3/9/2005

MP3 Download: Emily

Once again we have another promising artist emerging from the Seattle pop scene, under the mentorship of Shane Tutmarc (Dolour) we find Sameer Shukla quickly climbing up the singer / songwriter ladder with his blend of pop and garage rock. After recently finishing up his debut full-length we had a chance to ask him a little about his music.

Allalom Productions: Welcome to ALLALOM! So how has the response been to you, as an artist, in Seattle?

Sameer Shukla: It has been a complete atmosphere of support and encouragement.  People like John Richards and Sean Nelson have been very positive towards my recent effort.  For not having a label, a lawyer, or any kind of "formal" representation, the response I have gotten is something I'm really happy with.

AP: What kind of music are you currently listening to?

SS: Right now I'm listening to the new Dolour record, U.S.E., The Beach Boys, Weezer's 'Pinkerton', and most of all:  The Strokes.

AP: When did you decide you wanted to start performing music?

SS: When I saw the movie La Bamba.  That was the fisrst time I ever knew I wanted to play guitar.

AP: You recently finished up your sophomore album, have you found a label yet to release it?

SS: Well, it's my first full-length.  I did do an EP before, but this new record is what I would consider my debut effort. As for the label thing, I don't have one as of yet, but it is something I'm actively pursuing.  It's a weird place to be in, because I haven't done any touring, and that's the main thing that most indie labels look for.  And it's a catch-22, because I would love to spend most of my life on the road, but I don't think it's a smart idea to tour a record that you can't even buy. If, in a few months time there isn't label interest, I'll just self-release it because I'm dying to get it out.

AP: Are there any artists that truly inspired you while you were writing this album?

SS: My biggest inspiration was Shane Tutmarc, bar none.  My idea of songwriting was completely changed by working with him.  He was one of the first people to show me the "craft" of songwriting by giving me encouragement and advice.  Ever since our first meeting, my whole approach to songwriting differed in a very, very productive way. Other than that, I really tried to study a couple of my favorite writers' melodies. The main one would be Julian Casablancas of The Strokes.  He has the ability to write simple, catchy melodic lines that are instantly recognizable.

AP: How do you normally write your songs, is there a set process or is it different for each one?

SS: It usually starts with a lyrical idea or phrase that sums up a point or idea I'm trying to express.  Other times I'll be fooling around with a chord progression for a while, and a melody will just hit me, sometimes at the most random times.  Once I've got a general idea for a melody or lyric, I usually try to write the song in one sitting.

AP: Where did you record?

SS: The entire record was recorded at my house in Ballard on Pro-Tools.

AP: Why did you choose home recording over a professional studio?

SS: There are just so many reasons.  The main two are money and comfort.  The studio can create an atmosphere that is not really catered to creativity.  Home recording provides a space where you can try out new ideas without pressure.

AP: Would you do it again?

SS: I'm actually planning on getting Pro-Tools and producing my next record.  I want to play every instrument on it, too.  I've got about four songs ready, so we'll see how it'll go.

AP: What was the recording process like?

SS: It was a ton of fun.  We would lay the basic structure of songs down to a click-track and then added each instrument around that.  All of my roommates are musicians, so it was a blessing to constantly have five differing opinions on songs we were working on.  Also, the fact that we did the album at home really created a productive atmosphere of calm and comfort that isn't always present in recording studios.

AP: Why did you use Shane Tutmarc (Dolour) as your producer?

SS: Shane was a guy who I've always had a great amount of respect for, and is someone I have total musical trust in.  As a producer, he is able to showcase the strengths and potential of any given songwriter.  We're also really good friends, so it just seemed natural to have him do the album.

AP: Where do you want to be in ten years?

SS: Making records and touring.

AP: If you were not performing music, what would you like to do?

SS: My dream job would be an America's Most Wanted re-enactment actor.  Everyone thinks I'm kidding when I say that, but those dramatizations look like so much fun.

AP: If you could perform in any decade – when would it be?

SS: Without a doubt: The Sixties.

AP: Why the Sixties?

SS: The Beatles and The Beach Boys.  It just seemed liked such a great time for creativity.

AP: Has there ever been a concert or performance that just blew you away - and why?

SS: Yes. I saw Brian Wilson do "Smile" in San Francisco.  There are too many reasons why it was amazing.  But just to see this guy perform his masterpiece after years of struggle and hardship was really, really inspiring.  It gave me faith in the human spirit.

AP: What is your opinion on the current independent music scene?

SS: It seems to be getting stronger by the day, and it's so great to witness.  I think technology has put all the power back in the hands of musicians instead of bureaucrats.

AP: OK, a couple random questions: what is your favorite food dish?

SS: Chana Masala and Rice.

AP: Favorite film of 2004?

SS: Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind

AP: Favorite drink?

SS: Chocolate Soy Milk

AP: Favorite city to visit?

SS: Walnut Creek, California

AP: Thank you for your time, we wish you the best on your musical future.

SS: Thank You.


Learn more about Sameer and his debut album at sameershukla.com