Interviewed 3 amazing guitarist/composers yesterday at Princeton U- Steve Mackey, Mark Dancigers, and Andrew McKenna Lee. Topic of conversation: electric guitar's role in classical music. Is the individualistic nature of the guitar (think Jimi Hendrix's national anthem) antithetical to the subtler paradigm of chamber music, where all the instruments are similarly loud (or quiet), and contribute to the piece with more or less equal importance? What is it about our culture that led popular and rock musicians to have such a different way of thinking about instrumentation; one or two voices taking the lead role (guitar, vocals) and the rest (bass, drums, rhythm guitar, keyboard-usually) just supporting cast? And why do audiences feel somehow let down when a guitarist DOESN'T take this role? Why is music where the guitar is quiet really weird? Cool shit... you should check out what they had to say when the podcast comes out this week on the New Amsterdam website.
All this talk of lead guitars got me thinking about whether we need an electric lead in the Gets the Girl live show. We worked with an amazing guitarist on Just Pretend, Tyler Roberge... it definitely adds a level of virtuosity and musicianship that is otherwise lacking in our stuff. But I wonder if virtuosity is really what the band is about. It remains to be seen. Check out "So Well," "Half a Heart," and "Talk Me Down" at our myspace to check out what I'm referring to. What do you think?
Photoshoot soon. Ideas for iconic/dramatic/interesting places in NYC or wardrobe suggestions are much appreciated.
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hi lads! i wanted to drop you guys a message on myspace because i think you are the coolest thing since electric pianos (who am i kidding, electric pianos are lame, you're cooler) but a) i don't have myspace and b) this blog was looking a bit forlorn so i thought i'd comment to cheer you up. your music is just lovely and as a multi-tasking student myself i adore the fact that you're keeping at your studies while on this grand musical adventure. come visit faux naïf if you ever have a second to spare, and good luck with all of your future musical endeavours!
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