Some highlights:
You're just going to get up there and jam?
Yeah, play some of our songs nothing exciting and new or anything, just kind of... this is our last trip across the States before we make another record and put it out. We kind of had planned on not doing anymore touring until our record had came out here in the States.
No, we're going to start recording at the end of the tour. We have our last show in Pomona, California on the 22nd of March, and we go in the studio on the 23rd.
But you know, I think that it's going to be at least a year. 'Cause I just know how I work and these songs, it's really hard to tell how they are going to go. Just to be safe, I'm thinking it will take a year to record and a few months to actually get it out.
What have you been keeping yourself busy with lately?
Trying to finish writing some songs for Built to Spill to record, and I have a couple other little musical projects I have been working on.
Anything you can talk about yet?
Well nothing, not really. Trying to do a Halo Benders thing, but we started that about a year ago, we have not even got anything off the ground. It's just hard to get everyone together and when we have gotten together, it's been pretty slow moving. But it's something that we all want to do so, we'll try and get it going. And I have just been paying with this classical piano player here in town a little bit, trying to record some stuff.
I actually read a quote from you in a magazine a couple years ago that says that, based on how you feel about music today and your own personal state, that Built to Spill actually has greater potential now then in the early 90's. What has changed for you as far as writing and performing since the early 90's?
I think that everyone is a lot more confident players, you know? And I don't know if that makes for better music. I say all different things in interviews, and I contradict myself a lot, just because I know when I get ready to go on tour, I have to do a bunch of these all at once, all in a row.
Yeah, I understand.
I don't want to repeat myself, so I make up different answers and stuff, but I do think that Built to Spill could be something better than ever just because our lineup is better than ever. Most of the records in the past have been have been mostly stuff that I have come up with and then Brett Nelson comes in and out, but Scott Plouf is really in the band, [and] Jim Roth was only on our last record. [The] way of playing [that] Jim has and that Brett has are really distinct and I think that, at some point, we can figure out a way to really bring to life the three guitars [and] the way they interact...kind of a big hard thing to do. This coming record we're not doing that--it's mostly going to be songs that I have been working on, because we haven't had time and just because I had all these songs kind of laying around. But you know, I think there is potential for the five of us to collaborate on something that is just way better than anything that I have ever come up with by myself or that we have done in the past, and you know everyone kind of seems [to be] better players and better tones on their guitars and just...I don't know. I just think that we're better players than ever.One last question: Every time you guys put out a new album you almost take on a vibe like you're a brand new band taking off instead of an old band that keeps putting out new albums. How do you think you guys keep that freshness and newness the fans keep coming back for?
I'm glad to hear that, but we don't do anything specifically to accomplish that. I'm sure different people have different opinions, and I'm glad you feel that way, but I'm sure there are other people who are like, "Oh, another Built to Spill record. Why do they even bother?" So we're just doing the same thing we have always done and I'm just trying to make music we think is good. I don't really know how to explain it or I don't really understand it, it's just trying to make good music. I don't know what it is...I guess it's good. That's another thing, it sounds like you like it, and that's nice I'm pretty happy with it, but a lot of people don't like it I don't know. It's all so subjective I don't even know. I have no idea. How's that for an answer?
Do you feel successful then?
Yeah, oh yeah, I'm really...I have so surpassed whatever I expected to do with music in my life. Yeah, I feel successful.Of course, the whole thing is worth reading. It ends with guilty music pleasures which I won't spoil for anybody
and some of Doug's view on the
remaining presidential candidates. I thought it was really good, myself.
It's cool to see Doug pleased with what he's done musically in his life; I know all of us are. This pretty much puts away the nightmare thoughts of mine that Doug would call it enough anytime soon. I mean, Doug is one of my favorite artists ever, and that would be a nightmare to me, at least. I've really enjoyed his whole career and appreciate it fully. Of course looking forward to all the new material and projects as well.
The new album news is a little troubling though. I think to all of us :P. I mean, I want him to take the time necessary, but what's gonna hold us over? haha.
Also, the touring news. I'm glad I got in there, and it was spectacular, but another year at least before I see them again is a little painful to hear for me. Not like they don't deserve a break, it's just a great show.
And that whole "better-than-ever" comment I'm not sure what to make of. I mean, I think Perfect From Now on was their greatest creation and I've been more than pleased with all of it, really, but this should be interesting. With another part I highlighted, the part about people saying "Oh, another Built to Spill record? blahblah, enough." I've heard them being compared similarly to Modest Mouse in the way of down the drain; MM being well down that path, but BtS heading that way. I don't really believe that, though. Just insecurities. I think just about everyone enjoyed You in Reverse and this is really promising news in my opinion.
Always good to hear this stuff, anyways. Gonna be a long wait, but from what I've heard, sounds worth it.
