New York is known for producing some of the most stellar acts in rock music, and Heavy English is no exception. Though their former groups disbanded, Sal Bossio, Dan Gluszak Ari Sadowitz regrouped and released their 2016 debut album, Pop Wasteland, a catchy collection of tunes inspired by a wide array of musicians from Michael Jackson to The Black Keys. The record’s lead single, “21 Flights,” bas been featured in the film Earth to Echo and on television’s The Vampire Diaries, Pretty Little Liars, Notorious and other programs. For those in the market for a melodically diverse album filled with dance-worthy riffs and an admirable vocal range, then this is the album for you.
Myspace caught up with bassist Ari Sadowitz to chat about the band’s past, present and future.
Hometown: New York, NY
How would you describe your music to people who had never heard it before? For someone who has never been to one of your shows, what can they expect to see at a performance?
Musically, we all come from slightly proggier/notier situations, and this band very much lets things sit in a simpler groove, somewhere between "When the Levee Breaks" and "Rock With You." Sal also does an uncanny Freddie Mercury impression, so the vocal spectrum on the record is really exciting. The groundwork for each song was recorded live, which, along with Dan's production and mixing, lends the album a sense of cohesion.
Who are some of your musical influences? What aspects of their music drew you all to them and in what ways have they inspire you all?
The Black Keys was big for their combination of blues and pop, especially on Brothers. Amy Winehouse and Fiona Apple touch on a similar thing, and beyond the songwriting, the production on Back To Black and the orchestration on When The Pawn... were inspiring. I think our collective favorite music leans on familiarity and simplicity, with a well-integrated classic/modern aesthetic. Ultimately, we don't eschew catchiness, but prefer gritty over candy coated.
What was that defining moment when you knew you were meant to create music and how did you go about it?
I was 11 and heard Stevie Ray Vaughan's "Pride and Joy" — I didn't know music could sound like that and I wanted in. Next steps: a subscription to Guitar World and a sunburst strat, anything by the Red Hot Chili Peppers (but not before buying 311's self-titled with my own money), and several summers at music camp. I found friends who were as obsessive about Blood Sugar Sex Magik as I was and we started jamming, eventually stumbling into creating original music.
How did the band’s unique sound come about?
I wouldn't necessarily call our sound "unique," rather a combination of our distilled individual influences. A healthy diet of Michael Jackson and Zeppelin may not break new ground, but we appreciate the sentiment. Ultimately, we created a record that excited us and we hope it evokes feeling in those who listen.
From what else does the band draw inspiration for its music?
Lyrically, the album is often about struggles with love — how it takes hold, wanes, reconstitutes, evolves, clouds, wrestles, etc. — so life experience certainly offers a lot to write about. Otherwise, Paul Thomas Anderson films, getting out in nature, family, that Netflix show Abstract, and Sal would probably add the buffalo chicken pizza at Pasta-eria in Hicksville.
What's the songwriting process like?
The album was written two ways: translating preexisting material to the band setting, and writing together. Both rely heavily on collaboration and working through ideas in context, so there was a lot of jamming to fully explore those directions. There can also be a decent amount of bourbon.
Can you explain how you chose the band name?
There was a time we considered calling the band 'Who the Fuck is Michael White?' but decided that it was just too incredible and rolled off the tongue much too easily. I like how Heavy English sounds like a beer style or a billiards technique, and it seemed to fit the band's music.
Tell us about your most recent music project.
We recently released our debut album, Pop Wasteland, after keeping it in the proverbial chamber for some time. It's the culmination of some of Sal's older songs, material that both he and Dan workshopped, and some true jam-based trio writing. It's available everywhere digitally, with plans to get physical later this year.
Tell us about a favorite/one of your most memorable performances.
Gigging with friends is always the most fun, and we've been lucky enough to share stages with bands like Bad Rabbits, Rare Futures, Time King, and NGHBRS (now King Neptune). Studio at Webster Hall shows have been memorable.
What's in store for 2017?
Aside from bringing Pop Wasteland to life physically, we're planning some touring in June. I've been thinking about the idea of goals recently after Chuck Berry's death - his music made it onto an interstellar album meant to communicate Earth's culture to extraterrestrial lifeforms. We'll start with terrestrial ears for now, but it's something to strive for...
Is there anything else about the band you’d like to add?
Just a thank you to those who are just joining the party, and especially to those who have been there since we put out "21 Flights" on a whim a few years back. It means a lot to have people give their attention to our music when there are a million other pieces of media out there. And thanks for having us!
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from Myspace - Editorial http://ift.tt/2oqN46K
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