Chances are, if you’re a fan of alternative music, you have heard Bob Nanna‘s influence. His band Braid was instrumental in defining that 90’s indie (dare I say emo) sound that countless musicians cite as inspiration. When Braid disbanded, he didn’t stop writing, and formed Hey Mercedes, another poppy indie band the same same vein, but with it’s own sound. Their S/T ep is still in heavy rotation at my house. 2011 saw the release of a new Braid EP, as well as a handful of shows. What is in store for their future? Lets find out!
You’ve been a lot of musical projects over the years.
What are the projects you currently consider to be ‘active’.
It is true. Currently active are Braid – we have several shows lined up for 2012 and Chris Broach and I have started working on what we hope will be a full album of new material. And Jack & Ace – a project that I started with Lauren LoPiccolo – we’re also working on an album of new material at the moment. A band i was in for awhile called Certan People I Know will release an album this year too, but we’re inactive. It’s just all of our unreleased stuff.
Is guitar your primary instrument?
Yessir.
Do you play any other instruments?
I read your interview with Mike Kinsella and we seemed to have traveled very parallel paths. Took piano lessons at a young age but didn’t stick with it, really got into the scene playing drums, and then ended up on guitar..
How long have you been playing guitar?
I started messing around on guitar in 1992-ish. An ex-girlfriend’s dad gave me his old clunker and I just started learning it..
Did you take any lessons growing up? (guitar or other)
Piano, as mentioned above, and around 1999 i took about 6 months of voice lessons. I was sick of blowing it out every show. I’d actually love to take a guitar lesson. Chris Broach & I are seriously considering signing up for a class in jazz guitar or latin or something far out..
What impact did that have on you as a musician?
I think a lot. My parents realized I loved music at an early early age so that’s why they had me on the piano. Even though i hated the routine and the practice, that knowledge has stuck with me and was super helpful when learning the guitar.
Do you have an understand of scales and music theory?
— How does that impact your songwriting?
Rudimentary at best. It’s more about “knowing where to put your fingers” during certain songs.
Do you still practice instruments, beyond when you’re writing for your bands?
Not as much as i’d like. I have a bunch of instructional dvd’s i’ve burned onto my hard drive that are just waiting.
Do you still attempt to push forward by learning new instruments or applications?
New instruments not so much. There’s still a LOT that i could learn about the guitar.
Do you have have a method for songwriting? How does it usually happen?
– Prefer bringing a skeleton to practice, or build as a collaboration?
I definitely prefer writing alone and then bringing the skeleton in. Or at least be prepared with something. Too many practices go nowhere or end up in noodly jams for me to stand ALWAYS building in collaboration. I despise noodly jams.
What is your electric guitar rig these days?
It’s a black SG from oh, 1997. I used to have a 74 SG that i used and sounded great but I destroyed it touring. This is why I can’t have nice things. I use an AC30 now too. But I’m thinking of throwing it off of my balcony.
How’s about acoustics?
I have a Guild that I like. It’s roadworthy. That’s important.
Does gear impact your songwriting / performing?
Sadly no, and i think it should. I’m very plug-and-play and rely on others to help fine tune the sound. I hate that I don’t know more about the actual sounds. The only pedals I use consistently are a looper and a tuner.
Any advice for students who are trying to find success in the music industry?
Play a lot of shows and record a lot. Write a lot of stuff down and take pictures. Don’t get discouraged but do ask for help and do ask for advice. And don’t worry about “success.” Just write and play music if it makes you happy. If it makes you happy, you’ll practice more, get better, write better songs, and the other stuff will come.
Any Advice for life on the road?
Enjoy your alone time whenever you are lucky enough to get any. And don’t go out for too long at a time. Maintain some sanity, a base, a place for yourself.
What are your thoughts on the state of the music industry, and what the future holds?
I’m very optimistic about the music industry because I almost think there is becoming less of one. Startups and indies are having a lot of success lately because they are choosing to adapt to technology as opposed to only seeing how it can hurt a business. Whatever happens, there will always be innovative musicians. I believe it.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Thanks for the interview! Hope I helped.
