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Special to Seattlest: Matt Whiting of the music blog Back Beat Seattle.
Has anyone ever told you that you reminded them of someone else? More often than not, these comparisons are mildly entertaining. Sometimes comparisons can be flattering and other times, definitively less so. But regardless of where these comparisons fall on the spectrum, there comes a point where the novelty wears off and you want to be evaluated on your own merits. Murray Lightburn of The Dears reached this point some time ago. Heralded as the heir to Morrissey, Lightburn is exceptionally tired of comparisons. With their newest album released less than a year ago, Murray and company continue to put out their own brand of dark, orchestral pop that challenges conventional classifications and categorization.
Catch The Dears at the Crocodile tomorrow night (5/27). Great Northern and Eulogies open. (Tickets: $12 adv, 21+)
Your lyrics often offer a social commentary on the world at large. What are some of the most positive trends you have seen over the past few years and alternatively what would fall on the opposite end of the spectrum?
First, for a little clarity, there is probably a very thin line between social commentary and being preachy. The Dears don't have intentions beyond making the best art we can, given the tools available to us, whether it's pot/pans and a ghettoblaster or a $2K a day recording facility.
Having said that, I think it's pleasant enough that people are being more conscious about the environment or various social injustice, et cetera. But your use of the word "trends" is interesting, telling. The subject of awareness/ activism is sometimes too fleeting like the latest footwear or haircut. There are perhaps more timeless, fundamental issues that are continually ignored or unresolved. Basic humanity, benevolence, is continually ignored clearing a path for rampant degenerative behavior towards each other. It is the root of all the problems that exist in our world.
The “Ballad Of Humankindness” from Gang of Losers has to be one of the most prescriptive songs about compassion written in the past decade. Would you talk a bit about how that song came about, the process of writing lyrics and how you select your subject matter in general?
Again, the process of songwriting is not really that intentional, as if to say, "Today, I will write about some bullshit I read about in the New York Times. Or the Economist." The art we make comes from a special, sacred place. It seems really esoteric and intangible at first. But our life is a filter that helps produce it, or else no one would relate to it. The balance or the question usually is, how dumbed down do we want to get?
“The Ballad of Humankindness” was not an easy one at first. The music and melody was all there, but no words. I squeezed out a few lame lines before I finally put it down. Then one day they all came out at once, I couldn't write them fast enough. That's how it usually goes. Something would happen and would spark in my subconscious.
I read a recent interview in which you called your latest record Missiles "an extremely pensive record." How do you feel the current state of the world makes people more or less likely to take in more cerebral types of expression?
This goes back to what I saying about trends. When we put out “No Cities Left,” people were kind of ready for it at that time. We were fresh into a post 9/11 world. I remember how nice everyone was to each other back then. The Dears have evolved but not really changed. “Missiles” exists now and maybe people will have something else on their mind, like who's gonna win American Idol; 100 million people; THAT'S what's on their minds. Unbelievable.
When it comes to any medium of art, people whether they are fans, critics or uninterested passersby will always be quick to label and put that new thing that they are experiencing into compartments. Would you talk a bit about your experience with comparisons and what you have learned about yourself, your music and/or life through these situations?
That is a very clever way of asking what I think you're asking and I wish most would ask about in that manner. The thing about comparisons is they are both good and bad. Good is when you're being compared to a globally successful artist with millions hanging on their every word. Bad is when lazy journalism puts you in a cubbyhole that starts to cave in on you and have to climb your way out. Takes years, apparently.
To artists just starting out, what advice would you give to better ensure they are able to blaze their own path, if that's what they are in fact, trying to do?
I guess I would say to not give in to the flavor of the week; to stay away from popular haircuts, and think about whether it's the only thing you are here to do rather than just something you can do.
Brevity seems to be one of the most popular ways that people are dealing with seemingly unlimited demands on their limited time. Given this trend is especially prevalent currently, how would you describe your music to someone who hasn't heard it, in 140 characters or less?
Pop rock deconstructed for the sake and soul of humanity...?
Seven people are a lot to have one stage. What made you decide on this number?
The Seven Samurai. Seven deadly sins. Seven wonders of the world....who knows? There are A LOT of parts to play in The Dears.
Over the years that you have been touring, what would rank among some of your favorite venues and cities?
That wouldn't be fair. I guess it would be wherever people are singing along to "Oh It's the same old plot...."
Being a big fan of sci-fi, what are your thoughts on the new Star Trek film?
I thought it was pretty good. I thought the character portrayals were pretty faithful apart from Kirk. That guy chose not to do his homework which I thought was a bad idea. That whole business with Spock and Uhura was also ill-advised because if you know these characters as well I do, there was never, ever any indication of that so I thought that was pretty bogus. All in all, however, I give a 7/10.
What would you count as a few of the highlights to your musical career to date?
I think not even having a record out in Mexico but playing to a great crowd there who sang every word kind of blew my mind. Meeting Morrissey brought me to tears, literally. Finishing “Missiles.” The vocal on Hate Then Love on Gang of Losers, after about 100 takes over the course of a week, and hearing Joes on the talkback going, "I think we got it."
What else do you have planned for 2009?
Starting over. Again.
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