(Photo Credit: Jason Quigley)
We had the chance to interview alt-rock stars Summer Cannibals! Their fantastic new album Can't Tell Me No just dropped TODAY!!! So go to your nearest record store and get it! But first, check out our interview with Jessica Boudreaux of Summer Cannibals!
1. How did you come to pursue music and how long have you been at it?
"I've been playing instruments since I was a little kid. First piano, then guitar starting around 11 years old. So I've been playing music a long time but I guess I didn't started actually pursuing it as a professional thing until about 8 years ago when I started Summer Cannibals." 2. Could you walk us through your process of writing music?
"When writing for Summer Cannibals it generally has to start off as a solo thing. I'll write a bass line that I like first usually and then record some drums over it. After that I'll start working on guitar and lyrics simultaneously. Once I've got a demo I'm feeling good about I'll send it to the band to have them listen and give their thoughts. If everyone likes it we'll start work shopping it in the practice space till it eventually reached it's final form. Not all songs are written like this and some are more collaborative right off the bat but this is generally how things go." 3. On Can’t Tell Me No, you have some songs that are deeply autobiographical and others that are not so much. Are there any differences when you're writing a song that has such a personal meaning versus when you are more of telling a story?
"I actually think all the songs on the new album are extremely autobiographical. Some are slightly more abstract, or the story isn't quite as direct, but they're all based on my experiences. I don't tend to lean towards writing from the perspective of other people. It's something I've tried and struggled with and is actually an asset in a songwriter that I think is really amazing when it's done well. Most all of my songs are really personal cause I use songwriting to work shit out. It's usually a part of the process for me that feels really valuable."
4. What artists have inspired you in your career?
"I'm a massive Patti Smith fan (clearly, as we're named after one of her songs). I look up to her a lot." 5. Do you have any favorite music gear (guitars, amps, effects pedals, keyboards, etc.) that you love to use? If so, what’s the story on them?
"No real story on most of the gear I use mostly just love them cause they sound great or feel great. I exclusively play Fender Mustang's live cause I love how they play. They're light and easy to jump around with and I love the sound. Also play through Twin Reverb I've used for years and adore. Lots of pedals that I will spare the nerdy details on but I'm a big fan of Earthquaker Devices & Strymon pedals." 6. Can you describe the vibe at your live shows? What do you enjoy most about a venue when you do a show?
"A good Summer Cannibals show is just the right amount of rowdy. We like to keep things fun and entertaining and shreddy. I think our live show is definitely one of our strengths in this band. A dope crowd and good sound are the things I enjoy most about a venue." 7. What is one thing that you want the public to know about your music?
"Our music is a release for me and has helped me overcome a lot of tough spots by channeling that energy and I hope it can be just as cathartic for some of the folks listening." 8. Can you tell us about the writing and recording process of Can’t Tell Me No?
"Cassi (guitar player) and I recorded, mixed & produced the album ourselves in my home studio! It's the first entirely self-made/produced SC album and we're really proud of it."