Extraordinary artist So Brown talked to us about their new single, ‘All Roads‘, as well as their album, ‘Point Legere’.
What inspired your song, ‘All Roads’?
For me, songs usually kind of “show up” on a more intuitive level. So it wasn’t like I consciously decided to write it, but I felt its presence and started working on it. I’ve never had a piano at my Brooklyn apartment, but I was thankfully able to start working on it at a friend’s grand piano years ago.
I guess I was reflecting over my life- my youth in Texas, walks on the beach in Alabama- the things, the memories, that had stayed with me, that I carry with me in my adult life now. So those made it into the verses, and also kind of a wish or prayer for life going forward.
You wrote the song while preparing to leave a special place in the mountains. What made that place so important to you?
That home in the mountains was a magical, wild place. Wild like, one day I woke up and looked out the window, and a bear was standing right there! That proximity to the wild in nature absolutely informs my music. Every day it was something new, like getting buzzed by a hummingbird or tracking animals in the snow. It gave that song in particular a richness and depth that it wouldn’t have had otherwise. My time in nature up there taught me how to listen better, which of course helps in music writing and recording. Also, I did a lot of healing on that mountain; it held me while I was vulnerable.
Music has been part of your life since childhood. How has your musical journey shaped you?
Music was always my favorite thing. I remember my life in the music at different times, whether learning Bach 2-part inventions and Beatles songs in elementary school, or playing in hard rock bands as a teenager. This past weekend, I was up in Toronto talking with a violinist from the symphony, and that made me remember the violin concertos I had played percussion in when I played in orchestras- Sibelius, Tchaikovsky. It always seems to work like that, music and human connection, such a rich way to explore t dir=”ltr”>You’ve explored many styles, from punk to classical and blues. How have they influenced your music?
I never understood why musical styles should be separated. I never wanted to pick one box; I wanted all of it, in every song. From blues and classical, I guess I learned to be flexible with 3rds, from minor to major and maybe bend the note in between; Hope I’m not getting too music nerd-y here! From classical, I learned emotional depth. From rock n roll, I learned distorted guitar and rebellion. Basically, if music is good, I want to absorb it and learn everything I can from it, regardless of genre or style.
How did guitarist Carlos Paredes influence the sound of ‘All Roads’?
Carlos Paredes is so completely organic in his timing. Rather than adhering to any kind of outside grid or tempo or click track, the song moves with him, with his breath faster or slower. Almost like a fermata in classical music but with every note changing. So he gave me that freedom, with All Roads, to let it sing through me, differently every time I play it. For me as a drummer, that was a big shift!
Why did you decide to record the music video in one take?
That’s a good question! I think I like the challenge of single-take performances and videos- if you mess up you have to start over! But also on a song like this that is so organic, you can’t really cut in to edit. There’s no click track, no set tempo; the dynamics are changing…it would be a nightmare for an editor. So better just to get it live! Also it leaves an imperfect, human wabi sabi element that I find more interesting than things that are too perfect.
What was it like revisiting special places before leaving?
It was like grief. Grief that this life I live is always changing. That people and places that are dear to me will no longer be a part of my daily life. I’m so grateful that I can feel all of it- the love for a place that makes me want to sing about it. The love and the grief make life rich.
Your album, ‘Point Legere’, features Norah Jones and Tony Scherr. What was that experience like?
There were so many musical superstars on that album. Norah was like a Jedi master singer, so talented and precise; I was a little nervous! And Tony can do everything – I love that we caught some of his voice on that track.
What are you most excited about as you begin this new chapter?
I love connecting with audiences. Doesn’t matter the size – could be 2 people or 100,000. I’ve spent so much time being a hermit in the woods that the energetic exchange that happens between me and the audience is the greatest thing. Fortunately, I have lots of shows on the horizon!
What’s next for you, and is there anything else you’d like to share with your fans?
Next is lots of shows! I guess I’d like to share that, we as Americans have such an incredible musical history. We have blues, and Gershwin, and Dolly and of course rock n roll. I feel excited and honoured to be a part of that legacy and to bring the musical party to everyone listening out there. Let’s do this!
Watch the music video for ‘All Roads’ below, and find out more about So Brown and their music online on their official website, Instagram, YouTube, and Spotify.
