#75. A Conversation with Rachel Goodrich

Jason Anders: What is the most annoying interview question you are asked on a regular basis?

Rachel Goodrich: What does your band sound like?
JA: What three adjectives best describe you?

RG: Shake. A. Billy. There's three adjectives (laughs).

JA: Do you have any phobias?

Jeffrey James (Bass): Bugs in general.

Geneva Harrison (Drums/ Percussion): Airplanes, getting sick, salmonella, swine flu...

John Paul Ramos (Trombone/ Vocals): Snakes.

JJ: Diabetes, cancer, brain tumors...
RG: I think they know me better than I know myself. I fear yesterday and tomorrow. I fear right now. My phobia is you. Let's move on... I phobe this.

JA: What are your favorite albums you are listening to right now?

RG: I love this question! I've been listening to the same albums for a while now- we are all listening to The Kinks at the moment. We're actually getting ready to become a Kinks tribute band, so in preparation for that we are listening to lots of their records. I love, love, love Solomon Burke... rock and soul. He's the greatest.

GH: Paul Simon and The Beatles, The Dodos...

RG: Micachu & the Shapes are fucking great! Tune-Yards.

JA: What was the first song you ever heard that made you decide to pick up an instrument and learn to play?

RG: Well my father plays music, so I heard him play and that made me want to pick up an instrument. Obviously you don't want to do what your parents do exactly, so I kind of shied away and let go of it for a little bit. Then I saw this guy play a Kurt Cobain cover on a Fender Strat, with a tiny amp, and I was like "wow, that's pretty cool." That's what made me want to rock out with an instrument. I don't remember which song it was, I just remember the experience.
JA: How did all of you come together?

RG: Coincidence. Whiskey.

JA: Do you collect anything?

RG: I don't.

JA: Do you feel younger or older than your current age?

RG: I feel in-between. How about you, Geneva?

GH: Depends on the day. I feel like I sit in my age.
JA: What was your first real job?

RG: I worked at an ice skating rink in Miami, Florida. I was a skate guard, saving all kinds of people.

JJ: Landscaping.

GH: My first real job was Honey Baked Ham (laughs). And then a movie theater, which was awesome because of the free movies. I really wanted to work at Toys "R" Us across the street though.
JA: Favorite television show?

RG: I don't watch TV because I don't have cable.

GH: Arrested Development. Yo Gabba Gabba! all the way.

RG: Doug, The Ren & Stimpy Show, Spongebob Squarepants...

JA: What is your favorite thing to do when you're not doing something music-related?

RG: Tennis, actually.

GH: Riding my bike and watching movies.

JA: At the same time?

GH: Yeah, I get in trouble a lot.
JA: Was there ever anything for you outside of music that you wanted to pursue professionally?

JJ: Bowling.

GH: (laughs) That's funny because someone told me once, "Hey, you play with that guy on bass that looks like John Goodman from The Big Lebowski".

RG: We should move on.

JA: Favorite movie?

RG: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.
JA: What do you love most about making music?

RG: I love creating the vision in my brain. I enjoy being in a living room with a guitar, all by myself... it takes me to a place that these guys bring me to as well. What a serious answer (laughs).

JA: Do you prefer being in the studio or performing live?

GH: I can't pick. They both take you to different places. Being in the studio really takes you out of yourself- it's all about the interaction. It's just a different energy. Recording is all about capturing those moments that you're in. When you're playing live it's there as well, but you're constantly moving forward together. It's like riding a four man bike together.

JJ: We're like a bobsled team.
JA: Is there a city or venue that feels like coming home to play?

GH: Austin, Texas and Nashville are great towns to play.

RG: Atlanta, and Florida just in general.

JJ: It usually ends up being the last show of the tour...

GH: Yeah, you savor that moment because it's the last one you have.
JA: Favorite color?

JJ: Green.

JPR: Yeah! Mine too!

GH: Green is also mine. Purple is a close second.

RG: I like red.

JA: Do you play chess?

