Virginia Trance interview with Scott Davis
Virginia Trance, the brainchild of founder Scott Davis,
maybe isn’t what you’d expect from a guy who’s been involved with both Psychic
Ills and Images in the past. It’s
something wholly different and separate from those things, while retaining all
of the accumulated knowledge and experience therein. I’m constantly searching for music that
allows me to be at ease with the, at times, tumultuous world around me,
allowing me to stay grounded and retain my sanity in a world that seems
anything but. It’s not often that you
hear something like that though, something as calm and natural as a breeze
passing along a deserted beach and as powerful as the gale force winds that
created it, bred deep in the chaotic energy of a tropical storm. This single has the incredible ability to
make me feel like everything might just be okay, if only for a few moments, a
rare and powerful ability indeed… The
titular A-side track “Your Guru” instantly sunk its faded garage rock hooks
into my mind and hasn’t left since the first time I heard it. Every time I hear the solo in “Your Guru”
shivers of delirious Newcombe like acid twinges crawl up my spine like the
first rising vibes of an acid frenzy.
Taking the accrued knowledge of mellowed, but not meandering or
meaningless, Michael Stripe via early Warner REM and infusing it with a strong
dose of Matt Hollywood-era Brian Jonestown Massacre, it’s perfectly accompanied
by a warm welcoming production quality.
The decidedly mellower B-side, “Something In The Air” simply drifts like
vapors of smoke on the horizon of a hazy psychedelic mountaintop in some remote
location, no one for hundreds of miles in any direction, a sense of peace and
absolute tranquility. It is simply sweet
salve for the soul. Getting something to
sound this mellow and well constructed while allowing the rugged edges and
faded garage rock logic behind it all to show is a difficult balancing act
stunningly handled by Davis on his self-released debut single. I’m looking forward to a lot more from
Virginia Trance in the future, but until then read the article below, click the
link and get yourself some music and enjoy the trip!
maybe isn’t what you’d expect from a guy who’s been involved with both Psychic
Ills and Images in the past. It’s
something wholly different and separate from those things, while retaining all
of the accumulated knowledge and experience therein. I’m constantly searching for music that
allows me to be at ease with the, at times, tumultuous world around me,
allowing me to stay grounded and retain my sanity in a world that seems
anything but. It’s not often that you
hear something like that though, something as calm and natural as a breeze
passing along a deserted beach and as powerful as the gale force winds that
created it, bred deep in the chaotic energy of a tropical storm. This single has the incredible ability to
make me feel like everything might just be okay, if only for a few moments, a
rare and powerful ability indeed… The
titular A-side track “Your Guru” instantly sunk its faded garage rock hooks
into my mind and hasn’t left since the first time I heard it. Every time I hear the solo in “Your Guru”
shivers of delirious Newcombe like acid twinges crawl up my spine like the
first rising vibes of an acid frenzy.
Taking the accrued knowledge of mellowed, but not meandering or
meaningless, Michael Stripe via early Warner REM and infusing it with a strong
dose of Matt Hollywood-era Brian Jonestown Massacre, it’s perfectly accompanied
by a warm welcoming production quality.
The decidedly mellower B-side, “Something In The Air” simply drifts like
vapors of smoke on the horizon of a hazy psychedelic mountaintop in some remote
location, no one for hundreds of miles in any direction, a sense of peace and
absolute tranquility. It is simply sweet
salve for the soul. Getting something to
sound this mellow and well constructed while allowing the rugged edges and
faded garage rock logic behind it all to show is a difficult balancing act
stunningly handled by Davis on his self-released debut single. I’m looking forward to a lot more from
Virginia Trance in the future, but until then read the article below, click the
link and get yourself some music and enjoy the trip!
Now I know you’ve
only released the one single at this point but when I was looking over the
personnel on the record I noticed that you played everything except for
drums. Do you plan to continue to work
with Yoni David on drums or do you plan to utilize a revolving door of other
people?
only released the one single at this point but when I was looking over the
personnel on the record I noticed that you played everything except for
drums. Do you plan to continue to work
with Yoni David on drums or do you plan to utilize a revolving door of other
people?
