So, round 4 with
Dog is Blue, or, Paul Watson, if you prefer. Paul has recently released an album called ...
Makes Ghost Noises, which is a really neat folk album. It's an album that I haven't reviewed fully, and may not for a little while, but its like Matt Damon in
Rounders, 'hanging around'. And while its not an album that is going to blow you away (I'm not sure "ghost-folk" albums are capable of doing that), but its an album that is kind of like comfort food. It makes you feel good.
Paul and I chat about why he decided to record an album, the process, but also what its been like trying to promote it, since, its a debut album and he's "just one man"...
If you're interested in checking out the first few email exchanges see:
Black Hat Brigade,
Ketch Harbour Wolves, and
The Rest.
* * *
Paul.
So, I guess the first and most obvious question is why/how did you decide to make an album? I mean, you are a 'music enthusiast', so am I, but its not like the R.O.B. (if I can refer to myself in the third person) is going to put out an album - let alone get on a stage - anytime soon. I guess I'm curious where the tipping point was... everyone, or a lot of people at least, want to do that whole thing, and you actually did. Was there something in particular that pushed you toward the 'I'm going to actually do this' side?
And, to follow up, what does it take to develop a sound, write the music/lyrics, come up with other instrumentation?
Rob
* * *
Hey Rob,
First off, Black Hat Brigade, The Rest, Ketch Harbour Wolves, and now...uh...me. Scraping the bottom of the barrel a little early on this segment aren't you? I joke, but I'm really just jealous that I never thought of this email exchange idea first (and the rest of the bands are so friggin' awesome).
As for the decision to make an album, would you believe that I've been a wannabe musician far longer than a half-assed blogger? In fact, Wolves, Hawks and Kites was initially a band name (I even sent an acoustic demo EP to friends and family under that guise a few years ago). Unfortunately I chose it around the same time that bands like Wolf Parade, We Are Wolves, Wolf Mother and a million others were already exemplifying the lupine zeitgeist, so it was promptly ditched (but I had already bought the .com. Speaking of which, how's the London-centric moniker treating you now that you live in good ol' Hogtown?).
In that regard, I guess you could say the tipping point for me was less of a suddenly inspired "ahh, what the heck, let's give this a shot..." and more of a "holy crap, I'm 26 and still haven't done that thing I've wanted to do since I first picked up a guitar upside down in high school." I'm glad I waited though, as no one ever needs to be subjected to the songs I wrote back then...ever.
Regarding developing a sound, I think that comes pretty naturally (I've never really understood the conscious and premeditated picking and choosing of influences...). For the most part I was always too busy trying not to pee my pants in stage fright to really give much thought to what music was actually coming out. You should get on stage at an open mic one night--it really is one of the most exhilarating, scary and absurd things in the world. Seriously, we'll grab a beer and I'll get you up there...
Paul
* * *
Paul.
The interesting part about this (the email exchange thing) is talking to different types of people in different kinds of situations. Its been great so far just getting a chance to see where different people are coming from and how that influences their music, their live show, etc.
That's interesting re the name: Wolves, Hawks and Kites... I actually always wondered why your blog was called that. For me, despite being in Toronto, I actually don't mind the London moniker - because its indicative of where I came from both geographically and where I come from writing about any of this stuff. It explains, I think how I've become much more interested in Toronto/Canadian stuff in the last while, and why I come at music much more as a fan rather than a 'critic' (because I'm just generally excited that there is stuff going on that aren't huge, expensive concerts with pyrotechnics and laser lights shows). Of course, all this makes me wonder where Dog is Blue comes from? A penchant for animals perhaps?
Its funny that you mention being 26 and not having accomplished anything... since... well... anyways... I think that's a NetGen thing. But, I would say that now having an album out AND working at Zunior is pretty cool, no? I mean, if someone wanted to pay me to work dealing with musics all day, I think I'd be pretty happy (if a little over my head)...
Rob* * *
Hey Rob,
Names are a funny thing, because they're so tempting to change. Everyday I think of a "better" band name (they're so much fun to come up with), but I've gone through so many since my delusions of grandeur began that it was time to stick with something for keeps. Dog Is Blue basically got the nod because it was string of words that I stumbled across (to be concise) that fit nicely together with ambiguous meaning. Hell, if it weren't for famous people Patrick Watson and the founder of Greenpeace I'd probably have just used my real name. Names and image can be so damn fickle too. You're either too cool for this or not cool enough for that--this song is too poppy or this one isn't catchy enough. Blah, blah, blah.
Initially I had even thought of keeping away from any mention of the blog or Zunior in conjunction with Dog Is Blue, for fear of how those allegiances would skew people's perceptions of the music. In the end I've let it fall into place as it may...it's either that I don't really care or that I'm too lazy to make the effort at orchestrating an image (both...).