RG: I do! I like it. I own a chess board.
JA: Do you make your bed in the morning?

RG: It depends on who is coming over.

JA: If you had to sum up your style with one word, what would it be?

RG: Well I kind of said it earlier, but I have no shame in saying it again: Shake-A-Billy!

www.RachelGoodrich.com

"Twinergy: A Conversation with The Watson Twins" By Jason Anders

Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky in 1975, Chandra and Leigh Watson knew even while attending school at the University of Evansville that they would find their way into the music scene. Releasing their debut EP, 'Southern Manners' in 2006, would almost directly coincide with their collaboration on 'Rabbit Fur Coat', the premiere solo album from Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley. The Watson Twins recently released their newest studio album, 'Talking To You, Talking To Me', which is a refreshing mix of Americana, R&B, Bossa Nova, indie pop, and classic soul. Chandra and Leigh were kind enough to talk to Fulle Circle about their new album- as well as their inspirations, favorite records, and even what they love doing most when not creating beautiful, soulful music.

Jason Anders: So let's start with the new album, Talking To You, Talking To Me- how far back does the songwriting for this new project go?

Chandra Watson: I would say that Leigh and I both started writing about a year and a half ago. We started writing as soon as Fire Songs was recorded and released- so pretty much in the last two years is when this batch of songs started taking form. We were writing right up until we went into the studio, so it was basically over an album cycle.
Leigh Watson: For me, the concentration was starting in the beginning of 2009- that was a full period of writing. We did a few tours at that time, but we were able to settle back in to being home because 2008 was so busy with the release of Fire Songs. It was definitely a creative period of time. We went up to the cabin that May to start doing the demos and that's when everything started coming together. That was really helpful to keeping our recording time precise and staying focused.

Once we got back, we had a few weeks off to get our studio and players together at the the same time- we ended up tracking the record in eleven days. It was really quick- the great thing was that we had an amazing group of players who were going to be working on the record. We had a real focus on the rhythm section- the bass and drums we tracked together, as well as a lot of the key parts. There wasn't a ton of over-dubbing, and that really adds a spirit to it that is sometimes hard to get if you're just recording and singing along to music that was recorded days before.

JA: Do the two of you have different tastes in music, or did you grow up typically enjoying the same kind of stuff?

CW: For the most part we share a lot of the same tastes in music- it's kind of rare that we disagree. Maybe that's just because of our influences, and what we grew up listening to and singing together. What do you think, Leigh?

LW: I definitely think that's one of the similarities in being twins- one of us might be into something earlier than the other one and then it eventually catches on, but we usually tend to lean in the same direction. What's interesting is that those inspirations hit us at the same times. When she's fusing maybe an Americana or country sound... and jazzy, soulful lyrics on top of it- those are all things that I can understand, but maybe wouldn't have put them together all at the same time.
JA: Were there specific albums or artists you were channeling during the making of the new album?

CW: I was channeling Leigh, and she was channeling me (laughs). And we were both channeling Chaka Khan. I just really wanted to emotionally connect with the songs in a more fully realized way than I had traditionally done in the studio. I think a lot of times you're under the gun to hurry up and get your part done. Leigh and I have said to each other that we don't want to be rushed- we wanted to take time with the vocals. Being friends and performing together for so long, we have a style that innately comes to us. Some people like that, some people don't.

For us it's just natural- from the time that we were little kids we would just break into harmonies together, we just have that ear that we could do that. On this record we wanted to challenge ourselves to focus on being lead singers as opposed to relying on the harmony thing that we always do. It was more about connecting vocally as opposed to having a specific influence. I was inspired by a lot of soul and rock music, and I wanted people to hear some connection in there.

JA: What are currently your favorite records that you're listening to?

CW: I just got the Laura Veirs album July Flame and I really like that- there's a few tracks on there that I've been playing pretty frequently.

