|
I've heard the band's music called a "sound to fall in-love to." What are your thoughts on that notion? Does your music make you feel all warm and fuzzy?
The Sea and Cake |
I'm not opposed to that notion, however, I'd wonder how realistic that would be. "Warm and fuzzy," hmmm, I think the music's a bit darker than it might seem initially.
I'm not too keen on that, either. "Warm and fuzzy" seems a little over the top to me. That brings me to this: Can everyone truly get TSAC's sound? Do you think this post-modern-ness, odd time signatures and abstract vibes can be understood competently by the masses?
I think we're interested in complex music but that doesn't necessarily mean it has to be difficult to listen to. I think ultimately The Sea and Cake is quite approachable.
Where would you place The Sea and Cake's sound? I've heard everything from glistening post-pop to "Euro-influenced indie soft-rock." I'm not too sure what to call it or even if it's a good idea to try to do so.
The Sea and Cake |
I try and not give a name to what we do. I've never really come up with an accurate description. Depending on who I'm talking to, I'll come up with different things. I've called us a rock band, a pop band, an art-rock band. Maybe that's it - art rock. I never really minded post-rock, either. It's so generic. It's useful in that no one quite knows what it is. However, it doesn't usually involve singing, so that doesn't really work either.
I find your music completely accessible but do you think the complexity of your compositions can be lost or go over some listener's heads?
I'm sure that happens. I can't really worry about it. We certainly wouldn't change to accommodate people who couldn't hear it. I think the music can be enjoyed on a rock-pop band level, as well as a more experimental outfit.
The Sea and Cake is the culmination of all that is great about the Chicago post-rock, indie scene. Just living in the Windy City has played a pivotal role in their development and artistic expression. It's in the city itself that these collectives of artists found their inspiration to create. Chicago has long been a hotbed of geographic migration. Families from all over the world would make their way there, bringing fresh infusions of culture and creativity with each wave of immigrants. As worlds collide, so do various forms of expression, producing an eclectic melting pot characteristic of the modern American megalopolis.
JamBase: Describe Chicago's role in your music. You guys, Tortoise, The Shipping News, 90 Day Man, there's been a slew of quality music coming from the Windy City over the last 15 years.
The Sea and Cake |
Sam Prekop: I don't think there's a prescription for this kind of thing to happen. It's likely a fluke, and also depends on who you're talking to. There are so many factors involved that create a perceived scene or movement I wouldn't know where to begin. But, I'll say the audience here in Chicago is as responsible for it as the bands. Chicago is a music loving, supportive city.
Are you living in Chicago now? Other than the thriving artistic scene, what are some of the city's greatest attributes?
I've always lived here so I feel like my objective perspective on it is a little skewed. I have to trust it's been a large part of my make-up as an artist. It's sort of an endless pool of influence. It's hard to pinpoint one specific thing. It's a big city but it's entirely livable. Therefore, it's attractive. Your overhead here is so much lower. Basically, it affords you the time to explore more esoteric musical avenues. That's an important fact for how that all got started here. Chicago has a long history of people migrating here and making creative music.
How do your paintings help inspire your compositions? Do those two worlds often collide? Taken together, how do the art and music worlds, and the creative processes that go along with, offer you outlets to convey your thoughts and emotions?
The Sea and Cake |
There no discernible link I've found in the process of making paintings or music. I never work on them simultaneously. Basically, both disciplines reflect my sensibility. Hopefully, where one would find the connection is if I've successfully expressed myself honestly you might be able to tell that I'd did both. Beyond that, there's really no practical correlation, except that I'm compelled to do both.
Lastly, where is The Sea and Cake heading? Is this ever going to be a full-time thing or will you maintain this sporadic, almost cult-like approach?
We're definitely planning on recording another record sooner than later, hopefully this Fall. I think another four-year break could be problematic. I think it's time for us to take advantage of the current momentum, so look for another one soon.
JamBase | Chicago
Go See Live Music!
|
