| swearing at motorists |
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from slap
They've been called a "two-man Who." Theatrically and pharmaceutically that's very fitting. Their live shows are chock full of dramatic and powerful guitar breaks and astute rock poses engineered by the often airborne and somewhat flailing Dave Doughman, and held down to Earth by simple yet confident drumming. In the press they have been compared musically to fellow Dayton, Ohio rockers Guided By Voices. I personally think that just stems from the fact that both bands are from the same town and at some point have used the same drummer. However, the Motorists do share in some of the similarities that seem to run through the blood of ands from that area, most notably GBV, the Breeders, and Brainiac, and that's the appreciation of the simple yet graceful power chord. It may sound like par for the course within the world of "indie rock," but Swearing At Motorists have been one of the most influential bands in my life. They join a select few bands that have changed the way I think about and listen to music. Now, I can go about that subject in many ways, but just let me say that the Motorists have opened my eyes to a world of pop music that I have been too blind to see.
So Dave, what usually comes first, the melody or the lyrics?
There is no usual way, sometimes it all comes pouring out at once. A perfect example would be the song "(It Came) Out of Nowhere." During a show one night I just started playing the guitar and after a few measures started singing the lyrics, and there it was. After the show I went backstage to write down the words. Other times it might be all the music comes first. So maybe I'll make a tape or CD of it and sing along to it in the car until the right lyrics come out. Or I may have lyrics written down for quite awhile before the appropriate music comes along. Either way one always inspires the other, unless they come at the same time.
Speaking of coming at the same time, many of your songs tell a story and/or reminisce about past love affairs. Has an ex-girlfriend ever been upset by one of your songs?
One girlfriend was jealous of songs about a former girlfriend, saying that they were proof that I was still in love with the ex or that I loved that ex more that I would ever love her. When she became and ex-girlfriend she was pretty pissed off hearing about our life together in song, but what the hell did she expect?
Since you draw inspiration from your experiences and surroundings are there any people, events or experiences that are too taboo to put in one of your songs?
Well, I don't really consider myself much of a songwriter; I just channel and edit the thoughts and feelings that I find myself expressing musically. In that light, I would say nothing is taboo, although I may be the only one to hear the result.
What songs have you covered?
There are four covers on Swearing At Motorists records: Beck Hansen wrote "I Get Lonesome" from 1997's The Fear of Low Flying Clouds, Hayden Desser wrote "Bullet" from 2000's Number Seven Uptown, Richard Thompson wrote "Calvary Cross" from 2000's The Burnt Orange Heresy, Steve Earle wrote "I'm Still in Love with You" from 2002's Along The Inclined Plane. Also, over the years, I have on occasion included in our live set, songs by Brainiac, the Breeders, Songs: Ohia, Scout Niblett, Pedro the Lion, Neutral Milk Hotel, Neil Young, New Order, the Smiths, Liz Phair, Willie Nelson, and Alejandro Escovedo.
Why these particular songs?
As is the case with all of my own songs, the songs I have covered have a special connection to a time or situation in my life. In most instances the song got stuck in my head and the only way to get it out was to play a version of it myself. If they ended up on record, it's because they fit within the concept of the album they appear on.
What's your favorite Swearing At Motorists song?
I don't know if I could pick a favorite, being that I feel connected to them all for different reasons. If I had to pick, I guess I would say that the songs "No More James Dean" and "Neighborhood of Sirens" from More Songs from The Mellow Struggle are tied. Those two have the most impact on me when I hear or perform them, like salt on a wound.
You are from Dayton, Ohio. At your shows you fly the Ohio flag, cheer for your home-town, and generally celebrate all things Dayton. Listening to your albums there are many references to Dayton-name-checking streets, clubs, restaurants, landmarks. Well, for almost two years now you have been without a home and thus touring non-stop. How has being on the road so much affected your songwriting?
The songs are a reflection of my life and those around me, so because of the constant touring the "scenery" has changed some on the last two records. Touring involves many six-10 hour days of driving, which leaves lots of time for thought. On solo tours I often drive alone and will sometimes spend hours, hell, even days without listening to the radio, just getting lost in my thoughts. I receive quite a bit of inspiration during these drives and the songs reflect that. It has affected the songs most in the respect that it has caused a few people to remove themselves from my life, just as it has brought others into it.
Since this is a skateboard magazine, tell me your relationship with Neil Blender.
Oh man, have you seen his website yet, www.heatedwheel.com? It features and sells Neil's art, which is long overdue, because skaters and fans of Dinosaur Jr shouldn't be the only ones exposed to his art. But anyway, when I first moved to Dayton I spent quite a bit of time hanging with Neil and another friend Nick Chiccehitto at Neil's place, just drinking, smoking, and making up music.
Some of the earlier 'Motorists songs came out of those afternoons and post-bar early mornings. And Neil plays bass on a couple earlier tracks as well. Nick actually played mandolin on our last EP, but isn't in the liner notes of the first pressing because we turned in the artwork before the recording was finished and hadn't planned on him being on the record.
Another thing about Neil is that he's the one that got me hooked on Volvo wagons. At one time I remember him having two of them.
Anyway, I was pretty bummed when he moved back to San Diego, but I think he is better suited for the weather there. He would hate to hear me say this, but since he won't ever read it, I'll say it: Neil Blender is one of the most gifted songwriter/musicians I have ever had the pleasure to hear, and it's a shame that most of you will never have the opportunity to hear for yourself since he seems uninterested in releasing anything. Okay, I know some of you old-schoolers are thinking "What about 'Olive Lawn?' What about 'Worked World?' What about those Alien Workshop videos?" I guess what I meant to say was uninterested in releasing anything else.
Anything you'd care to add?
I'd like to thank everyone at Alien Workshop and Gate City Noise for hooking me up over the years. And check out www.swearingatmotorists.com to see when Swearing At Motorists are coming to your town, then show up with all your friends and give us some weed.
--Jonathan Canuck
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