There’s a small group of revolving players, but it stops
short of a permanent lineup. It was
great to have Yoni contribute to the release.
He’s a great drummer and added his distinct take on the material. We had been playing the songs out live for a
few months leading up to recording which was great. I ended up handling the other instruments as
it was the most efficient method. Jarred
Joly has been consistently on bass and will contribute to some upcoming
recordings along with some other folks.
short of a permanent lineup. It was
great to have Yoni contribute to the release.
He’s a great drummer and added his distinct take on the material. We had been playing the songs out live for a
few months leading up to recording which was great. I ended up handling the other instruments as
it was the most efficient method. Jarred
Joly has been consistently on bass and will contribute to some upcoming
recordings along with some other folks.
Are you in any
other active bands or anything at this point or do you have any side projects
going on? Obviously you’ve been involved
with some seriously killer acts in the past including Images and Psychic Ills. Have you released any music with anyone else
in the past? If so, can you tell us a
bit about that?
other active bands or anything at this point or do you have any side projects
going on? Obviously you’ve been involved
with some seriously killer acts in the past including Images and Psychic Ills. Have you released any music with anyone else
in the past? If so, can you tell us a
bit about that?
Only Virginia Trance these days. There may be more Images recordings at some
point but that phase might be over.
point but that phase might be over.
How old are you
and where are you originally from?
and where are you originally from?
I’m twenty five, was born in Virginia, and raised in the
suburbs of New Jersey.
suburbs of New Jersey.
What was the local
music scene like where you grew up? Did
you see a lot of shows or were you very involved in that scene? Do you feel like that scene played a large role
in shaping your musical tastes or in the way that you perform at this point?
music scene like where you grew up? Did
you see a lot of shows or were you very involved in that scene? Do you feel like that scene played a large role
in shaping your musical tastes or in the way that you perform at this point?
I would head down to Manhattan on a train to see shows
growing up. That started to shift to
Williamsburg as I grew older. The
neighborhoods shifted just like the Knitting Factory would a number of years
later.
growing up. That started to shift to
Williamsburg as I grew older. The
neighborhoods shifted just like the Knitting Factory would a number of years
later.
What about your
home when you were growing up? Were
either your parents or any close relatives musicians or extremely involved or
interested in music?
home when you were growing up? Were
either your parents or any close relatives musicians or extremely involved or
interested in music?
My parents would always have music playing in the house or car
while I grew up. My father played guitar
once upon a time, predominantly inspired by Tacoma Records and Country
Blues. My maternal grandmother was a
multi-instrumentalist and attended college.
I haven’t seen either of them willingly pick up an instrument. I do have stories of my father with his
guitar, memories of my grandmother’s baby grand piano, pictures, of her
performing, and her shamisen.
while I grew up. My father played guitar
once upon a time, predominantly inspired by Tacoma Records and Country
Blues. My maternal grandmother was a
multi-instrumentalist and attended college.
I haven’t seen either of them willingly pick up an instrument. I do have stories of my father with his
guitar, memories of my grandmother’s baby grand piano, pictures, of her
performing, and her shamisen.
What do you
consider your first real exposure to music to be?
consider your first real exposure to music to be?
I suppose that’s hard to pinpoint; potentially when I first
heard either The Ramones or The Velvet Underground.
heard either The Ramones or The Velvet Underground.
If you were to
pick a moment, a moment that seemed to change everything for you and opened
your eyes up to the infinite possibilities that music presents, what would it
be?
pick a moment, a moment that seemed to change everything for you and opened
your eyes up to the infinite possibilities that music presents, what would it
be?
Hearing White Light / White Heat and The Velvet Underground
for the first time on the same day.
for the first time on the same day.
Why did you decide
that you wanted to start writing and performing your own music?
that you wanted to start writing and performing your own music?
It’s a fun thing to do.
What was your
first instrument? When and how did you
get that?
first instrument? When and how did you
get that?