Speaking of Zunior, it definitely is a cool gig, as I get to work from home and help a lot of new bands (not to mention listen to a lot of awesome music all day). Actually one of the things that working for Zunior and releasing my own album has helped me understand is that making the music is often the easy part. It seems far harder to get people to actually take notice (not to mention book gigs).
Paul
* * *Paul.
Names/naming, I think, has to be one of the coolest things about being in band, but ultimately its got to be a good fit for your personality/sound/etc. It's all well and good to have a super cool, fun, interesting name, but if it doesn't fit then... and in that respect I think Dog is Blue is a perfect fit for you. Your voice has this kind of melancholy undertone, when it gets a little growly or you strain to hit some higher notes, that says to me this: "Dog is Blue".
BTW - I'm listening to the album right now, and after a bunch of spins I think 'Seacaptain' is my favourite song. I love the line about the modified Cavalier. Do you have a favourite of your own? Any that you think are going to be a staple, or, any that you know you definitely are not going to play?
Your comment on success is interesting... you haven't read Malcolm Gladwell's new book Outliers have you? In it he argues that to be successful you need to reach a certain plateau - i.e. you need to be "good enough" - and then after that its all about external factors: luck, timing, connections, etc. Especially with music, in 2009, I think you're probably right that getting noticed and getting people to pay attention is the toughest thing. I suspect, having a pretty successful music blog - and being involved with Zunior - has taught you that, there is a TONNE of stuff out. In fact, it'd be interesting to get some type of stats on the number of records release since the advent of the internet... I wonder if being involved with Zunior has given you any insight as to what to do/not do?
Just as an aside, out of pure curiousity, what with Zunior takes you to shows? Is it just doing the Zunior TV thing? If you ever need an assistant - and then gets me into cool shows - sign me up...
Good luck tonight, I hope it goes well. I'll try and make it out to the next one - as it turns out I'm not even going to get to Patrick Watson (funeral) boo-urns....
Rob
* * *
Hey Rob,
Sorry to hear about the funeral and missing Patrick Watson. Our show was a lot of fun (hopefully there will be another soon). It's funny that you mention "Seacaptain," as I'm getting a lot of great comments on that song (Wax Mannequin says it reminds him of Bob Wiseman). Personally, I like it because there's a low-level whirling loop under the whole thing that was made using a crazy delay pedal I had just finished building--listen close and you'll hear it!
I'm not sure If I've got a favourite at the moment. Songs like "Alligator" and "Raise Your Dead" are fun to play live (I play the latter with the reprise as one show-ending tune), but I get to flex my noise muscle on some of the more low-key tracks like "Borrowing Days" and "Wish", as they feature backwards distorted loops in the live show. In general I try to add things whenever possible to keep it fun (I tried adding a beat to "Grandma" last night, but it didn't really work because there were no monitors and I couldn't hear the loop...next time). We're currently performing live as a two-peice, with Laura Heaney (she did backup vocals on the album) playing synth and glockenspiel, and we try to play the whole album whenever possible (a couple covers are rotated in too).
Zunior and WHK have definitely taught me a few things about what not to do. Mainly the following: the internet will not do the work for you. It can help get your music out there (Dog Is Blue is currently on Zunior, iTunes, eMusic, etc.), but it only works as a supplement to good ol' fashion schlepping around and playing shows. That's fine for me, as I love playing live...the trick is getting people to come out and, moreover, getting clubs to book us!
Speaking of shows, in a lot of cases I film shows for Zunior, but moreoften than not I'm just going for the fun of it (I'll be at Rancho Relaxo checking out Mathias Kom and Construction and Destruction tonight, in fact). Actually, it's not as glamourous as it seems either, as I usually pay cover just like everyone else (and buy a t-shirt, ha).
Paul* * *Paul.
Thanks, glad to hear that the show was fun. Also, I didn't realize that you were playing as a two piece... I always find that with singer-songwriter music that its nice to have someone else on stage since it adds another dimension (which is usually positive) on stage. Have you been running through your album front to back in your live show? I'm curious how you put together your setlist vs. the tracklist for an album. What covers have you been playing? I'm a big, big fan of a good cover - especially ones that you wouldn't expect...
I think the 'the internet won't do it for you' line is perfect. I mean, I think about how many emails that I get everyday with people sending me stuff, I can't imagine how much stuff bigger blogs must get.
Speaking of blogs, you mentioned before that you'd kind of like to get back doing WHKs, but aren't sure whether/how/etc. to do it... forgive me if I'm being obnoxious/retarded/annoying, but why can't you just do the musician with a blog? Use it to promote your own shows and write about other music you like? I think it'd be interesting to have you review your own show...
Rob
* * *Hey Rob,
Yeah, having Laura back me up on stage is great, as things like synth and her backup vocals ended up being pretty integral to a lot of the recordings. I'd love to get one more person helping out with bass or some light percussion too at some point.
