I wrote a post for this week’s Bank Robber Music blog on my five favorite tracks that Bank Robber licenses:
What initially attracted me to Bank Robber was its superb, unparalleled catalogue. I mean, a place whose roster counts (or has counted) Rilo Kiley, Land of Talk, Tilly and the Wall, AND Nada Surf alone seems like a dream.
Since I began interning in January, I’ve discovered some amazing songs, After careful deliberation, my 5 favorite BRM tracks are (guitar tremolo…):
1. “Runaway” by Imperial Teen: This song sounds like the indie “Call Me Maybe,” and I mean that in the best way possible. I heard this jillion of joy playing in Lyle’s office my first day, and I knew I was in the right place. Or at least that I discovered the best jogging song ever. I went on to delve into older Imperial Teen gems, like “Pig Latin” and “Do It Better.” If only I hadn’t been a 7 year old when Seasick came out…
2. “Betty Wang” by Hospitality: Another Merge track, “Betty Wang” has lyrics that instantly drew me in. Who is she? Why might she leave New York? Isn’t Wang a Chinese not Japanese surname? I’ve since learned that Betty Wang was the only other female investment banker on Amber Papini’s team at work. As a side note, I’m pretty sure I found the real Betty Wang’s LinkedIn profile.
3. “Chair” by Big Deal: I found this grunge-acoustic masterpiece on a BRM compilation CD. This is one of those songs that upon discovery, you listen to over and over again. It helps that it’s a short song, clocking in just under 3 minutes. I love how they slightly change the second chorus, and the absence of drums doesn’t bother me anymore. This song is perfect for the credits of HBO’s Girls.
4. “You’re The Runner” by Mitten: I stumbled upon “You’re The Runner” when I was asked to transcribe the lyrics. Luckily, I found the lyrics on Mitten’s Bandcamp, but I still took the opportunity to listen closely. I’m usually not into electro-synth and distorted bass, but they combine so well with the driving drums and vocals. Lyrically it epitomizes energetic angst.
5. “Not Earned” by Palomar: I’d never heard of this band before. Palomar reminds me of early Rilo Kiley (circa 2002) if RK were an all female band. “Not Earned” is a perfect cycle – it starts and ends the same. The line “You must feel pretty safe with all your records around you” is also a brilliant maxim for any music lover.
Headquartered in Kuwait, Loft 965 is the #1 music blog from the Middle East.
I got to interview Nasser AlQatami, the founder of the site, about blogging, the relationship between music and fashion, and the perception of pop music in the Arab world.
After The Show: Loft 965 covers a wide range of artists, from Madonna to Vanessa Carlton to Karin Park. How do you choose which artists and songs to feature, given that there’s so much music out there?
Nasser AlQatami/Loft 965: I basically started the blog partially because I was frustrated with the state of pop music – a genre often unappreciated but it is somewhat the glue of our global commonplace. There are many artists that never chart but produce some great pop tunes and then there are the known artists who keep on doing what they are great at through the ups and downs of their careers, both of which need support. I had always loved music in many forms and thought it would be a fun idea to put all this research time I spend online on music to good use. The blog is the result and it took off quite nicely.
ATS: Congratulations on being chosen as a Middle East ambassador for Puma. How did that come about? What do you think about the intersection between fashion and music [I like that you're not afraid to comment on fashion, like Madonna's "ugly gloves"]?
Isn’t it great? My best friend recommended my blogs, PUMA’s representatives looked at it and they liked what they saw. They wanted people in the region who were doing something different. I guess I fit that category. I try to drop a snide comment here and there about artists who have let fame get to them. Sometimes I rile up the fan base of a certain artist to see the kind of reaction I get. Madonna’s fans are up there with the rest of them, but not as bad as Britney Spears’ and Beyonce’s. I love all the artists but I will be the first to say if something I think falls in the “not ok” category.
Yes, of course fashion and music are inseparable. Although I predominantly cover music on the blog and my interest in the fashion world has waned as of late, the visual is a very important aspect when it comes to pop music, in fact it’s only second to the music, just ask the Gaga.
ATS: How did you decide to start the website in 2008? What does the name mean, and what factors have made it so successful and widely-read?
I have always used the world wide web as a portal and before this one I did use sites like LiveJournal and others when blogging was in its infancy (it was called a weblog). When I did my Master’s I didn’t have time, but I promised myself that when the time comes I would launch a blog for public consumption. The thought kept rummaging through my head and then when I had to do it, I basically knew exactly what I wanted.
There are many factors that made it visited by the thousands on a daily basis. First, you have to like what you do. Having passion about the subject is what draws people in, if you feel an obligation to post about something then it is probably not the thing for you. You have to keep it short, visually succinct and updated. The rule of thumb when it comes to writing is to address the blog reader as if you are having a chat with them when a certain song comes up. Nobody wants to spend their night reading an essay. They want the punchline with a pretty picture.