I first started playing bass because a friend of mine needed
a bassist for his band. I switched to
guitar pretty soon afterwards.
a bassist for his band. I switched to
guitar pretty soon afterwards.
When and what led
to the formation of Virginia Trance?
to the formation of Virginia Trance?
I felt the music was no longer fitting within, an
unacknowledged, framework that my previous project Images fit into. Revamped the sense of self a little.
unacknowledged, framework that my previous project Images fit into. Revamped the sense of self a little.
I love your
name! Not only is it very apt and
fitting for your music, but it really summons these strange images to my mind
as well. What does the name Virginia
Trance mean or refer to in the context of your name?
name! Not only is it very apt and
fitting for your music, but it really summons these strange images to my mind
as well. What does the name Virginia
Trance mean or refer to in the context of your name?
It’s a reference to a composition written by HenryFlynt. I was hesitant using the name,
but it had the right ring. It also
helped that some people close to me supported it with “if the Stones can do it
why can’t you” talk. I was also born in
Virginia and continue to have family roots there along with some point of
identity.
but it had the right ring. It also
helped that some people close to me supported it with “if the Stones can do it
why can’t you” talk. I was also born in
Virginia and continue to have family roots there along with some point of
identity.
Where are you
located at this point?
located at this point?
New York.
How would you
describe the local scene where you’re at now?
describe the local scene where you’re at now?
Depends on my mood, the city is a relatively large
place. Its size allows it to house a
lot, though it seems to manage to always connect in disparate ways. I like the eclecticism.
place. Its size allows it to house a
lot, though it seems to manage to always connect in disparate ways. I like the eclecticism.
Do you feel like
you’re very involved in the local scene there?
Do you book or attend a lot of local shows or anything?
you’re very involved in the local scene there?
Do you book or attend a lot of local shows or anything?
I think I’m on the fringe here and there. I don’t feel particularly aligned to anything
concrete or specific, but I’m not on the outside looking in making it hard to
say for certain. I have definitely been
involved in booking /presenting shows on various levels in the past, though.
concrete or specific, but I’m not on the outside looking in making it hard to
say for certain. I have definitely been
involved in booking /presenting shows on various levels in the past, though.
Has the local
scene played a large or important role in the sound, history or evolution of
Virginia Trance or do you feel like you could be doing what you’re doing and
sound like you do regardless of where you were or what you were surrounded by?
scene played a large or important role in the sound, history or evolution of
Virginia Trance or do you feel like you could be doing what you’re doing and
sound like you do regardless of where you were or what you were surrounded by?
I would say the city has played a role. All of the players I feel connected to live
here or nearby. I was recently living in
Arkansas, right across the river from Memphis, for eight or nine months and was
writing material that could have been created here in many ways.
here or nearby. I was recently living in
Arkansas, right across the river from Memphis, for eight or nine months and was
writing material that could have been created here in many ways.
© Stephen Faught
How would you
describe your sound to our readers who might not have heard you all before in
your own words?
describe your sound to our readers who might not have heard you all before in
your own words?
“Rock and Roll for the young and old”.
You have a really
cool configuration of sounds going on in your music. I’m curious who you’d cite as your major
musical influences? What about
influences on Virginia Trance as a whole rather than just individually?
cool configuration of sounds going on in your music. I’m curious who you’d cite as your major
musical influences? What about
influences on Virginia Trance as a whole rather than just individually?
I suppose I’m influenced by many of the usual suspects,
stuff such as The Velvet Underground, Tim Hardin, Big Youth, Charlemagne
Palestine, traditional Afghani music, Silver Apples, Tyrannosaurus Rex, Mayo
Thompson, and a dash of The Monkees. I
don’t think Virginia Trance’s influences would be different from my own. The end results are just limited to the
structure and tools I have available.
stuff such as The Velvet Underground, Tim Hardin, Big Youth, Charlemagne
Palestine, traditional Afghani music, Silver Apples, Tyrannosaurus Rex, Mayo
Thompson, and a dash of The Monkees. I
don’t think Virginia Trance’s influences would be different from my own. The end results are just limited to the
structure and tools I have available.
