Low Flying Owls had quite the hiatus,
after supporting bass asses like The Fall, Clinic, and Blonde Redhead, the
group disbanded (2005). Seven years forward, the band has a new album that is
KILLER! Throw Syd Barrett and Jason Pierce in the blender, sprinkle some E.L.O and
you get what some call: "21st century psychedelia that's bold, beautiful, and frequently breathtaking."
The outfit describes their sound as:
“A stripped down melodic pop sound, without much fussing around.”
The new work was mixed at a quirky recording
studio in Eagle Rock, CA known as The Ship.
The place is decked out in sea
faring aesthetics and sounds like a dream! The band produced the album
themselves along with the help of Aaron Espinoza (Earlimart); Dave Cooley fresh
off the new M83 brought his mastering expertise to the project that is
sure to have all the kids playing it on loop! The album is out today under the
label Incoming Flights.
The group is comprised of Jared
Southard (vocals and guitars), Andy Wagner (guitars and keyboards), Tommy Alexander (bass), and Robby Dean (drums).
Jared was sweet enough to chat with
us about the new album and some other fun stuff that will give you an exclusive
insight into the world of the Low Flying Owls.
Is the new work a concept album?
I wouldn't say it's a concept album.
We started with the premise to
write songs for a Mike Bruce feature titled Desiree Dream. Lovevolve
and I'll Be Coming Home were part of the plan. Andrew and I decided we
couldn't wait for the film to come to fruition so we decided to add a
few more songs and release it as an EP.
write songs for a Mike Bruce feature titled Desiree Dream. Lovevolve
and I'll Be Coming Home were part of the plan. Andrew and I decided we
couldn't wait for the film to come to fruition so we decided to add a
few more songs and release it as an EP.
What is your favorite track in the album?
Probably “I'll Be Coming Home.” It's
just got that syrupy mid tempogroove that you can't deny. I feel like we nailed it! I want to pour
it all over my pancakes. I'm quite fond of The Human Race and
Lovevolve as well for different reasons. Lovevolve has a pure and
powerful message.
How would you describe your sound?
Five guys getting together and
making music for all the right reasons
at this point. It's nice to be at a place in your career where you
don't care anymore about selling records or being famous. It's all
about the song these days and enjoying the process. I've heard a lot
of people comment about how poppy this album is and I agree. Avant
Pop? We've all been brought up on the Beatles, Bowie, ELO... too many
to name. For this album, I studied a bit of Harry Nilsson for vocal
inspiration. What a tremendous voice. Where do all those cigarettes
and whiskies go?
at this point. It's nice to be at a place in your career where you
don't care anymore about selling records or being famous. It's all
about the song these days and enjoying the process. I've heard a lot
of people comment about how poppy this album is and I agree. Avant
Pop? We've all been brought up on the Beatles, Bowie, ELO... too many
to name. For this album, I studied a bit of Harry Nilsson for vocal
inspiration. What a tremendous voice. Where do all those cigarettes
and whiskies go?
Why the long hiatus? How long did this take to complete?
Low Flying Owls disbanded originally
back in 2005 soon after moving to
Los Angeles and a failed studio attempt with some pretty well known
industry heavies. Psychedelic indie band tries for a bigger, more
commercial sound and bites it. Why not? Well, it didn't work out quite
as planned. We were all going in different directions at the time.
There was a lot of tension between Mike Bruce and I. He needed to do
his own thing. Mike Bruce on tour was the equivalent to an un-caged
wild animal. We can laugh about it now. The new album took about six
months to record and release. We went in with five songs and ended up
happy with all of them. That's never happened in my recording
experience.
What was it like working with Dave Cooley and how did you guys end up
working together?
We tracked the record with Aaron Espinoza of Earlimart and Admiral
Radley. He's literally The Wizard of Oz when it comes to his studio,
The Ship. He’s a brilliant guy and a great songwriter too. Dave mastered
the album and has been a friend for years, he's like the Nutty
Professor; he’s such a gear geek and a true gent. I feel like I need a gear
guide encyclopedia sometimes when we talk. Dave Cooley's worked on
some classic stuff throughout the years. Look him up!
Favorite decade?
70's hands down. Read Easy Riders Raging Bulls. Enough said.
Biggest fear?
No coffee and pissed of aliens.
Los Angeles and a failed studio attempt with some pretty well known
industry heavies. Psychedelic indie band tries for a bigger, more
commercial sound and bites it. Why not? Well, it didn't work out quite
as planned. We were all going in different directions at the time.
There was a lot of tension between Mike Bruce and I. He needed to do
his own thing. Mike Bruce on tour was the equivalent to an un-caged
wild animal. We can laugh about it now. The new album took about six
months to record and release. We went in with five songs and ended up
happy with all of them. That's never happened in my recording
experience.
What was it like working with Dave Cooley and how did you guys end up
working together?
We tracked the record with Aaron Espinoza of Earlimart and Admiral
Radley. He's literally The Wizard of Oz when it comes to his studio,
The Ship. He’s a brilliant guy and a great songwriter too. Dave mastered
the album and has been a friend for years, he's like the Nutty
Professor; he’s such a gear geek and a true gent. I feel like I need a gear
guide encyclopedia sometimes when we talk. Dave Cooley's worked on
some classic stuff throughout the years. Look him up!
Favorite decade?
70's hands down. Read Easy Riders Raging Bulls. Enough said.
Biggest fear?
No coffee and pissed of aliens.
Philosophy on life?
Keep your philosophies to yourself and open your heart. Wait, is that
a philosophy?
What’s your take on music today?
Scramblin'!
It feels like it's this way, that way, and every way. It
belongs to the people and the internet.
What gets on your nerves?
Dirty floors, paying top dollar to see a bad movie, bad singers who can't write good lyrics. You gotta have one or the other. Am I right?
belongs to the people and the internet.
What gets on your nerves?
Dirty floors, paying top dollar to see a bad movie, bad singers who can't write good lyrics. You gotta have one or the other. Am I right?
To get the tunes and more info go to: http://www.lowflyingowlsmusic.com/
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