording with Ricky Berotti. Ricky was instrumental in engineering and producing our first album, and he’s grown like us as a producer, so he’s a solid fit.
How do you feel this track represents your artistic identity?
This track really showcases our growth, both thematically and musically. Lyrically, we're moving beyond purely personal experiences to explore broader musings on society. Musically, the guitar work is more intricate than before, and our lead guitarist Dan Wines, who's influenced by blues rock and classic heavy metal, has really been able to let loose on this upcoming new work. Stephen Malichek, our rhythm guitar player, formerly a drummer, has a great sense of rhythm and overall palette when it comes to tones, mixing, and modern approaches. Although, Mike just started playing guitar which has allowed us to rediscover the simple pleasure of campfire / barre chords in some of our upcoming newer material. Lastly, Matthew, our drummer, has spent the last four years since our debut truly working to become the best drummer I know, meeting the metronome or tastefully dragging or rushing when it calls for it. He knows how to serve a song. I hope you get to see him perform one day. We’re growing, so either you’re down for it, or not.
Can you tell us more about you as a band?
We formed and are based in New York. We don't really tour extensively, but we absolutely love putting on shows at places like the Bowery Ballroom. I’m pretty sure we will have another show there around Halloween weekend. Those gigs are always a fantastic reunion for our friends, family, and fans. We'll play road gigs here and there if the opportunity arises, so feel free to invite us somewhere...Otherwise, you can definitely catch us performing in New York.
Do you aim to convey any specific themes or messages through your music?
Our overarching message is to find joy, empathy, gratitude, and truth if you can find it however you can. Thank you!
