Q: Hey, can you tell us a bit about where you come from, and what made you want to start a career in music?
A: Music has always been a part of my life. When I was a kid I took piano lessons and drum lessons. I also played the trumpet in middle school. I grew up in the church and was involved in music there in some way throughout those years. When I was in high school, I played drums with my friends and made a lot of deeper connections through that process. I had a guitar that I got in high school and learned a few chords but never took it that seriously. Right after I finished college, I was noodling around on my guitar, and I realized that I had a unique melody that went along with the chord progression I was playing. Soon after the lyrics came to me. It was that moment that I realized I was capable of songwriting and I knew that it would always be a part of my life.
Q: Can you describe the musical style of The Lofty Pines in three words?
A: Progressive Acoustic Roots
Q: How do you stay connected with your fans, and what role do they play in shaping your musical journey?
A: We stay connected with our fans through our social media activities and interacting with them at live shows. Many of our fans are our friends and family and they have all shaped who we are and how we perform music.
Q: You have just released your new album, ‘Light at the Door’. Is there a story behind it?
A: This album has been a long time coming. Most of these songs were written a while ago and they have gone through several evolutions. Prior to playing with Darren and Carey in the Lofty Pines, most of these songs were played in my previous band. Due to differences in commitment, the band dissolved and I was left with this collection of songs that had never been recorded and didn’t have a band to play them. Thankfully, I have some very talented friends and was able to form The Lofty Pines with a couple of guys who live nearby. In the fall of 2022 we started getting together and arranging the songs in fun new ways. I think the common thread that weaves these songs together is hope. Rather than specific stories about specific events, I see this collection of songs as poetry about overcoming the demons in our heads, leaning on each other in challenging times, and choosing to believe that where we are going is better and brighter than where we have been.
Q: What is your favorite track from the album and why?
A: I think my favorite track is “All We Need.” This song has a unique chord progression and structure. I wrote it during lockdown when we were all disconnected from each other. It is about how, despite our desire for material possessions and the confusing nature of that time in our lives, all we really need is each other. The chorus lyrics are “It’s kind of hard to explain. Maybe clarity isn’t everything. But like a tiny drop in the great big sea. Together we’ll have all we need.” Also, Carey has a sick violin solo that I love on this song.
Q: Can you walk us through the creative process of producing the album, “Light at the Door”?
A: The recording and production of this album was fairly simple. I wanted to capture the sound of us playing live in the room together. We recorded this album at ETown in Boulder, Colorado. We were all in the same room and we played all together. Recording in this manner brings its share of imperfections, but we didn’t want to use too many studio techniques to distort what we sound like live. We recorded the entire album in just two afternoons. James, the engineer at ETown did a great job mixing and taking care of us. We had Gabe Wolf, an engineer based out of LA, master the album for that finishing touch.
Q: What has been the most memorable concert or performance for The Lofty Pines so far?
A: We did a house concert two winters ago that was really special. We turned my house into a little music venue. This was a lot of work but totally worth it. Some good friends opened up for us and then we went on. Everyone was there just to listen, which you don’t always get when you play in a brewery or other public venue.
Q: Reflecting on your body of work, each song holding its unique significance, could you share a particular track that stands out to you personally? What makes that specific tune special, and why does it hold a place of pride in your musical journey?
A: One track that really stands out to me is Broken Legs. This song is about overcoming anxiety and how that emotion can feel very crippling. I really like what Darren and Carey added to the song with harmony, guitar, and violin. The chorus lyrics of this track are “I want to run through the fields again. These broken legs are on the mend. This old cast I no longer need. Hold these crutches and you will see. I’ll run.”
Q: Exploring the diverse creative processes within the music industry is always fascinating. Could you provide insight into The Lofty Pines’ unique approach to crafting music? From the initial spark of an idea to the finished song, how do you navigate the creative journey and bring its musical concepts to life?
A: As the songwriter of the band, I usually start with some kind of chord progression on the guitar or mandolin. From there I develop a melody. The lyrics usually come last and it’s about fitting the lyrics into the structure of the melody. Once the song is written I will bring it to the guys and then they all provide their feedback and ideas for arrangements. Since there are only three of us the song is developed relatively quickly and then we add it to our set list for gigs and see how it works in the live setting.
Q: As we wrap up our conversation, looking ahead, what aspirations or dreams do you have for The Lofty Pines, and what message would you like to share with your fans as they continue to accompany you on this musical journey?
A: I have a day job that I really enjoy so I don’t feel hung up on the idea that this band has to take off or that I need to be playing music full time. I think the part time/hobbyist nature of this endeavour is what has made it so enjoyable. That being said, any exposure or new fans we get are more than welcome. I think it would be great to be able to play festivals and find more venues where people come to listen to the music. My message for the fans is that I hope these songs help you in some way, whether it is relating to one of the lyrical ideas or simply enjoying the melody. Most importantly, thanks for listening.