LW: I'm really into the new Corinne Bailey Rae record. I didn't really listen to her first record, the one that was her introduction to the world, but I just really like her voice. The writing on her new one is a little more experimental, and she does a lot of really interesting chord progressions. I think that's really cool.

JA: What are your tour plans for the new release?

LW: I don't think we'll be doing any tours until the beginning of the summer. We're doing some festival stuff right now- we're going to be at Noise Pop next weekend and then we have some gigs in Los Angeles, as well as South By Southwest, and then we come back and do a festival in the Midwest. We'll pretty much be everywhere come summer, doing a full run. We're hoping to continue working with our friends who helped us make this record from a band called Everest. It's been really great to play shows with them.
JA: Is there a place you enjoy performing the most?

CW: That's a tough question. Milwaukee is always fun, as well as Minneapolis... Athens, Georgia. Cat's Cradle in Carrboro, North Carolina- it's interesting how each venue has its own life. We circle around this country over and over again, sometimes hitting new spots and sometimes hitting the old, familiar spots. Even though they may not always be super nice clubs, it's just that feeling of arriving someplace and being home again. One of my all time favorite places to play is The Pabst Theater in Milwaukee- it's an amazing space that we've played a bunch of times and everyone there is family. It's quite a beautiful theater.

JA: Do you have any fondest memories of traveling around with Jenny Lewis?

LW: There's too many!

CW: That was an amazing time for us, and we still continue to look back. One of the things we did was play on Later... with Jools Holland in the UK. All of the bands set up a stage in the room together, and there's an audience in there listening. Everyone stays at their station while everyone else plays. That show was Pearl Jam, The Zutons, Corinne Bailey Rae, Hot Chip, and us. It was a crazy, crazy line up.

LW: Try following Pearl Jam!

CW: Seeing Eddie Vedder sitting on his amp watching us play was pretty great.

JA: Were you able to interact with him at all?

CW: Oh yeah, everyone was backstage milling about. They were complimentary of our record and were familiar with it, so that was pretty cool.

JA: What do you enjoy doing most when you're not creating music?

LW: Sleeping.

CW: I love cooking, actually- so I love making home cooked meals and listening to music. Relaxing.

LW: I feel like I am becoming more and more a homebody- whenever I am home I just enjoy watching weird, old movies. My favorite are sixties thriller movies like All the President's Men, Chinatown... I'm just really getting into movies and comedy shows like Ricky Gervais. I also love watching stand-up.

JA: Do you have a favorite comedian?

LW: I actually really loved the new Wanda Sykes stand-up, and Bill Maher. Politically incorrect, but hilarious.

JA: I know that the two of you attended a University, but what did you go for? And did you finish?

LW: Yeah, we both graduated believe it or not (laughs). I was an art therapy major- it's not a very well known profession, but when we finished school my sister and I started playing music. It didn't progress further than that. Chandra was a theater major.

JA: Were either one of you ever headed in a different direction professionally?

CW: I pretty much knew half way through college that I was going to try and pursue music. Theater was good training for that, but I realized that I liked playing music a lot more than I liked being on stage acting. I think I'm a better musician than an actor (laughs).

LW: People would ask 'what do you wanna be when you grow up', and I never really had an answer. I always enjoyed singing and playing music and being a part of that. I was always somewhat skeptical of trying to do it. Luckily my sister was pursuing it and was really encouraging, sort of my cheerleader in a way, saying 'come on, we can do this'- but I was always skeptical of doing it full time and trying to make it happen. We just got out of rehearsal a few moments ago- just looking around and hearing the music... it lifts my soul.
JA: If you had to use just one word to sum up your style, which one would you use?

CW: Twinergy! (laughs) You can spell that however you want- I doubt it's in Webster's Dictionary.

LW: I'm going to call iTunes and get them to add that onto the categories.

JA: Wow. That's the perfect answer.

CW: Well it would describe our music, Tegan and Sara, the Nelsons, and The Breeders (laughs).

Follow @TheWatsonTwins on Twitter!

