‘Lewd & Languid’: [Sample_Text] Unveil New Album In Candid Interview
Welcome to another interview with TIG, and today we’re thrilled to be exploring the depths of creativity with Reece from [SAMPLE_TEXT], who are celebrating the release of their latest album, ‘Lewd & Languid.’ Hailing from Anchorage, Alaska, this dynamic trio – Reece Caldwell on vocals and guitar, Tyler Farrell on drums, and Jacob Marsh on bass – are set to take us on a journey through their distinctive blend of experimental punk, grunge, and post-punk influences. But beyond their eclectic sound, ‘Lewd & Languid’ delves into profound themes, exploring the complexities of modern existence, from societal disillusionment to personal reflection. Join us as we explore the inspirations, challenges, and triumphs behind their new release.
Thanks for joining us Reece and congrats on the release of the new album! How do you think the title ‘Lewd & Languid’ reflects the themes in the album?
I suppose it covers a few things. I don’t want to over explain as I think (to me) that’s normally the death of a listener’s enjoyment. But, I’d say there are themes of a few things: for myself a sense of mood swings and emotions that don’t jive with each other being felt at the same time, and being all messed up and confused inside because of it. In terms of outlook, I feel like most of the (Western) world is reflected in the title as well. Everything is just some over sexed-up trash where everyone is aware that nobody is happy with life or about the state of culture. Maybe something in there as well about the quintessential “sad sexy” vibe that I think comedically actually reflects what “community” and “culture” has become. Just misery with shallow attention grabbing elements.
What were the main inspirations behind the album both thematically and musically?
Thematically, a great many things but I shall refer to my previous answer for that; just a shallow nothing existence, internally and externally. Musically, I’d say theres a mix of ’60’s garage rock, grunge, noise rock, jazz rock, post punk, horror soundtracks, and in terms of album structuring, actually, Kendrick Lamar. I really love albums that can be listened to as one off singles, but offer something special when listened to all the way through in a sitting.
Was there a musical evolution or growth you experienced as a band during the production of this album compared to previous works?
Absolutely. Our previous EP was recorded, mixed and out in one month. This project took about a year and a half. Most of these songs were written in a certain emotional state, and then adapted to be wild for live events. This is the first time I think all of us had to take a moment to think about the emotional state of the writing process, and early rehearsals, prior to making the songs into these raucous live things. Which a few of the songs on the album just aren’t that, so it took some time to unlearn “big stupid punk rock” and just put down and envelope the actual vibe of some of the songs. Other songs were somewhat the opposite: “how do we make it huge, and create a studio version that would be nearly impossible to recreate live, while still maintaing the wild garagey feel of the live version.”
Looking back on the album now that it’s completed, is there anything you wish you could have done differently or any particular moments you’re especially proud of?
There are always things everyone wishes they could do differently. A mistake here or there, a creative choice that could’ve been leaned into harder etc. I think we all have some gripes, but I’m unsure if theres anything we’d do over again. If the work accomplishes its emotional mission in the listener, I don’t think the regrets matter. As for proud moments I really just think its the whole thing. We’ve never completed something that I think we are all fully happy to stand behind the same as we are now. This is the first time we had what we really needed to do, what we wanted. And, there’s a certain stress that comes with knowing you can’t just write off small failures in how an album hits as “well we had what we had.” It needed to accomplish our creative goals without compromise, and I think that it did.
What do you hope listeners will take away after listening to ‘Lewd & Languid’?
Emotionally? Whatever they take away… That’s for the listener. I would hope what was expressed will be received and enjoyed, but the important part to me is that people can enjoy it in their own way. Even if they read into it completely unintended messages, or just enjoy it musically and don’t reflect at all. Artistically? For the creatives I would hope it inspires them to make stuff without worrying too much about reception or tropes. There’s alot of weirdness on the album. Music today sets up a nearly impossible task of perfection in all regards, and most music now has this sense (to me) of anxious desire for approval. Even punk type stuff feels a bit pandering sometimes. So, I would just hope people on the fence creatively (if they enjoy the album) can just say “fuck that,” and fuck the stupid expectations all forms of expression are tagged with now. I would hope artists of all kinds just feel inspired to make things they think are cool, and that they like, and that they feel express their emotions thoroughly.
What plans do [SAMPLE_TEXT] have in store for the future? Any upcoming projects or tours?
Maybe record singles here or there. We already have enough material for another (longer) album, but that’s a whole other task lol. This year probably just play a lot of shows, and we would like to tour towards the end of the year, or, the beginning of next year. But also just buy bullets and canned food for the coming end times.
And, finally, a question for fun… If you were putting together the ultimate festival lineup, who would share the bill with [SAMPLE_TEXT]?
Good question. I think, if we are talking current artists… I think we’d have a few choice artists: Viagra Boys, black midi, Ty Segall. Ploho, Shannon & The Clams, Sadie and the Ladies, Blue Smiley, DIIV… there’s probably more but those would be cool lol.
And that concludes our chat with Reece from [SAMPLE_TEXT], one of the minds behind the ‘Lewd & Languid’ album. From their reflections on societal themes to their creative evolution in the studio, it’s clear that this band is unapologetically authentic in both their music and message. As they continue to push boundaries we eagerly anticipate what the future holds for [SAMPLE_TEXT]. Stay tuned for more music soon and perhaps even a tour. Thanks for reading and thank you Reece for joining us!
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