The Walrus - Music With Really Big Teeth! - Exclusive Interview With Ruth Radelet of The Chromatics!

11/20/2008

Exclusive Interview With Ruth Radelet of The Chromatics!

(l-r): Photos by Robert Gil and Andy De Decker

If you have yet to get into the dark-disco sound of Portland's The Chromatics, then I have only one question for you. What the hell are you waiting for? Their music is a cinematic melange of sex, violence, mystery, more sex, more mystery, and every other cool word you can think of...so what's not to love?

Recently, I chatted with lead singer Ruth Radelet about The Chromatics recording process, their live shows, the future of the band and other top-secret stuff. Check it out:

Michael: First off, you should know that The Walrus is a really big fan of The Chromatics. However, one thing escapes me. How come you haven't played Philly yet? Do we have koodies?

Ruth: No! We definitely aren't avoiding Philly on purpose, it just hasn't worked out for us to play the East Coast yet. We concentrated on touring Europe this last Spring and Summer, and now we are taking some time off to write, so...

Ok, I can forgive you, recording new material is definitely a good reason. Speaking of which, what's up next for the band in terms of sound? Can you drop any hints about what we can expect? Is it a departure? Feel free to tell us everything!

The band is going through some changes, actually. When we re-emerge there will be a slight member shift and possibly a name change. The sound will be similar, but much has yet to be written, so there may be a few surprises!

Name change? No. No. No. No! Ok, let me regain my composure. Ok, I'm better now. So, it's great how your songs are so simple, yet so evocative. What is the process for recording songs? Do the songs start out simple or does it take a while to get to that point? Do you ever argue while recording? Can you give us some examples?

All of the songs were already written before I joined the band, so I couldn't really tell you about the writing process, but I do know it takes some time to streamline an idea, and songs may start out quite different from how they end up in the end.

I have definitely been in some arguments while recording, but I think it's just part of the process! It usually resolves itself pretty quickly. Some examples of arguments would be: "There is an 8 bar musical break between verses here." "No, it is definitely 4, are you kidding?" "You're crazy!" "No I'm not! That's the way the song goes!" "Oh wait, you're right."

I have one word for you: adorable. Now, just a few moments ago you hinted that there may be a line-up change happening soon. Is this definite? Will it affect the sound?

Well, I guess I already let the cat out of the bag! Yes, you can expect a line-up change, but not a big change in sound.

Oof. Ok, I'll remain optimistic. On the subject of live shows, although I have yet to see you guys live, I hear you are pretty awesome. Do you take a certain approach to live shows? Do you have a vision for what you'd like your live show to become in the future?

I am almost never satisfied with my own performance, so it is nice to hear that people are saying good things! In the beginning I was very nervous, because I didn't have any experience singing in front of people. So, for me, the goal has always been to get to the point where I am completely comfortable on stage, and I am a lot closer to that point now than when we first started playing shows last spring. I don't think anything we do live is too thought-out. We just try to be ourselves and give our all to the music.

That's terrific! The very next time you give it your all, make sure it's in Philly ;) Another thing I love about you guys and your label Italians Do It Better is that you give away a lot of songs for free. The Walrus has never once been asked to take any music down, and I have noticed other blogs haven't either even if its a demo version. Is it the kind of thing where the label and the artists want to invite the listeners into the process or are there other reasons?

We want our music to be accessible, and I think putting free songs out there is a great way to reach new listeners, as well as give existing fans a little something extra, like a demo or a different mix that you wouldn't find on our official releases. I think it's important to focus on the music, and how you can best share it with people, rather than worrying about losing money. And by the way, sales are good!

Wow, being generous actually does pay! Speaking of labels, the music of The Chromatics (and Johnny's other awesome band Glass Candy) has often been tagged with the term "Italo-Disco" (I am guilty of this). Do you think this is due to the fact that your record label is named Italians Do It Better? Are you guys big fans of that genre or is it a misnomer? Related question: Have you ever stared directly into Giorgio Moroder's moustache on the cover of From Here to Eternity? I almost went blind!

I think it's mostly a misnomer. We don't really consider our music to be Italo Disco, but a lot of people seem to put it in that category, probably because of our label. The name "Italians Do It Better" has definitely caused a little confusion. Some people even think we are Italian! We do like Italo, but we listen to other stuff a lot more. I don't think I have ever looked closely at Giorgio Moroder's moustache, but I do love that record cover!

Haha, yes it truly is a masterpiece! He looks like a pizza man from the future! But back to your music. The current sound of The Chromatics is very cinematic lyrically and sonically. Who are your favorite filmmakers at the moment? of the past? Do you and the guys have any desire to score films? I would be happy to put you in contact with David Fincher or David Lynch ;)

Most of my favorite filmmakers are pretty obvious. I love westerns and gangster flicks, so of course I would say Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, Brian DePalma, Clint Eastwood, Sam Pickinpah and Sergio Leone. I am not that well-versed in foreign films, but I love Frederico Fellini, Jean-Luc Godard, Jean-Pierre Melville, Wong Kar Wai and Fernando Meirelles. The cinematography in their movies is incredible! I would also have to say we are all inspired by the films of Roman Polanski. I have only seen one of David Lynch's movies (I know!), but Johnny is a long time fan of his work. As far as doing soundtracks, we are definitely open to the idea. It's just about the right thing at the right time, I guess.

Well if it ever happens, I'm sure it would be amazing! Let's talk about cover songs because you have done some great ones lately. The Boss, Dark Day, Kate Bush, etc. Are there any songs that you are dying to cover now (old or new)?

Johnny and I are both huge Neil Young fans, and we are considering covering one of his songs for our next record, but of course I can't tell you which one yet!

Son of a...ok, cool. I can wait. Ok, so the bottom line is that you are really beautiful and we all know that MySpace can get pretty seedy. Have you ever gotten any weird messages (other than mine) from obsessive fans on on there? Offers of marriage?

I think I have received one offer of marriage, but I really haven't had any creepy messages. Thank God!

Good to hear! Ok, finally, this last question is very important, and I ask that you take it very seriously. Do Italians really do it better?

Yes.

I knew it!

Well, Ruth thanks for taking the time out of your schedule to do this interview. It has been wonderful talking with you! I look forward to hearing new material and seeing you guys when you play Philly (sooner than later, I hope!)

Thanks, Michael!!

Grab two great tracks from The Chromatics below, check out some previous posts here, here and here. You can stream more great sounds on their MySpace page, and buy their records from the Italians Do It Better store.