What’s the
songwriting process like with Virginia Trance?
Do you just kind of work up an idea at home with yourself and maybe do
some light demoing on the tracks to start working stuff out with yourself or do
you bring in other people to play with and bounce ideas off of at points?
songwriting process like with Virginia Trance?
Do you just kind of work up an idea at home with yourself and maybe do
some light demoing on the tracks to start working stuff out with yourself or do
you bring in other people to play with and bounce ideas off of at points?
I tend to work up the material on my own at home until what
I view as the crucial components are in place.
More often than not, the songs are played live before sitting down to
record. Demos are occasionally worked up
along the way. The demos are usually
spontaneous or one offs. It’s also great
to bounce ideas of other players whenever possible, I enjoy working with good
players who are able to pick up where I left off.
I view as the crucial components are in place.
More often than not, the songs are played live before sitting down to
record. Demos are occasionally worked up
along the way. The demos are usually
spontaneous or one offs. It’s also great
to bounce ideas of other players whenever possible, I enjoy working with good
players who are able to pick up where I left off.
What about
recording? I’m a musician myself and I
think that most of us at least, can appreciate the end result of all the time
that goes into making an album when you’re hold that finished product in your
hands. Getting to that point though,
getting everything sounding the way you want it to, can be extremely difficult
to say the least. What’s it like
recording for Virginia Trance? Do you
enjoy recording?
recording? I’m a musician myself and I
think that most of us at least, can appreciate the end result of all the time
that goes into making an album when you’re hold that finished product in your
hands. Getting to that point though,
getting everything sounding the way you want it to, can be extremely difficult
to say the least. What’s it like
recording for Virginia Trance? Do you
enjoy recording?
I’m not a huge fan of recording but appreciate well-made
records. My process varies and is often
driven by the tools and people available to get everything just right. Generally, I attempt to maintain a loose
environment and not fuss over anything too much.
records. My process varies and is often
driven by the tools and people available to get everything just right. Generally, I attempt to maintain a loose
environment and not fuss over anything too much.
Do you like to
take a more DIY approach to writing and recording where you handle things
mostly on your own, or do you head into the studio and let someone else handle
the technical aspects of things so you can just concentrate on how stuff sounds
and getting the best performances out of yourself as possible?
take a more DIY approach to writing and recording where you handle things
mostly on your own, or do you head into the studio and let someone else handle
the technical aspects of things so you can just concentrate on how stuff sounds
and getting the best performances out of yourself as possible?
For Virginia Trance I have been working with a close friend
to engineer most recordings as of late.
I find it easiest to work with him to get everything down as efficiently
as possible.
to engineer most recordings as of late.
I find it easiest to work with him to get everything down as efficiently
as possible.
Is there a lot of
time and effort that goes into getting songs to sound just so-so, every change
and part of the arrangement worked out before you head in to record? Or do you get a good skeletal idea of how
something’s going to sound, while allowing for some change and evolution during
the recording process?
time and effort that goes into getting songs to sound just so-so, every change
and part of the arrangement worked out before you head in to record? Or do you get a good skeletal idea of how
something’s going to sound, while allowing for some change and evolution during
the recording process?
I have the arrangements along with the skeletal idea of the
sound worked out in advance. There are
occasionally small alterations to specific sounds based on the mood of that
day. Generally, the entire album is
finished to a certain capacity. I
usually live with the songs and play them live whenever possible.
sound worked out in advance. There are
occasionally small alterations to specific sounds based on the mood of that
day. Generally, the entire album is
finished to a certain capacity. I
usually live with the songs and play them live whenever possible.
The very tail end
of last year you released your debut 7”, Your Guru. Can you tell us about the recording of the
songs for the Your Guru single? Who all
was involved with playing on there?
Where and when were those recorded?
Who recorded them and what kind of equipment was used? Was that a fun, pleasurable experience for
you recording your first solo material?
of last year you released your debut 7”, Your Guru. Can you tell us about the recording of the
songs for the Your Guru single? Who all
was involved with playing on there?
