Seattlest Catches Up with Sea Wolf

Photo Credit: Mia Kirby

We were lucky enough to catch Sea Wolf open for Okkervil River in late 2008. While we’ve enjoyed the bands recorded material since we first heard “You’re a Wolf,” (at the risk of sounded entirely clichéd) it was seeing the band live that really turned us into devoted fans. We were thoroughly impressed by the diverse live instrumentation as we took in the sounds of the pump organ over thoughtful acoustic/electric arrangements.

Naturally, we were thrilled to learn of the band's return (this time with long-time favorites The Album Leaf). Since we last saw them, lead Wolf Alex Brown Church has been quite busy with a new album, tour with Phoenix and song on the New Moon soundtrack under his belt.

In advance of the band’s show at Neumos this Saturday, we were able to catch up with Alex.

Your subject matter seems to vary quite a bit and often includes other-worldly elements. What influences your topic selection?

Not sure, really. I like to picture specific places and times when I write, and I just try to make the feeling of that place come alive in the song. I'll go through phases where certain imagery appeals to me, so I just try and figure out how to use that in whatever songs I'm working on.

Your sound often hinges on a broad range of instrumentation. What determines what qualities you are looking for when selecting a specific element?

Just if I like it or not, or what I am in the mood to hear. For White Water, White Bloom I was attracted to more organic sounds. With Leaves (in the Reiver) I incorporated some more synth generated sounds and drum programming. But I wanted to limit myself a bit more on this one, so went the more organic route. Not sure what will happen with the next one.

How would you describe the evolution in your sound/ songwriting between your first and sophomore albums?

The sound has expanded, becoming more vibrant, alive and natural. More of a live band feel. Wanted to capture the dynamics of our live show on this record. As far as the writing goes, I felt an improvement in the consistency of lyrical quality. Felt like I had a better handle on that, in general. Just more of a sense of what I like and don't like.

Overall, the sound of your new album comes off as more optimistic. Do you feel that's at least a somewhat accurate interpretation and if so, to what do you attribute the shift in tone?

Definitely. Leaves was pretty moody and brooding and sad. I was wanting to change that with this one, at least a little bit. I was just in a happier, more hopeful place and I wanted WW,WB to reflect that. Just really wanted to put something a little more positive out into the world...

As you've played Seattle a number of times, what are your favorite memories of your time here?

One of my favorite show was at Neumos with Silversun Pickups. That was the first time we played Seattle and the audience's energy was over the top. It was just after our first EP came out, and people were just starting to get to know us and SSPU (who are very good friends) were getting huge so it was a really exciting show for all of us.

Coming from a town that has a fascination with all things Sea- (planes, Hawks, Tac, etc) we're curious how you settled on naming your band (presumably) after the Jack London novel (or possibly the vintage arcade game)?

After the Jack London novel. Like Jack London and the protagonist in The Sea-Wolf, I'm originally from the SF Bay (Berkeley) and have that nautically influenced culture in my veins. Mostly, though? I just liked the name. It's connection to my roots just made it stick.

Were you an Augusten Burroughs fan before your collaboration? How would you describe that experience?

I'd never read any of his books, but knew of him because Running With Scissors was on my list of books to read. He approached me about the idea of writing and recording a song inspired by his new book and including it in the audio version. I was a little unsure of what he was looking for, but he pretty much gave me free rein, so I just decided I'd write a song immediately after finishing the book so as to hold on to whatever feeling it brought up in me, no matter how far out from the book it was. I decided to treat it like an exercise, so I read the book and wrote the song in a day. Luckily, the song turned out pretty well and everyone was happy.

Are you seeing a shift in your fan base as huge masses have been exposed to your music via nontraditional avenues such as New Moon and Gossip Girl?

Not sure. We finished our Fall headlining tour before all of that, and now we're opening for Phoenix and playing in front of audiences that are mostly there to see them. So it's hard to tell if there's been a demographic shift.

What are you most looking forward to in 2010?

Touring, touring, touring!