Recycled Air

RECYCLED AIR?
I hate naming bands. It was probably the most painful part of this band as well. It's just a very annoying process. I love the song, love the Postal Service. Recycled Air came up one day and it just felt comfortable, I don’t know how to explain it. It felt like when you’re putting on your favorite T-shirt. it just seemed to fit. So we went with it. No good story (laughs)

WHAT MAKES THIS 2ND EP DIFFERENT THAN THE FIRST ONE? THEY SEEM TO SOUND VERY DIFFERENT SONICALLY, BUT STILL SIMILAR.
Everything was different about this latest EP that we just released. The first EP was recorded over 2 years with all sorts of different musicians playing on it. This latest EP we recording within a 10 day period out in Los Angeles with just the three of us staring each other in the face.(laughs) It’s the classic 3 guys in a small room playing music, and that’s the way I wanted it to sound as well. The three of us played all the instruments on the album and I tried to keep it simple in the production. I kept it to just a couple guitar layers and very minimal overdubbing. I wanted it to sound like you were hanging out listening to us play in your living room.

WHERE DID YOU GUYS RECORD?
I had a small studio space in Van Nuys at the time. We recorded everything ourselves, it sucks having to mix and record everything but its also always a great challenge. I mix and record bands on the side so it just makes sense to do it myself. It’s not a control issue, but more financial in nature. By us doing it on our own we can afford to record a whole lot more. Which is perfect because I would like to release 2 EPs a year. I love the challenge of always putting out new music. I feel lost when I’m not recording or working on music so it works out well.

YOUR GUYS LATEST EP AND THE ONE PRIOR DEFINITELY SEEM TO HAVE ALOT OF SAD SONGS.. MAYBE NOT SAD..BUT DEFINITELY ON THE DARKER SIDE OF THINGS LYRICALLY LIKE "LAST DAY OF YOUR LIFE" OR "LONELY MIDNIGHT DRIVE"
(laughs)
I wanted to write songs that made people feel something. I don’t consciously write sad songs. I think that a lot of times if I’m working on a song it’s because I’m not out having fun somewhere or doing something. I write a lot more when I’m depressed or down so maybe that’s why the songs end up that way, but I think they all kind of have a positive twist to them. The song Table for one doesn’t say that being alone is a bad thing. In fact it embraces the positive side of living life for yourself. And Last day of your life is about not taking life for granted. I see those songs as having positive messages even though they seem to be a downer at first glance.

I don’t know, I spend a lot of time on the songs and the lyrics, but at the same point I try not to over think it. In the end of the day each song is different. Each song ends up having its own path. There’s not a formula at all with our writing. Whatever happens, happens.

HAVE YOU BEEN ENJOYING THE LA MUSIC SCENE
You know people ask me that a lot and it’s a tough question. Yes and No. The band isn't with me out here on a full-time basis, so that’s a bit of a bummer. A lot of times I have to do solo singer songwriter type shows which are fine but I would prefer to not play by myself. It’s just more fun playing with the band in my opinion. But I have found some amazing spots like Room 5, which has been such an inspiring place for me. I have played their songwriter in the round night a handful of times and it’s the most fun I have had out here playing music. It’s intimidating and exciting, the level of talent there is just ridiculous. I’m still shocked they let me in. (laughs)

I’m not the best self-promoter out there that’s for sure. If you just met me it would probably be a couple days before you would know that I play music. I’m not good at "networking" I think they call it. (laughs) Which I’ve been noticing is not the norm out here in Los Angeles. Shit I talk to someone for 5 minutes and I have their life story and all their future goals. People always have a pitch ready..its funny, but probably smart...I guess.