#73. A Conversation with Amy Kuney

Amy Kuney is busy. Still, in the midst of recording her new album, she was kind enough to take the time to answer a few questions for us- six, to be exact. She's an award-winning artist who has performed with Damien Rice, Kate Voegele, The Veronicas, and even on "Gilmore Girls"- here she talks about growing up, inspirations, and some of her favorite music.


Jason Anders: Tell me a little bit about your childhood and the time you spent in Honduras as a teenager, and how your life experiences eventually led you to songwriting and performing.

Amy Kuney: Before I moved to Honduras, I was a typical teenager... a little spoiled and rebellious. When my parents told me we were moving to Honduras, I was very angry and refused to adopt the culture. I refused to learn Spanish and I had no desire to make friends. I thought if my parents saw how miserable I was, they would let me leave, but that didn't happen.

Looking back now, it was one of the best experiences of my life. It was difficult, but it forced me to grow up quickly and assume responsibility for myself. I also began writing my "real" songs. Honduras is a rough country, I saw and experienced things there that most kids will never see or experience. I used song writing as my outlet.

JA: What is your favorite thing about making music?

AK: My favorite thing about making music is finishing a song and knowing it's great. It's the most exhilarating experience. That goes for finishing songs in the studio as well... once we finish a song (for the new album), and we know it's great, we buy Champagne! By the end of this album we'll hopefully have a lot of empty bottles.
JA: What are currently your five favorite albums to listen to, and why? Also, do you have any particular artists that have served as an inspiration for you to become a musician?

AK: Fiona Apple has always been my greatest inspiration. I still can't wrap my head around her genius songs. Right now I'm listening to everything from P!nk to Lady Gaga. I appreciate the way they've shaped their careers- I love their boldness and, while I may never be that kind of artist, they inspire me to push myself and not to worry what others think.

JA: What are a few of your favorite things to do when you're not making music?
AK: I love to see movies, and I am (I'll admit) a TV junkie. We didn't have a lot of television growing up, so I'm making up for it now. I also live near 3rd Street Promenade (in Santa Monica), so I've spent a lot of time down there just walking around- observing and eavesdropping. I get song ideas from eavesdropping.

JA: What can you tell me about your new album that you're currently working on, and also, how does working in the studio compare to performing live?

AK: I love working in the studio and performing live. I love them equally. However, I have to devote 100% to one or the other. When I'm on a roll in the studio, the last thing I want to do is pick up and leave for a week; it's disruptive.
The album I'm working on now is quite different than "Bird's Eye View". I'm veering toward a more pop direction.. and that's all I can say!

JA: How would you sum up your music with just one word?

AK: Entertaining.

#72. A Conversation with Shauna Cross

Shauna Cross is many things- Author. Screenwriter. Roller derby athlete for the Los Angeles Derby Dolls? Yes, she's that too. In fact, her book Derby Girl was inspired by her time spent under pseudonym Maggie Mayhem in L.A., and that book would eventually become the screenplay for Drew Barrymore's directorial debut, Whip It. Shauna was generous enough with her free time to answer a few questions about writing, favorite movies, Ellen Page, and other cool things like that.

Jason Anders: Before writing Derby Girl you were already a screenwriter- how did you become involved in the industry, and do you remember what originally inspired you to start writing?

Shauna Cross: I always loved movies and was always writing, even in junior high - mostly journals and stuff. Eventually, as I entered college, I put the two together. But even as a kid I loved to observe and tell stories.

I went to film school at UT, then made my way to Los Angeles after. I knew I wanted to write and had one crappy "starter script" from college. But it wasn't until I got to Los Angeles that I got serious. I wrote a couple of little family comedies- I somehow thought it would be easier to break in that way. That was optioned and got me paid here and there. But it wasn't until I wrote my book, Whip It, that I stopped trying to be what I imagined other people wanted. I just became myself as a writer, and that's when it all kind of took off-ish. I'm still taking off. But I'm definitely on the runway.

