Friday, 19 August 2011 03:17
Catchy and vibrant energy intertwined with a deep sense of maturity and depth pretty much captures the spirit of “Make it Bleed”, the newest album by the alt/indie rockers Dearly Beloved, hailing from Toronto, Canada. We catch up with Niva Chow, who handles the tambourine, bass, and the vocals in Dearly Beloved, as he/she speaks to us about everything, ranging from the band, their music, their dynamic, the process of recording and touring, and of the course the album itself.
Rob Higgins - Bass, Vocals, Percussion
Chris Molson - Guitar, Vocals, Percussion
Cosmo Sylvan – Keys, Vocals
Niva Chow - Tambourine, Vocals, Bass
Gavin Maguire – Drums
Q: Tell us a little about the songwriting process.
A: For the most part Rob (Higgins) comes up with the songs. The record we are currently finishing was started in Joshua Tree. No ideas were brought to the desert; we woke up, and Rob and Gavin jammed on bits that eventually became songs. Guitars and vocals come after with everyone contributing somewhat but, again, spearheaded by Rob. He writes the lyrics, too.
Q: What kind of a sound are you aiming for?
A: We like raw, chaotic vibes and don't want it to become too clean or perfect. Ever. I think with Serpents and Make It Bleed we got carried away a bit with going for perfect performances, but the experience helped us better understand where we needed to go next, if you will. The bass sticks out as Rob is the songwriter and really is the driving force behind the songs. The only methodology I think being that it needs to have a definite punch / groove ... Rob is inspired by bass players that are a bit out there so he's often 'going for it'.
Q: What is the concept and idea behind the album art?
A: Make It Bleed and the album art express feelings that relate to the network of systems that rule our lives, really. The music itself is an extension of our experience and an expression of the journey.
Q: Talk us through the recording process of Make it Bleed.
A: Make It Bleed was recorded at Phoebe Street, Rob's home studio. It was an interesting experience in that it was the first time we took it from a studio outside to really living with the music. I think it afforded us time to really get in and listen and tinker with songs - whereas in the past it was ‘how can we maximize our time in the studio?’ We still had late nights but the pressures of having an end time were gone. Because we have similar tastes in music there was little conflict, it's definitely the most collaborative when everyone is in the studio together.
Q: Which songs off the album are your favourites? And are there any particular songs off the album that you really enjoy playing live?
A: Move On is a fun song although we don't play it live that much. For live shows, AC (Acceptance Corporation) and When Slow is the New Fast are definite favourites - it's great to harmonize with Rob on those songs. We have some hardcore fans that love The Butcher's Dog - it has such a killer bass sound.
Q: What do you guys prefer – going on tour and playing frequent shows or writing and recording songs?
A: I don't know if there is a preference - we want to do both constantly! We've toured North America twice in the last year and it was amazing to travel to all those cities and play. There's something about getting onstage to a crowd of people that you don't know and connecting with them on a level that you never would on an average day. There's a real kinetic energy and when it hits just right you can feel it.
At the same time recording is equally exciting - pushing each other to higher levels and the thrill of hearing songs develop and come together; then playing them live. One begets the other really, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Q: Name some of the artists that have influenced you?
A: Jesus Lizard, Link Wray, Dead Kennedys, QOSTA, Fugazi, No Means No, Sonic Youth, Led Zeppelin, Captain Beefheart, Cream, Dino Jr., Jack White, X, Pixies, Cibo Matto, Beastie Boys,
Sonics, Kinks, Jaco, Primus, John Coltrane, John Lennon, James Jamerson ... I could go on for days ...
Q: Do you often worry about sounding like your favourite bands or is that something you don’t particularly think about and write consciously or is more organic?
A: In terms of direction we don't talk about it. It's understood we're after genuine articles and performances. We like what we do to be honest and a bit courageous, at the same time, without too much cerebral activity getting in the way.
Q: How long have you guys been playing together? What kind of a dynamic do you within the band?
A: Rob and I have been friends for over 15 years and are the only original members of the band. i think DB played its first show in 2006, and while the lineup has changed a bit we've always been lucky to have great chemistry in this band - I'm not sure we could play in a band where the members didn't get along. That would make for some pretty long uncomfortable car rides. We're
a band of pirates, to be sure ... YAR ... and while it's not always peaches and cream, I'd say we genuinely like each other and look forward to touring. Schedules are often the toughest thing to deal with when it comes to day to day challenges.
Q: What is next on the agenda for Dearly Beloved? How do you plan on taking things a step further?
A: DB just sold 2 songs to Rookie Blue to be aired later this season. We're also working on more shows while we finish the album that we started in Joshua Tree. Hopefully we'll get that record out soon and we'll be on tour again sooner rather than later. We like paying bills and eating and stuff so we consider any and all opportunities afforded to the band. We're not about to sell a song to dog fighting rings, or anything like that, but we're in no position to have a just-say-no policy to licensing, or selling out or working with labels or doing weird ass corporate shows for extra money; we have to consider these things and if they make sense for us, without attaching ourselves to something heinous, then yeah, cool.
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