What instrumentation did you contribute on the new CD?
Guitars... electric, acoustic, songwriting, arranging, producing, water, diet pepsi, whining.
How did you prepare or what was your approach for the new CD?
Wow... I wasn’t prepared at all. When Lin snaps her fingers, things happen... NOW !! At the time I just wanted to toss her around the room... but ugh, she’s almost always right. Damn... hard to admit that one. : ) So, it was a lot of late nights working on the arrangements for the songs, fine tuning them... hallucinating the production and how each song was going to fall together and make sense. I wanted the songs to sound effortless, simple — but at the same time be sophisticated in their composition. But more importantly they had to completely compliment Linda as an artist — by being aggressive, but still very feminine.
You wrote the songs before going into the studio. Did they change any in the studio and if so, how?
The only thing that really changed anything about the songs in the studio was the short deadline we set for ourselves to finish the cd. As with all things in life, time changes everything. Your approach to the sessions is different, how you layer, perform, mix, arrange, produce, etc. The most beautiful thing about adversity though, especially with art, are the unexpected notes that come to life. Lin came up with some incredible melody lines and vocal riffs that just made your heart stop. Just beautiful — like magic!
Is it tougher to write songs for Linda to sing rather than for yourself?
I get asked that all the time. I really do. There is a huge feminine side of me that I am quite proud of. Men would call it gay. Women would call it intelligence. It’s not conceit at all... it’s that old cliche of being in touch with yourself and everything I write has always sought out the affection of a female voice. And that affection doesn’t work with just any female voice. It’s like any relationship, partnership, friendship... you’re always looking for that special chemistry that makes it all work.
I feel Linda and I are musical soulmates. And I think the reason why we work so well together is because there is no “drama”... she’s got her wonderful family and guy, and I’ve got my wonderful, wonderful girl... so when we’re
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photo by nancy stegemann |
Sure there are other guitarists or female vocalists that we could work with instead — but why does anyone stop searching and choose the one they’re with as their soulmate? I think Lin and I fill a void in each other’s heart that adores creating music.
“I’m talkin’ bout love and don’t it feel good when it’s right.” Linda wrote that lyric and that pretty much sums it all up. For as long as it may last I am grateful for this time spent with her. She is my dearest friend and I love her dearly... but that finger snapping... ugh.
Do you have preconceived ideas for everyone’s part in a song and if so, do they follow your suggestions?
Yes. I am a control freak. But that’s really the way it has to be when working for an artist. Linda literally calls all the shots and I am Linda’s songwriting partner or better said, business partner... and it is my job to keep everyone focused on the written orchestration and arrangements of her original songs... sometimes down to the dynamics in each note.
Lance, John, and Matt are by far the most professional session musicians Linda and I have worked with. Absolute, consummate professionals. Not only do they welcome direction, they do it with enthusiasm and have approached Linda’s original project passionately as part of their craft. They are emotional technicians that come to work and make everything a reality. Each are very melodic in their approach... so I wanted to leave outlets in each song where they could open up and give a little part of themselves, plus showcase each of them in the orchestrations. They are great musicians, great friends, I love them and I hope they are as proud of their efforts on the cd as we are of them.
What artists have influenced your songwriting and why?
I can’t really think of anyone “famous” that has influenced my songwriting, but there are definitely reputable people that have influenced how I approach the arrangements and production of our originals. Jim Messina is a huge influence in both. Gary Katz. There are so many... but when I’m working on a music project they are the first that come to mind.
What things inspire you when you are writing?
A good idea... story. Linda is a continuous spark. She came up with the titles for “Callin’ All the Shots”, “I Know the Difference (between a sad song and the blues)”, and “Saved My Life”... that’s all it takes to set the feminine wheels in motion. She always comes up with great situations and attitudes from a woman’s perspective. I just listen and absorb it all. Not one of these songs would have been written without her inspirations.
What are the challenges of collaborating on a song with Linda?
Time. There just isn’t enough time to fulfill all the wonderful, creative things floating around in our heads. We’re both so busy and often exhausted once we finally get together because our songwriting sessions are separate from the band rehearsals. It’s difficult trying to keep it straight and fit everything in and a constant effort to keep ourselves motivated. It helps being close friends... so even if all we do is chat about ideas, it’s never wasted time.
If one of your songs sold millions of copies, how would it change you?
It is impossible to change me. I am the poster boy for “stick in the mud”.
What were the biggest challenges and the most enjoyable moments of the recording sessions?
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photo by nancy stegemann |
This was mine and Lin’s first time working together in a studio. It’s a totally different mindset than performing on stage together because the recording is heartless about pointing out your mistakes, whereas on stage you just laugh it off. It was a great learning experience for us both and worth every penny!
It was so wonderful to see and hear Lance, Matt and John perform so well (Matt’s digital recording expertise was huge); hearing all the little nuances in Linda’s vocals and hearing all our hard work come to life in production. Every musician, artist will tell you that they could have done something better, performed better, arranged, produced better on their cd... you’re never satisfied because you’re always striving for some level of perfection. But I think we’re all very happy with this cd... and that’s really all you want to be in the end — with anything in life... is happy. : )
BO ELY CD INTERVIEWS
linda bracamonte | ema roberts | lance davis | john swanson | matt kaiser
BO ELY 2006/07 INTERVIEWS
linda bracamonte | ema roberts | lance davis | john swanson | matt kaiser
bo ely cd interview: with ema roberts, lead guitarist / songwriter
linda bracamonte — i know the difference between a sad song and the blues
linda bracamonte band | it’s all about me | where i’m at | where the boys are | talk to me
special features | photo gallery | buy my stuff | download this | say something nice | sammies: vote for me
linda bracamonte official website | www.lindabracamonte.com
ema roberts • lance davis • matt kaiser • john swanson
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