An interview with Gary Louris of the Jayhawks. Questions from Jim & Pete
Hi and how are you today, in fact where are you?
Today I am in Birmingham England, home of Black Sabbath.
What was the main driver for the comeback album and tour and do you see yourselves as blazing a trail for the newer Americana bands today?
I still don’t see this as a comeback album or a reunion record. It is just a continuation of making Jayhawks music, and this time it is with Mark Olson back in the group. I feel that it was an extension of the rekindling of the friendship and the music making that began in the early part of this millennium and led to our duo record Ready For The Flood and then some shows with the band. Yes I feel we are a link in the chain of what could be called folk rock music.
Is the reformation of the band a one off or, a long term chapter in the history of the Jayhawks?
Only time will tell. We have no long range plan. We wrote the best song we could and then wrote another and another. Then we tried to record them the best way we knew how. Now we have a record and we are taking it out on the road. If we enjoy a show we play the next and the next. If we still like it next year we will most likely make another record. We are going day to day, month to month to see how it feels …so far so good.
Does it get harder to write songs as long serving musicians?
No. I believe that with the type of music we make its stays the same but other influences and experiences creep in making it evolve. But we have never been short on ideas.
Whilst you have influenced countless bands over the years, where do your own influences lie and, are you still listening to those same artists today?
I took a lot of time off from listening to music other than classical for a while as rock music reminded me of work. Like a chef going to a restaurant I couldn’t listen to music without hearing all the thinking going on and found I couldn’t enjoy it. Now I am back and listen to a lot of music. I tend to listen to music that is far away from what we do so as not to compare. I love listening to bands like Can and Faust, Steven Reich and John Adams, but always am drawn back to The Zombies and The Who and the classic british bands, along with The Beach Boys and The Byrds. I always loved British punk rock but maybe may favorite music is that of the pre punk New York scene of the 70’s.
What’s the best piece of advice you can give to new artists and bands starting out today?
Try not to think to much.Try to catch your subconscious and distract your conscious brain. Have a recording device of some kind by your bed and mumble the first thing you have to say or sing into it in the morning or late at night before you think too much about it. Try not to try, the zen approach, and snowball your confidence. You must realize that everything you write won’t be great so don’t be afraid to make mistakes and use the waste basket and keep on.
How often do you pick up your guitar or play the piano?
Not enough. I would really like to write a record only on piano. I have never done that.
Is there a place or town or city that provides inspiration for your music?
New York City is my favorite. I love Spain and London. Those are my favorite places. And Cape Cod.