JA: What do you love most about writing?
SC: I love that every time you start a new journey with a character and their world, you become them, you live them. To me, it makes life very rich and never boring. And I like the idea that when you create something, in any art form, it's here even after you're gone. Art is a kind of immortality. It's comforting.

JA: Tell me about your experience working with Drew Barrymore to bring your writing to life- what was she like to work with as a director?
SC: Drew's cool. I always say she's as normal as one can be with that level of fame- if it were me, I'd find it paralyzing. But she's grounded, self depreciating, damn smart, curious, passionate, sharp, funny, and a hard worker. She really connected to a lot of the themes in Whip It, and we worked a long time on the script to make those very personal feelings hit in the ways she needed them to. That's what you want from a director. You're handing off your baby for them to raise, and you want them to love it as their own so that it can become their own. And she really did that.

JA: What are your fondest memories of being involved with the production of Whip It?
SC: Well, I wasn't there for the whole shoot because I had a baby right as we were going into preproduction. But when I first showed up on set at the roller derby warehouse and saw the whole thing, with all these props that I had dreamed up and written down, they were all made and here in person. That was surreal... in a good way. And just watching the cast take on the characters- that was an embarrassment of riches.

JA: Share your thoughts and feelings on the completed film, and on the actors who brought your characters to life.
SC: I love the film, I'm very proud of the film. I think it has a great authenticity - the world and the emotions. But we owe a huge debt to the cast who I feel really nailed it. It's just a goody-bag of casting gems, and every one is just as lovely off screen as they are on.

JA: What are currently your top five favorite movies?

SC: Of all time? Sheesh. One time I tried to name my favorites and stopped at 100. So, for today, my five are:

Touch Of Evil
The Lives Of Others
Raising Arizona
Election
Breathless

I'm a total film nerd. I really fell hard for movies in high school and I love everything - old, foreign, sci-fi, comedy- if it's good, I'm there.

JA: Which writers in the industry currently intrigue you the most?

SC: Quentin Tarantino - Inglourious Basterds reignited my simmering flame. He just lays it all out. And what I love is that he is still just as geeky and passionate as ever. He's not over it, he's not too cool for school, he's not repeating himself, he's still totally lit. I find that so inspiring.

William Monahan is a badass.

Laeta Kalogridis - see above.

Susannah Grant - the Erin Brockavich script is amazing; she elevated it way beyond the movie-of-the-week thing it could have become. And she fought for that job, which I admire.

Michael Arndt - I adored Little Miss Sunshine. I want more of his movies.

And there are a lot of modern funny chick writers -- Dana Fox, Diablo, Melissa Stack, Megan Parsons, Daley Haggar, Liz Merriwhether (just to name a few). I'm excited to see where everyone goes in their careers. The ladies are bringing it, and it's about damn time.

Stacey Menear - he wrote a script called Mixed Tape that was on the 2009 Blacklist. It was pitch-perfect in a touching, hilarious, effortless way. I have a big writer-crush on his work.
Honestly, as I get to meet more and more working writers, I'm inspired by more than I could ever name. There are a ton of people I look up and out to. That's one of my favorite parts of the job, meeting other people who do it too. Allies in insanity.

JA: What is the best piece of advice you have received on surviving in the entertainment industry?

SC: "It takes ten years to be an overnight success." I was getting paid to write four years in, and had a movie finally made seven years in. So I feel like I'm doing okay. But, really, everyone has their own path and that's part of the journey. Just keep your head down and do the work. The work is all that matters. If you're good, you will be found. And, for me, I'm madly in love with writing and just useless enough at everything else that I didn't really have a choice. A real career is not about one script. It's about what comes next, and next, and next... You have to keep executing.
Also you should read as many scripts as you can get your grubby little mits on, especially when you're starting. Real writers are serious readers.

JA: If you had to sum up your style with just one word, what would it be?

SC: Bittersweet - it's my favorite emotion. I'm exuberant and I love a good laugh, but I like things to hurt a little too. As long as it has a dash of that, I'll write in any genre.