Other factors include the fact that I have artist loyalty. I don’t stop posting on an artist should they falter or take a turn in their career (unless they show a bigoted side to themselves). Also, its important to attach a face to the blog. It’s not a text book and people want to know who does it, more about their lives and why they do it. I think I have captured those dynamics on the blog.
The name is simple. I came up with the idea of a place, like a hangout, and I usually hangout at a loft during the weekends. I didn’t want to overburden the reader with music keywords. Also, my other passion is travel (which is why my other blog is titled Flight965.com). So, I decided to take my country’s telephone code and attach it to Loft. It gives it a regional feel with no pretense.
ATS: Have you faced any criticism for posting your content given that you’re based in Kuwait? Is there a backlash against American dance-pop or is there a desire to access that material, especially among young readers of Loft 965?
To tell you truth, I have faced many forms of criticism. The whole array of possible criticisms have come my way throughout the 3 and half years of operation. It’s important to say that the backlash is from all over the world. But, because I have a journalism background, both in academia and previous professions, I know that feedback means that people are reading. I get a good balance of good and bad. Many accusations come my way but you have to learn to ignore them. Oh, and the IP Address registration is coming in handy.
ATS: What do you envision for the future of Loft 965? What about the role of music blogs in general?
It’s going places, but I always hope for more. I see its potential and I keep working on the material and the site. Many people think blogging is easy, but it definitely is not. In fact maintaining a blog is a full time job. So, imagine working full-time and then running two blogs. If the right circumstances should arise and I have time, I would like to take it to another level. You’ll have to keep clicking to see what that is.
When it comes to blogs in general, I think they are the future of journalism. Much to many people’s dismay, print journalism will most probably disappear into electronic form. People will start reading and trusting the opinions of bloggers and online journalists who have a history of credibility in their work. A degree won’t matter anymore, what matters is what you have to say, how many people enjoy it and what they do with it.
Last night, Thursday November 17, 2011, I spoke to Maria Taylor backstage before her headlining show at the Mercury Lounge. Read the interview below to find out about Maria’s tour memories, her favorite lyric that she’s ever written, Shazam-ing songs on TV shows, and beginning to write again for Azure Ray.
After The Show: The last time I saw you perform was May 2009 at the Troubadour with JJAMZ and Whispertown 2000 opening. Do you look back on any tours as particularly memorable?
Maria Taylor: They all are so different because you tour with different people, especially with me – I have a different band usually every time. Tours are all so special and unique because you’re getting to know these people and you get so close to them, and then you also travel with different bands.
There’s always crazy stuff that happens on each tour. I don’t think I have a particular one that stands out or that’s my favorite…Maybe the first time when my brother and sister came on tour. That was one of the first times I went solo, and they came on tour – they were my band. That was to support 11:11 and we opened up for Har Mar Superstar and Ben Lee. That one was pretty memorable because my sister had just turned 18 and graduated from high school, my brother was 21, and I took them on the most debaucherous tour…Oh God, maybe you shouldn’t put that, my mom might read this (laughs). It was so much fun but I had all this guilt, like I’m the older sister…What am I doing? I did a good job of corrupting them (laughs).
I understand that this tour is somewhat different than any others you’ve done – how?
I’m pregnant! I feel finally not sick (I was throwing up)…It did feel different. It was pretty hard, and in retrospect I probably should have waited to tour until I was after the first trimester just because I had it so hard, but now it’s great and playing sober is something I’ve never done before. I think I sing better and my voice is getting stronger. Everything’s just way more clear – I remember the whole night (laughs). It’s okay – I feel like I’ve conquered a lot of fears by going out and talking to people without having anything to drink because I’m a nervous person and usually I have a glass of wine before I even walk out my door (laughs).
I don’t remember lyrics as well because when you’re pregnant you’re very forgetful – I didn’t know this. So I forget lyrics this time around.
Your songs have been placed in TV shows – “Time Lapse Lifeline” was on Bones, and several were on Grey’s Anatomy. How do you view licensing music and how important is it in terms of exposure and income?
As far as income, it’s the only way that I make any money at this point. I usually lose money on tour and people don’t buy records anymore, so my last two records I haven’t recouped and I haven’t made a dime. So licensing is pretty much my only source of income.
As far as exposure, it’s so great for that too. With me personally, I’ll be watching a show and Shazam songs all the time, and then I buy them, so I think it’s an excellent way to expose yourself to a wide range of people.
Have you seen a measurable jump in downloads the next day after a TV show with your song airs?
Definitely after Grey’s because people almost watch that show to look for music. You get paid a lot less if they announce the song at the end [shows on the CW], but it’s still good.
There was a rumor that you, Orenda Fink, Jenny Lewis, and Morgan Nagler were considering starting a band. Was that idea ever on the table?
