Temperance League
by Daniel Coston
From August 2016 Edition Of Tangents Magazine
Tangents Magazine: New album. Discuss.
Jay Garrigan: This record is an evolutionary step for Temperance League. Bruce wrote songs that were bit more psychedelic and had a more perspective, and therefore needed more detail both in the foreground and background. Mitch Easter encouraged us to explore the studio, and I think we all dug a bit deeper into our parts and tones. It's also different mix-wise for the same reasons. We actually recorded a few more songs than are on the record, but decided cut them because they didn't fit the music landscape and theme. Bruce wrote a lot of songs, at least 1-2 a week for several months, and we kind of figured which were working and which may fit another record.
Tangents: This is the fourth TL album. What separates it from the other Temperance League albums.
Garrigan: Bruce has an interesting vision for the recordings, much like Bob Dylan where what we record isn't necessarily what we do, or how we sound live. It's peculiar if you think about it - how can you get at least six instruments to work together via two speakers? How can you get all the excitement, passion, emotion, ache, elation and the unplanned moments you feel deeply captured within two little speakers? How can you do that when you have six people trying to do just that in a coordinated effort based on intuition over reading charts? It's quite perplexing, but we somehow do just that. I think it has a lot to do with the band being together for 7+ years (I joined four years ago by the way, and still the new guy, lol).
Playing live and recording are two very different art forms, and in my opinion, you can't approach them the same way and be genuine to the moment. In this instance, we embraced more of the studio and the artistry that can come from doing just that.
Tangents: Has your lyrical focus changed on this new album? (I.e., what you’re writing about.)
Garrigan: Bruce usually gives a nod to our last record and gives a preview of the next in the songs and through his lyrics. I'll have to defer to Bruce or Shawn on the lyrical subject matter.
Tangents: You did this album with Mitch Easter again. Describe the awesomeness of this.
Garrigan: Mitch Easter is one of the greatest rock-n-roll engineers of our time. He really understands the mechanics of timeless gear and microphones, and knows how that translates within the aesthetics of a band's performance and a song's mix. Also, he's a heck of a nice guy, and knows how to get the best performance out of the band.
Tangents: What are your plans with this album’s release?
Garrigan: The good folks in Temperance League are most interested in playing live and making great-sounding records. It's what we are good at, and works for us. I think anything else would be icing on the cake, and while we're hungry and curious, we're not necessarily in line for cake.
There is another aspect to your questions that isn't easy to answer. If this batch of songs resonates strongly with people, maybe we'll have longer touring weekends in our immediate future. There are bridges that we'll talk about crossing if they make sense. I think "plans" outside of those terms seem like wishful thinking.
We want to make good records and play great shows. Anything outside of that doesn't seem real to us, and I think our collective experiences with the music industry has shaped our attitude. I can't speak for all band members, but I think while we may be in the group for different reasons, we all can agree that we want to keep playing rocking shows and making great sounding records.
And, we enjoy each other's company. This is the first band that I've been in that craves hanging out with other. So with this release, there will be more of that!
Tangents: Your live shows have a celebratory, throw it all in the air kind of feel. Would you describe TL’s shows as a release?
Garrigan: I think a few things about Temperance League live shows. First, you have to know that we're not afraid to have a good time and we're there to have fun! If the muse hits us one way or the other, we usually ride it out and see where it goes. Second, every show is a unique. While we write definite parts for the record, Chad and Bruce encourage the rest of the band to explore the moment. It's quite invigorating to experience the band ebbing and flowing a bit from the record.
Tangents: Have you thought about recording a live album?
Garrigan: We'll probably put out a b-side record before a live record, but I think we've casually mentioned a live record made at The Thirsty Beaver.
Garrigan: Bruce is the songwriter, and we usually try to express his vision. He will reign us in if we are getting too far out (usually me). Shawn and Chad tend to have production mindsets. Shawn is really good at organizing us in the studio. Chad is really good with sequencing the songs on the records. We all have ideas to contribute, some more or less depending upon the song. While we all love rock-n-roll, we all come from a slightly different place, and I think that adds to what we are trying to do.
Tangents: Does each bandmember have a role in the group? If so, what are they?
Garrigan: Bruce is the songwriter, and we usually try to express his vision. He will reign us in if we are getting too far out (usually me). Shawn and Chad tend to have production mindsets. Shawn is really good at organizing us in the studio. Chad is really good with sequencing the songs on the records. We all have ideas to contribute, some more or less depending upon the song. While we all love rock-n-roll, we all come from a slightly different place, and I think that adds to what we are trying to do.
Tangents: Complete this sentence. On any given night, ______ might happen at a Temperance League show?
Garrigan: "An Uber ride to FossCross" - yes, an inside joke. I think this band has been through everything and then some on the live front. Nothing surprises me anymore, and to be honest, I'm a bit disappointed if something extraordinary or surprising doesn't happen. We're a damn rock-n-roll band, and we mean to keep it that way.
Tangents: In the end, is it all just Rock & Roll. Or is there more?
Garrigan: Personally speaking, while wisdom tells me there is much more to life, I don't think I'd like to do or be known for anything else but music. For the band, I think rock-n-roll is our life. It's our escape from our day jobs. It's our moment to dream of something... different, more colorful and much louder. Many people give up their rock-n-roll dreams, and I'm so thankful for the opportunity to play with six crazy pals who focus on what racket we can make next.
No comments:
Post a Comment