As for a live setlist, we try to run through the album front to back when we have the time, as I feel like its tracklisting doubles well as an effective setlist. For instance, I like starting with "Borrowing Days" when playing live simply because it involves some distorted backwards guitar loops, which I hope will dispell any sighs of "ah, crap, another guy with an acoustic guitar (actually, I'm really looking forward to playing electric more often in the future)." However, seeing as we play both parts of "Raise Your Dead" together at the end of the live show, that leaves a nice slot for a cover around the sixth song in.
Personally, I love covering songs by friends or other local musicians I've met, so lately that space has been filled by a Henry Svec tune from his new album, The CFL Sessions (the concept for which you really must check out, as it's too awesome to really do justice here), called "Song Written Upon Getting Cut by the Argos." If there is one song I wish I'd written, this is it. It just sums up my relationship with Toronto so well that I can't believe it came from someone else's mind. I also love playing "Record Body Count," by the Rheostatics. Not only is it one of my all-time favourite songs, but it also ties in well with the album, as Dave Clark (the original drummer for the Rheos and all around awesome dude) mastered it.
There are just so many great songs by so many local musicians that I'm always trying to learn new ones. I guess since I've slowed the blog down to a crawl this is my new way of pimpin' some of the great music coming out these days. In fact, I'm currently working on a free covers EP of songs by the likes of Jenny Omnichord, The Rest and Wax Mannequin among others.
Of course, I'm still enamored with old classics as well. In fact, at open stages I'm likely to pull out Costello's "Watching the Detectives" or Dylan's "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright" (an old recorded cover of which you can download here). "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)" by The Temptations and The Zombies "This Will Be Our Year" are two other favourites.
...wow, you really opened a can of worms asking me about covers. I guess that's the music-hounding blogger in me coming out to play!
Speaking of which, I guess you're probably right in that I could keep writing WHK and just be forthright about that fact that I am an aspiring musician writing about other people's music. Hell, it's not like I ever pan anything anyway (I'm more of the mind that if I don't like it I just won't cover it). To be honest though, since recording this album and trying to play live as much as possible--not to mention working with music all day and going to shows--I'm finding my days to be a bit insolated with music at every turn, so sometimes it's just nice to turn the ears off for a while and do something completely unrelated (these days it's painting...).
Yikes, I hope this isn't too long of a reply...
Paul* * *
Paul.
I'm looking back at the emails, and I'm feeling like these could go for a while, so, I thought it might be best that we head into the "lightning round"!
Best live act to see in Toronto right now?
Best song of the year so far?
Song that most describes your mood right now?
If you didn't work for Zunior, you would be?
Best movie you've seen recently?
Favourite sports franchise?
If you could only listen to one artist for the rest of your life who would it be?
If you could meet someone (dead or alive) who would it be?
Thing that your most scared of?
If you could play any venue in Toronto what would it be?
and lastly, if Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? (note: I was half thinking of just sending you the Inside the Actors Studio questions... probably best that I didn't, right?)
Best,
Rob
* * *
Ahh! Lightning Round!
Best live act to see in Toronto right now?
There are so many good bands. Using those playing "in Toronto right now" as a guideline then I'd say you should go see Wax Mannequin at Sneaky Dee's tonight.
Best song of the year so far?
"Song Written Upon Getting Cut by the Argos" by The CFL Sessions (Henry Svec).
Song that most describes your mood right now?
"Mind Crumb" by Shotgun Jimmie.
If you didn't work for Zunior, you would be?
On the lamb in South American. Probably a failed novelist.
Best movie you've seen recently?
Would you believe I've watched Spaceballs several times in the last week?
Favourite sports franchise?
I've never been much of a sports-nut, but my dad and I do frequent Oshawa Generals games, so that's probably the closest I've got.
If you could only listen to one artist for the rest of your life who would it be?
The Kinks.
If you could meet someone (dead or alive) who would it be?
A teacher asked me this question in grade 4. At that point it was Jim Henson because I thought he was so creative. These days I'd have to say Laura's dad (that old approval of the father idea...). Supposedly I'm just like him.
Thing that you're most scared of?
Stagnating. Getting moldy with content. Stopping.
If you could play any venue in Toronto what would it be?
I'd probably play pretty much any venue that would have me at this point, but it'd be nice to sneak into Massey Hall one night and play for all the ghosts.
and lastly, if Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? (note: I was half thinking of just sending you the Inside the Actors Studio questions... probably best that I didn't, right?)
I'd walk up, wide-eyed and apprehensive. God would be hanging out near the gates and he'd look at me briefly with a sheepish smile then pretend to check his cellphone. The gates would open and as I entered he'd sneak in behind me, muttering something about having forgotten his keys.
I guess that's it. Thanks for asking me to do this. I had really started looking forward to these emails each day (now what the hell am I going to do with my time?).
Paul
Posts