Yeah, we did! We formed a band and we had a couple of practices, and they were awesome. And then we all just got busy doing our other projects, and then Orenda and I moved out of LA, so I don’t know if it will ever come to life. But it was really fun for those two practices that we were a band.
Why did you decide to cap your new album Overlook at 9 tracks? Were you concerned that people might think you were rushing to put the album out or that it was too short?
It just felt complete to me. I felt like it was the most cohesive record I’ve ever put out. The whole plan for this record was to write it in a certain amount of time, and that was to see if it would be more cohesive. Because lots of times I’ll start a song and just because I’m lazy I don’t finish it, only because a movie comes on I want to see, you know? So I sat in one place for a long period of time and it just felt complete.
And I also think that people are doing less and less songs because people don’t buy records anyway, so you might as well…Why put your heart and soul into 15 songs? People don’t buy records anymore – you get one or two songs. I think it’s just changing – I think EPs are going to be what people will start putting out, and it’s all about to change so I’m just experimenting with where I want to go in the future.
Every aspect is more cohesive – thematically, sonically, production – in my humble opinion [laughs]. Usually I use two different producers, sometimes three on records. I’ve always recorded in at least three different studios; I’ve always recorded in two or three different times (like months, even). The goal [with Overlook] was record it at one place; I’m going to produce the whole thing; I’m going to write it all in this one room.
Have you always removed the bottom E string on your guitars? Why do you do that?
For the past 10 years I have, both for recording and playing live. I don’t like high-pitched noises, and it always used to bother me…On my amp I would turn the treble all the way down. And then one day the E string popped off in the middle of a show, and so I finished playing without it, and I liked it so much better without that last “ding” – I hated that last “ding.”
Do you have a favorite lyric of yours that you’ve ever written?
Hmm…I always like, in “Birmingham 1982,” where I say “When love was just laughing with a friend” and “When love wasn’t hurting anyone.” Those are the ones that when I sing that still – and I’ve sung that song for 8 years – it still kind of makes me teary (laughs) – I really feel it. It still hits me…I feel like my best lyrics are the ones that really pull at the heartstrings, even if they may be the most direct and simple.
Is there a song on Overlook that best exemplifies that direct and simple approach?
I think “Along for the Ride” is the best lyrically…maybe also “Like It Does.” I think those are the best ones.
When you’re writing a song, how do you determine if it will be an Azure Ray song or a Maria Taylor song?
We just always will know what we’re writing for. Like, I was writing for my record then, and right now I’m starting to write for Azure Ray, so I have that in mind. It’s not like the song dictates – it’s my mindset going into it that dictates it.
So you’ve lived in Birmingham, Athens, Omaha, and LA. Do you mentally differentiate your songs based on geography? Do certain songs evoke memories tied to a specific place?
Yeah, absolutely. 11:11 was very, very trenched in Omaha. I can tell I was cold – it was in the winter when I wrote it. It’s just drenched in memories from there. Ladyluck was so LA. This one [Overlook] to me sounds so Alabama. I feel like I can hear it sonically as well because I know where I was at with the subject matter. Lynn Teeter Flower…I think I was in my own world in that one (laughs). I was in la la land.
You collaborated with R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe on the song “Cartoons and Forever Plans.” How did you come up with the phrase “cartoons and forever plans” and what does it mean?
He wrote all the lyrics to that, and that line stood out, so Andy [LeMaster] and I named the song that.
I think the phrase only occurs once in the song…
Right. Usually with titles it will just be a no-brainer. One line or one word from a song will obviously stand out. I think it kind of sums the song all up.
(Here’s a video clip of “Cartoons and Forever Plans” that I took from the show):
Do you have any interest in producing or writing songs for other artists in the future?
Definitely producing – I really want to produce other artists, absolutely. Writing for other artists, I don’t think so. If I write a good song, I don’t want to give it away (laughs). I don’t write enough of them to give them away – if it’s good, I’ve got to keep that baby.
What about interest in doing session or studio work drumming or singing on other people’s albums?
I used to do that more. I pretty much now really only like to sing or play on people’s stuff where I like it. I don’t think I’d want to do that for money; I’d feel like a whore (laughs)…I feel like I’d just really want to love it. I’d sell some jeans on ebay if I needed money instead of singing backup on a song I don’t really like.
Thank you for speaking with me, Maria.
Interview conducted and edited for clarity by Suzanne Raga for After The Show.
Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. For permissions, contact AfterTheShowWebsite@gmail.com
***Catch Maria Taylor on the rest of her tour for new album Overlook:
You Rock! How To Be A Star Student & Still Have Fun is an ebook now for sale.
It offers specific insights and strategies for succeeding in school. Written by a Princeton student and tutor, You Rock! is an empowering and entertaining ”study tips” book for music-loving tweens and teens.
Both music and school can be fun!
To get the book for your kids/younger siblings/friends, click here.