Where and when were those recorded?
Who recorded them and what kind of equipment was used? Was that a fun, pleasurable experience for
you recording your first solo material?
The songs were recorded at a DIY venue space called Big Snow
that my close friends ran. It served as
a practice/recording space for a few of us as well. I would trade time helping bartend, being the
door person, and booking some shows, etcetera to help out in exchange for their
generosity. Yoni David, who had been
playing with me a good bit at the time, lived at the space making his
availability pretty consistent and easy.
I handled the guitars, a Fender XII, a 1967 Gibson J-50, Fender Jaguar,
an early or mid-90’s Kay hollowbody, the bass, a Hofner Violin, and the
vocals. RJ Gordon, who occasionally
plays in Virginia Trance and was the main live engineer at Big Snow, engineered
the session. We just used a couple mics
and Pro Tools to lay the tracks down. I
was fortunate to have Tres Warren of Psychic Ills mix it and Matt “MV”
Valentine master it. In the past, I’ve
usually been involved in post-production in some way, but it was nice to hand
it off to some excellent people to complete what RJ and I started.
that my close friends ran. It served as
a practice/recording space for a few of us as well. I would trade time helping bartend, being the
door person, and booking some shows, etcetera to help out in exchange for their
generosity. Yoni David, who had been
playing with me a good bit at the time, lived at the space making his
availability pretty consistent and easy.
I handled the guitars, a Fender XII, a 1967 Gibson J-50, Fender Jaguar,
an early or mid-90’s Kay hollowbody, the bass, a Hofner Violin, and the
vocals. RJ Gordon, who occasionally
plays in Virginia Trance and was the main live engineer at Big Snow, engineered
the session. We just used a couple mics
and Pro Tools to lay the tracks down. I
was fortunate to have Tres Warren of Psychic Ills mix it and Matt “MV”
Valentine master it. In the past, I’ve
usually been involved in post-production in some way, but it was nice to hand
it off to some excellent people to complete what RJ and I started.
Does Virginia
Trance have any music that we haven’t talked about yet, maybe a song on a
compilation or a demo that I’m not aware of?
Trance have any music that we haven’t talked about yet, maybe a song on a
compilation or a demo that I’m not aware of?
There’s a one-off demo I contributed to a compilation put
together for Milwaukee Psych Fest. I’m
not sure how available it is for folks to get their hands on. So, mainly the Your Guru 7”
together for Milwaukee Psych Fest. I’m
not sure how available it is for folks to get their hands on. So, mainly the Your Guru 7”
With the release
of Your Guru several months back at this point, are there any other releases
from Virginia Trance in the works or on the horizon at this point?
of Your Guru several months back at this point, are there any other releases
from Virginia Trance in the works or on the horizon at this point?
I’m about to begin work on a full-length that should be out
sometime in 2015 or late 2014, if I’m lucky.
I’m also working up a cover of Lou Reed’s last studio album Ecstasy,
though I may change my mind and do another album of his.
sometime in 2015 or late 2014, if I’m lucky.
I’m also working up a cover of Lou Reed’s last studio album Ecstasy,
though I may change my mind and do another album of his.
Where’s the best
place for our US readers to score copies of the single and anything else that
you might be dropping in the not to distant future?
place for our US readers to score copies of the single and anything else that
you might be dropping in the not to distant future?
People can purchase it directly from me, through Holy Mountain, or from a variety of local shops throughout the country such as
Origami in Los Angeles, Permanent Records Chicago, Steady Sounds in Richmond,
Virginia, and too many great shops around New York City to mention.
Origami in Los Angeles, Permanent Records Chicago, Steady Sounds in Richmond,
Virginia, and too many great shops around New York City to mention.
With the
completely insane international shipping rate increases that just seem to keep
going up and up, where’s the best place for our international and overseas
readers to pick up your stuff?
completely insane international shipping rate increases that just seem to keep
going up and up, where’s the best place for our international and overseas
readers to pick up your stuff?
