Blood Beach Interview
« oh, swanson… | Home | Paper Hands on 5/29 »
A few words with Goodriddler
By TG | May 24, 2010
While any casual visitor to Santa Rosa might leave remembering only the Charlie Brown statues that litter the town or the plethora of wine oriented artwork and bars, underneath all the trends is a city brimming with amazing underground musical and artistic talent.
With a recent tour alongside The Americas just this past Spring, the release of a debut full length, and to top it off, a feature on the Nationally renowned NPR blog “All Songs Considered,” the one man band Goodriddler, otherwise known as multi-instrumentalist Nick Wolch, has already made a mark far beyond the rolling hills of ever increasing vineyards. We thought we’d catch up with Nick to ask him a few questions about his recording process, his favorite bumper sticker, and just what effect living in Sonoma County has had on his music.
Interview by: Heather
Photo by: Susie Martinez
How many albums do you have out?
I released my first record on may 7th, 2010… it is 9 tracks long and entitled “tickling the tail of the tiger” I have an EP and another full length in the works.
What instruments do you use when you perform?
I basically bring my whole studio with me when I perform. I make electronic tracks with two computer programs known as Logic and Reason. The tracks are played out of a PA along with vocals and a ukulele. I also have a midi keyboard connected to my computer that triggers any sample I choose, but mostly I’m a percussionist and have a live drum set on hand. When I play live I switch from drums to vocals to keyboard to uke all against prepared backing tracks.
What is your writing process?
I usually start with a concept for a record before I write it. I generally have a sense for how each track will sound before I touch an instrument. I don’t know why… I feel most content with writing albums not songs.
What was the initial concept behind “tickling the tail of the tiger”? I’m not willing to speak to the whole concept…but its mostly about pride and anxiety.
Do you already have a concept in mind for your next release?
My next release, entitled “the strength of weak ties,” is about the death of my grandmother. And the release after that, “points of sail,” will be about sailing.
Who did the artwork for the new album? Justin Margitich. He is a good man.. just had a baby. You can check out some of his other work here, all graphite…I’m pretty amazed.
Bands you currently admire and for what reasons?
Dan Deacon is by far my favorite at the moment. That man has some serious energy. His newest record, Bromst, is one of my favorites of all time.
Where do you do your recordings and how do you prepare for them?
I haven’t had the money to work in a proper studio, that shit is crazy expensive…and the pressure involved in recording a record with a time limit is daunting. I mostly make my own demos at our little studio space in Rohnert Park, then have one of my audio engineer friends come in with high quality portable recording equipment to help patch up any spots that need fixing. I’m also a fan of guerrilla recording, I love recording instruments and vocals outside of the studio. I’ve recorded in huge warehouses, in underground tunnels, on freeway overpasses–for some reason my favorite vocal recordings are done in bathrooms.
What are your other creative endeavors or talents that you would like to share with us?
I love food. It’s kind of taking over, these days I day dream of a well cooked meal. I spend way too much money on produce and kitchen ware… its kind of embarrassing. My favorite TV shows are Iron Chef and Good Eats.
How was your album release show at The Phoenix?
It was a thrill and an honor. I played with five of my closest friends’ bands. The venue was packed, the sound was good, I got pizza and beer for the green room, I sold a ton of records and posters…it was pretty perfect.
Do you think that your music has been affected by living and performing in Sonoma County, and if yes how so?
I do love Sonoma County. The scenery is excellent, the weather is exceptional, the produce is near perfect, but I will make music wherever I live. More important than that, I’ve met a bunch of incredible musicians, producers, and graphic artists who reside in Sonoma County–they have been an essential part my growth, an exemplary support network of friends and like minded artists.
Do you have any hopes/ things you’d like to see for the local music scene in the future?
I wish we had more fans. Casual friends come out to all the shows… but it would be nice to see more people who are fans of music in general. Sufjan put it best… it’s friend rock: http://sidebar.asthmatickitty.
And now onto some more random questions:
First instrument and what age?
In fourth grade I started playing trumpet in band.
When you import your album into iTunes, what genre does it categorize it under?
I don’t know yet. I feel they will have a hard time figuring it out. I prefer “organic/electronic singer-songwriter.”
Records, CDs, tapes or Bit Torrent? Be Honest.
I don’t buy cd’s unless I’m supporting local or touring acts. I don’t download torrents, if I’m interested in some music I usually stream it online then buy the vinyl.
Do you have pet(s)/name(s)?
Cat, she came with the name Misty.
Favorite bumper sticker you have seen?
Sparkel… (it was shiny)
Least favorite bumper sticker you have ever seen?
Sparkel.
Where can people find your album?
Right now i have an online store at: http://www.reverbnation.com/
For further information on Goodriddler and to see when he’s playing next visit him on his myspace or facebook pages. And check out reviews of his debut here and right here.
Topics: BAY AREA, Interviews, Music News, Santa Rosa |
May 24th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
[…] just what effect living in Sonoma County has had on his music. … Read the rest here: A few words with Goodriddler | […]
May 24th, 2010 at 4:00 pm
[…] the article here: A few words with Goodriddler | Posted in Music Recording Gear Tags: audio, audio-engineer, few-questions, friends-come, […]