As part of Music Is to Blame's What's to Blame? interview series, he opens up about his creative process, the inspirations behind his latest work, and how his personal journey continues to shape his musical journey, one of which had led to him blowing up his childhood piano.
What have you got coming up that you’re most excited for?
Releasing my new record on March 14th called ‘Return to Zero’, and we’ve got a lot of fun stuff happening around that, including shows and touring.
How does ‘Return to Zero’ differ from your previous albums, and what new elements have you introduced in this project?
I worked more with strings on a couple of tracks and approached recording differently this time. I even notated some of my parts for the first time, which marks my growth as a musician. Being able to read and write music is a big step for me.
You co-wrote 'What's Left of Me' with Nashville-based songwriter Chris Gelbuda. How did this collaboration come about, and what was the writing process like?
Chris and I are buddies, we were introduced by our friend David Shaw. We got together in Chicago at this really cool space called the Fine Arts Building, which feels like it’s frozen in the ’80s-’90s. It has a manually operated elevator, and I rented a room there with a piano for several days. It was just Chris, me, a grand piano, and a guitar. We hammered out the song together. I actually wrote the bridge and the third verse during the recording session, which was a pivotal moment for me.
Are there any particular venues or cities you're excited to perform in on tour?
We’re definitely excited to come to England. My dad will be joining us for that leg of the tour, which is exciting because the band loves having him around. We went to Japan a few years ago and are going back, which I’m super excited about. Plus, we’re heading to Australia for the first time, which is an incredible opportunity. We’re so grateful to be able to tour globally.
Are you looking forward to performing in New Orleans? Does playing in the birthplace of jazz deepen your connection to the music you create, and how do you honour its rich history through your performances?
I love New Orleans, it’s probably the place I’ve visited most outside of Chicago. I have a lot of friends there, and playing at the historic venue Tipitina’s will be amazing. I really celebrate The Meters and Dr. John, New Orleans music has such a unique spirit. Incorporating that sense of arrangement and funk into my music is always a part of my musical process, especially on stage.
What or who would you say is to blame for your music career?
My parents bear a heavy burden of blame. They fostered my musical interests—there was a piano in my house growing up, which I am actually going to blow up tomorrow for a music video. It’s the same piano from my ‘Can’t Stop the Rain’ video, so it has been a part of my career since the beginning. My mom played that piano, and growing up my dad had a wonderful record collection. Anytime I latched onto something, they were engaged and supportive.
Who are the biggest musical inspirations for the sound you’ve curated?
For my current record, The Isley Brothers, David Bowie, ELO, Roy Ayers, CHIC, Billy Preston, and many others, some more obscure, have been major influences. I have a pretty wide range of inspirations.
Your latest music video for 'Need You Again' showcases a blend of vintage and modern elements. What was the inspiration behind this aesthetic, and how does it relate to the song's themes?
That was one of those times when I had a grand idea for a music video. I had a VHS camera from 1986, and I got my tour manager, Jack Karnatz, to come out with me on a 10-degree Fahrenheit day in Chicago. We went to the lakefront and shot me dancing around, it looked like Antarctica, it was so cold. But it came out looking really vibey and fun. I love projects like that.
What were some of the challenges you faced during the production of the music video, and how did you overcome them?
The cold was brutal. Getting down to the lakefront was tricky because everything within 30 feet of the water was frozen solid. I go to the lake every day in the summer to swim, it’s my favourite place in the world, but that day, I was afraid I’d slip and fall into the water. Walking and dancing on ice was definitely a challenge.
Videography is a huge element of music engagement in the digital space. If you had the opportunity to collaborate with anyone on a music video, who would it be?
I work most consistently with Alec Basse, he directs all my music videos. We actually finished one yesterday, and tomorrow, we’re going to blow up that piano together. He’s my ride-or-die director, so I’d have to say him.