Norman Records in the UK and Big Love in Japan may have
copies. Hopefully, there will be others
in the near future.
copies. Hopefully, there will be others
in the near future.
And where’s the
best place for our interested readers to keep up with the latest news like
upcoming shows and album releases at?
best place for our interested readers to keep up with the latest news like
upcoming shows and album releases at?
There is a Facebook page that’s fairly active.
Are there any
major plans or goals that you’re looking to accomplish in the rest of 2014 or 2015?
major plans or goals that you’re looking to accomplish in the rest of 2014 or 2015?
The only major goal is to complete and release the
full-length album.
full-length album.
I know that you do
play live, but I don’t know how often that is or if you travel around at
all. Do you spend any time out on the
road touring or anything? If so, what’s
life like out on the road for you and do you enjoy touring? Who do you take along with you, do you have a
go-to person for that kind of thing or do you have a reservoir or people that
you draw from in that regard?
play live, but I don’t know how often that is or if you travel around at
all. Do you spend any time out on the
road touring or anything? If so, what’s
life like out on the road for you and do you enjoy touring? Who do you take along with you, do you have a
go-to person for that kind of thing or do you have a reservoir or people that
you draw from in that regard?
I do tour and play live with Virginia Trance. The exact lineup is malleable and is usually
a duo, trio, or quartet. This depends on
people’s schedules and where we would be playing. Touring isn’t always the most
fun but it is great getting to travel, see old friends, and meet great people.
a duo, trio, or quartet. This depends on
people’s schedules and where we would be playing. Touring isn’t always the most
fun but it is great getting to travel, see old friends, and meet great people.
If you do indeed
tour one last question. What, if
anything, do you have planned as far as that goes for the rest of 2014?
tour one last question. What, if
anything, do you have planned as far as that goes for the rest of 2014?
No major tour plans for 2014 as I’m focused on recording at
the moment. There will be some local
shows and a few regional trips into New England and down the mid-Atlantic.
the moment. There will be some local
shows and a few regional trips into New England and down the mid-Atlantic.
You’ve spent
plenty of time out on the road with other bands over the years I know for
sure. You were a touring member of the
Sian Alice Group and you’ve been in several other bands that have spent some
time out on the road. Who are some of
your personal favorite bands that you’ve had a chance to share a bill with over
the years?
plenty of time out on the road with other bands over the years I know for
sure. You were a touring member of the
Sian Alice Group and you’ve been in several other bands that have spent some
time out on the road. Who are some of
your personal favorite bands that you’ve had a chance to share a bill with over
the years?
Yeah, I’ve been a brief live member with a couple groups and
that’s been fun. Some of my favorite
bands I’ve seen and shared bills with are Blues Control, Genesis P. Orridge, MV
& EE, and Herbcraft to name a few.
that’s been fun. Some of my favorite
bands I’ve seen and shared bills with are Blues Control, Genesis P. Orridge, MV
& EE, and Herbcraft to name a few.
In your dreams,
who are you on tour with?
who are you on tour with?
Lou Reed, The Velvet Underground, Love circa 1968, Neil
Young & Crazy Horse or Group Doueh.
Young & Crazy Horse or Group Doueh.
Do you have any
funny or interesting stories from live shows or performances that you’d like to
share here with our readers?
funny or interesting stories from live shows or performances that you’d like to
share here with our readers?
I don’t have any particular moments that seem to stand
outside of the usual. There were fun
times traveling the east coast of China, chasing local thugs with a bottle Jack
Daniels on the rough side of Paris, and discovering pineapple/jalapeno pizza in
Portland.
outside of the usual. There were fun
times traveling the east coast of China, chasing local thugs with a bottle Jack
Daniels on the rough side of Paris, and discovering pineapple/jalapeno pizza in
Portland.
Do you give a lot
of thought to the visual aspects that represent the band to a large extent,
stuff like fliers, posters, shirt designs, cover artwork and that kind of
thing? Is there any kind of meaning or
message that you’re trying to convey with your art?
of thought to the visual aspects that represent the band to a large extent,
stuff like fliers, posters, shirt designs, cover artwork and that kind of
thing? Is there any kind of meaning or
message that you’re trying to convey with your art?
