Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I had access to a record player stereo as a child. I wore out Johnny Horton and Marty Robins on Vinyl. I grew up in the 70s and the airwaves were painted with fleetwood mac and the eagles. the soundtrack of my childhood was a Guardian of the galaxies soundtrack essentially.
Q: Can you describe the musical style of docfell & co. in three words?
A: 3 words is hard but postmodern retro country music comes to mind. thoughts?
Q: How do you stay connected with your fans, and what role do they play in shaping your musical journey?
A: I spent over a year disconnected from my fans. I guess you could call this a comeback but really its just the next evolutionary path in my journey. I am thankful for my fan base and i hope something on the new album resonates with them as well as anyone for whom music is a part of daily survival.
Q: You have just released your new album, ‘Frequenices and Vibrations’. Is there a story behind it?
A: Before i married my wife and best friend Elizabeth, we spent our first date literally talking all night about deep existential issues. As a mathematician Liz explained how the universe and every molecule that exists are in motion and give off certain frequencies and vibrations. I asked her in the moment if she had ever named an album before.
Q: What is your favorite track from the album and why?
A: i wish it was that easy. Lyrically I have a strong affinity for Dandelions. It is about the enduring human spirit as we fight helplessly to overcome our traumas and fear. Sonically my favorite song is Waterloo. I feel like the instrumentation frames the songs mood with melancholia as the songs laments the failure of a relationship.
Q: Can you walk us through the creative process of producing the album, “Frequenices and Vibrations”?
A: I was fortunate enough to hook up with Hank Early to produce the album. He was on a break from touring and as a master musician was delving into the recording process more and more. What started as few tracks quickly blossomed into a full album. The tracks collectively range from songs written during a time of transition in my personal life and the underlying theme is heartbreak. Hank pushed me to focus more on the lyrics as he took control of the majority of music production and the mojo just flowed.
Q: What has been the most memorable concert or performance for docfell & co. so far?
A: so many stories and thoughts. we have enjoyed playing festivals, dive bars and funerals. On nights when the music is flowing and band has found a nice groove, it is an amazing high to get to jam and subsequently bring joy to the masses. It is every gig in some way to somehow have lucked into performing my songs.
Q: Exploring the diverse creative processes within the music industry is always fascinating. Could you provide insight into docfell & co’s 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: song writing is a very private affair and i tend to write and play alone. i enjoy the journey every song has provided. most often as a creator i have a loose idea when for a song when i am writing but the creative spark often sends me spiraling into a new direction. As i have grown into my songwriting, I have delved more into digging deeper into the message of each song. I strive to make every word count and as a story teller i am really satisfied when i hear the finished product and i know the dots are all connected. I always feel like the most important thing is to work with the tools you have and to never disparage your own work.
Q: As we wrap up our conversation, looking ahead, what aspirations or dreams do you have for docfell & co, and what message would you like to share with your fans as they continue to accompany you on this musical journey?
A: My intention is to keep writing and recording so long as i can. I want to record at least 5 more albums. I wish i could say where it all is headed but hell no one can see the big picture. I am just thankful that i can be creative on my terms and that i have enough of a fan base to keep my motivated.
