When Drew Smith returned last year with his second LP, it showcased a stellar new band that unloaded deliciously classic pop tunes. Smith and his piano man Matt Russell have honed the sound together over the past 6 years, but Drew Smith’s Lonely Choir exploded with an unavoidable energy and charm that made the album one of last year’s sleeper hits. While Smith wears his influences proudly, it’s the kind of timeless sound that never loses its luster, and Smith’s clever songwriting stamps the songs with a savvy and intelligent playfulness. You can catch Drew Smith’s Lonely Choir live this Friday, May 8, with rising star Susanna Choffel at Lambert’s.
Profile: Drew Smith’s Lonely Choir
Year Formed:
“The Lonely Choir” was named in the studio while making the most recent record that we decided to self title, so we have been playing in this particular line-up for about a year and a half. However, Matt Russell has been playing keyboards with me for about 6 years, and Beef Beeferson has been playing bass in the band for about 3 years or so.
Members/Instruments played:
The Drew: vocals/guitars
The Muscle: piano/rhodes/organ
Smile Thompson: drums
Beef Beeferson: bass
Snake Owen: electric guitar
Shane Pitsch: trumpet
Russell Haight: saxophone
Former Bands/Side Projects:
I am in pre-production on a band project with Judson Seth Sherman - playing bass on his AMAZING songs. I also have played and written a lot with Dustin Welch. He recorded banjo and resonator on the “Lonely Choir” album, and I played guitar and sang some back-up on his latest record.
Albums (Year of Release and label):
“Drew Smith” EP - released 2003
“In the rain, In the sand, In the cold…We Will Love” LP - released 2005
“To You, From Me” EP - released 2006
“The People Sing La La La” EP - released 2006
“Drew Smith’s Lonely Choir” LP - released 2008, Viro Records
We will be recording a single this summer, and then another full project late 2009 or early 2010.
Influences:
Harry Nilsson, Van Morrison, Ray Davies, Paul Simon - and aren’t we ALL supposed to say The Beatles?
Strangest comment or comparison ever made about your music:
Most recently a publication called me “The Piano Man”. I don’t play the piano. Matt Russell takes care of that instrument.
Favorite local bands:
Judson Seth Sherman, Jeremy Nail and the Incidents, Dustin Welch, Suzanna Choffel, Dana Falconberry, Daniel Francis Doyle - and Jo Carol Pierce writes amazing songs.
Favorite local venue:
Momo’s Club has helped my band from the start, and I love playing at The Continental Club too.
Upcoming shows scheduled:
Lambert’s Downtown BBQ, This Friday, May 8 with Suzanna Choffel.
Shows over the next month that you’re excited to see:
I need to do some research - it is usually a game time, last minute, let’s go out tonight kind of decision.
Some of your favorite albums from the past year:
Ben Kweller’s new album is ridiculous good!
Ideal band (past or present) to open for on a national tour:
Who wouldn’t want to open for Wilco? They are the best band out there right now.
Austin Sound questions:
Why is your Choir so lonely?
Not real sure. When recording the song “Are you Lonely”, which is meant to be a ‘drink your sorrows away and sing out loud with a big group guys’ kind of song, it just kind of came out of my mouth and we kept it. I introduce the gang vocals at the end of the song with a shout to “THE LONELY CHOIR!” At the time, it was magical - over time, it became the name of the band and the record.
What do you think a Nilsson versus Newman deathmatch would look like, and who would win?
No matter what it looked like, Nilsson would no doubt win. This was a man from a difficult and rough past - broken family, little education, heavy HEAVY drinker. He was an unstable soul who was able to write amazing pop songs for some reason. He would probably kick Randy Newman’s ass and then find a way to write a beautiful song about it.
Song Introduction:
“Are You Lonely” - there is something about a big group of guys shouting a chorus and “bop ba da” in unison. It sounds like everyone is having a good time, and that is the point, right? I also love Ed Jurdi’s guitar solo. We talked about wanting a dry, clean tone and for the style to be straight from a 1960’s Elvis rock n roll record - he did it in one take.
Sound Off:
I am trying to write songs that are classic sounding and have good melodies. I don’t care who you are, how old, or where you come from, when you hear “Hey Jude”, you sing along. Same goes for “Cecilia” or “One is The Loneliest Number”. These are the great songs that still make it in today’s iPods and modern movie soundtracks. Partly, it is because people are familiar with these songs. However, mostly, it is because they are just great songs that new generations are still discovering and enjoying.
Mp3 from Drew Smith’s Lonely Choir:
Are You Lonely
Websites:
www.drewsmithmusic.com
Myspace
[...] with a motley crew of musician friends who don’t mind being crammed on a stage. All sorts of other media have been singing their praise and it seems I am arriving late to the party. But, better late [...]