There’s a good bit of forethought that goes into
everything. I went to a school with a
strong visual art department and come from an art history and critical theory
background. There is a definite
aesthetic vision but not a particular message.
everything. I went to a school with a
strong visual art department and come from an art history and critical theory
background. There is a definite
aesthetic vision but not a particular message.
With all of the
various methods of release that are available to musicians today I’m always
curious why they choose and prefer the mediums of release that they do. Do you have a preferred method of release for
your own music? What about when you’re
listening to and or purchasing?
various methods of release that are available to musicians today I’m always
curious why they choose and prefer the mediums of release that they do. Do you have a preferred method of release for
your own music? What about when you’re
listening to and or purchasing?
Yes, there are a number of mediums out there. I don’t have a specific preference for
releasing my own music, though. I would
say it depends on the material, and who’s paying for it, but vinyl is
great. I usually purchase vinyl, but
don’t rule anything out. Some things are
only available digitally, on cassette, or CD.
While some music just works better one format over another.
releasing my own music, though. I would
say it depends on the material, and who’s paying for it, but vinyl is
great. I usually purchase vinyl, but
don’t rule anything out. Some things are
only available digitally, on cassette, or CD.
While some music just works better one format over another.
Do you have a
music collection at all, and if so can you tell us a little bit about it?
music collection at all, and if so can you tell us a little bit about it?
Yes, I have records, CDs, and tapes for the most part. I enjoy them.
I grew up around a
large collection of music and I was always encouraged by my father to listen to
anything that I might like, whether he liked it or not. He would take me out like every weekend and
just buy me random CDs from the local shops that I wanted and I fell into this
ritualistic listening habit with music.
There’s something that’s magical about kicking back with a set of
headphones, reading the liner notes, staring at the cover artwork and just let
the whole thing carry me off on this trip.
It’s something that has never grown old to me, and I doubt that I’ll
ever outgrow. Having something to
physically hold and experience along with the music always made for a more
complete listening experience for me. Do
you have any such connection with physically released music?
large collection of music and I was always encouraged by my father to listen to
anything that I might like, whether he liked it or not. He would take me out like every weekend and
just buy me random CDs from the local shops that I wanted and I fell into this
ritualistic listening habit with music.
There’s something that’s magical about kicking back with a set of
headphones, reading the liner notes, staring at the cover artwork and just let
the whole thing carry me off on this trip.
It’s something that has never grown old to me, and I doubt that I’ll
ever outgrow. Having something to
physically hold and experience along with the music always made for a more
complete listening experience for me. Do
you have any such connection with physically released music?
Yeah, I definitely grew up in an environment where physical
music formats played a role. There was a
Tower Records close to where I grew up that took up the bulk of my time. I would also head down to Manhattan when I
started to become interested in more alternative musics.
music formats played a role. There was a
Tower Records close to where I grew up that took up the bulk of my time. I would also head down to Manhattan when I
started to become interested in more alternative musics.
There’s no denying
it, digital music is here to stay. Like
it or not, the good and the bad, along with the internet digital music has long
been a source of contention and at time derision in the industry but it’s not
going anywhere. Like I said, there are
ups and downs to everything and digital music when teamed with the internet has
done some really incredible things.
Together, they’ve exposed people to the literal world of music that
they’re surrounded by and it’s also allowed for incredible and unparalleled
communication between bands and their fan bases. On the other hand though, while people are
being exposed to more music then ever they’re not necessarily very interested
in paying for it and for a lot of people music is quickly becoming a disposable
form of entertainment to be used and then forgotten about when you’re done with
it. As an artist during the reign of the
digital era, what’s your opinion on digital music and distribution?
it, digital music is here to stay. Like
it or not, the good and the bad, along with the internet digital music has long
been a source of contention and at time derision in the industry but it’s not
going anywhere. Like I said, there are
ups and downs to everything and digital music when teamed with the internet has
done some really incredible things.
