Archive for the ‘The Ash Lovelies Debut Album’ Category

Recording is almost complete for the Ash Lovelies, an eight piece group that I play guitar with. The songs are generally written by vocalist and leader Lou Black, and our musical ideas are generated democratically.

The Ash Lovelies have an interesting sound. “Chamber Folk Tangle Pop” are the words Lou uses to describe us. Those words do describe us pretty well, but we also dabble in rock and roll and dance club music. We have a BIG sound. We have drums, cello, banjo, a kaosilattor, a saxapone, bass, organ, keyboards, piano, digital guitar, electric guitar, backup vocals, and a drum machine featured on our debut album.

Some things that have inspired my guitar parts for The Ash Lovelies include: Surf Rock, Tex Mex, Vampire Weekend’s guitarist, Sonic Youth, and Bill Callahan’s guitarist. While recording one of the songs, I wanted to use a kitchen utensil on my guitar to create a unique sound. It didn’t work out as well as I thought, though I did nail a guitar solo on the next take, one in which the notes were created on the spot. I would like to take the time right now to thank that utensil for its inspiration.

I will keep you all updated on the progress and eventual release of The Ash Lovelies’ debut album.