Together, they’ve exposed people to the literal world of music that
they’re surrounded by and it’s also allowed for incredible and unparalleled
communication between bands and their fan bases. On the other hand though, while people are
being exposed to more music then ever they’re not necessarily very interested
in paying for it and for a lot of people music is quickly becoming a disposable
form of entertainment to be used and then forgotten about when you’re done with
it. As an artist during the reign of the
digital era, what’s your opinion on digital music and distribution?
This is a complex issue, but generally speaking I don’t have
any qualms with digital music formats.
These new formats have had a democratizing, maybe anarchic, affect on
how people discover new forms of music, the industrial process of the
commodification music, and how people experience and interact with music at
large. Music and its relationship to
individuals and societies have been in constant flux in one way or another
since its inception. As a musician it
is liberating to be able to produce and distribute music digitally as it
eliminates barriers that have historically separated people of class, race, and
geography. The only thing that’s been
hurt is the music machine and industry that relied on the previous
structure.
any qualms with digital music formats.
These new formats have had a democratizing, maybe anarchic, affect on
how people discover new forms of music, the industrial process of the
commodification music, and how people experience and interact with music at
large. Music and its relationship to
individuals and societies have been in constant flux in one way or another
since its inception. As a musician it
is liberating to be able to produce and distribute music digitally as it
eliminates barriers that have historically separated people of class, race, and
geography. The only thing that’s been
hurt is the music machine and industry that relied on the previous
structure.
I try to keep up
with more music than anyone one man probably should, it’s a consuming passion
but I really feel bad sometimes about stuff that I miss out on and don’t get
the opportunity to support and talk about, or in cases like this, to. There’s seriously just not enough time to
sift through even one percent of the amazing stuff out there! Is there anyone from your local scene or area
that I should be listening to I might not have heard of?
with more music than anyone one man probably should, it’s a consuming passion
but I really feel bad sometimes about stuff that I miss out on and don’t get
the opportunity to support and talk about, or in cases like this, to. There’s seriously just not enough time to
sift through even one percent of the amazing stuff out there! Is there anyone from your local scene or area
that I should be listening to I might not have heard of?
Some of my favorite currents acts are 75 Dollar Bill, United
Waters, Baked, and Cloud Becomes Your Hand; I know I must be forgetting a ton
of other people too. They’re not really
from a particular scene though and I’m sure many have never heard of each
other.
Waters, Baked, and Cloud Becomes Your Hand; I know I must be forgetting a ton
of other people too. They’re not really
from a particular scene though and I’m sure many have never heard of each
other.
What about
nationally and internationally?
nationally and internationally?
Devin Gary & Ross, Mordecai, Sun Foot, and Spacin’ are
all making some great music around the US.
I’m sure there are a ton of international people.
all making some great music around the US.
I’m sure there are a ton of international people.
Thanks so much for
taking the time to do this interview, I know it wasn’t short and it can’t have
been super easy to get done but it was awesome to have learned so much about
you and I can’t thank you enough to making it this far. I swear though, I’m done, no more
questions! Before we call it a day
though, I’d like to open the floor up to you.
Is there anything that I could have possibly missed or that you’d just
like to take this opportunity to talk to me or the readers about?
taking the time to do this interview, I know it wasn’t short and it can’t have
been super easy to get done but it was awesome to have learned so much about
you and I can’t thank you enough to making it this far. I swear though, I’m done, no more
questions! Before we call it a day
though, I’d like to open the floor up to you.
Is there anything that I could have possibly missed or that you’d just
like to take this opportunity to talk to me or the readers about?
We have it covered.
DISCOGRAPHY
(2013) Virginia
Trance – Your Guru – 7” – Self-Released (One time pressing limited to 300
copies)
Trance – Your Guru – 7” – Self-Released (One time pressing limited to 300
copies)
Interview made by Roman Rathert/2014
© Copyright http://psychedelicbaby.blogspot.com/2014
