Russell Chapa of Chapa, did an email interview with me in June/06.
Maytina: How did you hook up with Deacon, Emil and Adam?
Russell: Deacon and I have been playing together for years. We were in a band back in Texas called OJO. We did rather well playing in and around Texas. I met Emil and Adam thru an ad I posted on Craigslist. They both answered an ad for a Cellist Adam really liked the music and responded by saying, I don't play cello, but I know I can add something to the sound. The rest is history.
Maytina: You've used the term 'experimental storytelling' to describe what you do. Can you explain a little about the storytelling within your songs?
Russell: Experimental Storytelling is essentially experimental folk. In the sense of the stories, but with non traditional folk music. So that's where the experimental part comes in. The stories are all very personal, sad, happy, etc.
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Track#7, From Your Cloud, is a song I wrote for my father who passed away in my arms. This song was him speaking to me and my way of dealing with the guilt and sadness that comes with such of an experience. Track#3, Edna's Thrill, is a true ghost story from my past A story of 3 boys asking too many questions and getting frightening answers from an Ouija Board Track#2, Only Me, is a story from the perspective of a 40 yr old mentally retarded boy in search of his mother who had abandoned him as an infant.
Maytina: How did the recoding come together for A Buyer's Ride?
Russell: A Buyer's Ride came together in pieces. Most of the tracking was done here in Los Angeles. Drums, cello, acoustic guitars, vocals, samples, characters, etc. Then the rest of the tracks were recorded in Texas, peddle steel, guitars. The album was also mixed and mastered in Texas as well. The process was slow but very creative and rewarding.
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Maytina: I can't even imagine the saturation of musicians in Los Angeles, what is the independent music scene like there?
Russell: The music scene here in LA is very diverse. Although, I've found it incredibly difficult to find our place here. Our sound is very much our own, and finding other acts to play with has been a struggle. But as a scene, I really can't complain. It's everything that I had hoped for when moving out West.
Maytina: How do you feel you fit within that community? (if at all)
Russell: I'm fitting in quite well now. It's taken more than 3 yrs to develop a buzz here. It takes at least that much time for most artists/bands to get something rolling. We have been finding most of our fans playing art galleries or festivals. That seems to be the crowd that is interested in our sound.
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Chapa and Emil
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Russell on label support
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'I hear so many people say that label support is not necessary for independent artists any more. Well, I truly don't feel that way. Yes, I'm looking for label support. Sure, artists can do everything themselves by selling their music, promoting, marketing, etc. But it's extremely difficult to pull this off without the help of a label or manager.'
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Maytina: Are you looking for label support? What are you looking for in a label?
Russell: I hear so many people say that label support is not necessary for independent artists any more. Well, I truly don't feel that way. Yes, I'm looking for label support. Sure, artists can do everything themselves by selling their music, promoting, marketing, etc. But it's extremely difficult to pull this off without the help of a label or manager. I'm speaking for myself of course, but my time is very precious, and I still have to pay the bills like everyone else. So having a label would allow me more time to be creative and push forward this vision. Not to mention, doors seem to open more freely with this clout. I'm looking for an independent label that is well versed in creative artists. A label with vision to see past the Norm of today's music.
Maytina: How important is it to you to be hands on about the non-musical aspects of the band? (fliers, web design, cd artwork)
Russell: It's very important to be apart of the creative process in all forms. At this point, I really don't have much of a choice. We do have a manager who helps guide us, but as independent artists, we still are all over those tasks. It's a labor of Love of course. With that said, I would still be hands on with everything. It's all about the vibe that you create. The music is only a small fraction. You still have to create an aura that surrounds the sound. The artwork is vital to create a visual for the sounds.
Who are some of your favorite local bands to play shows with?
Russell: The Peculiar Pretzlemen, Short Mouse, Jon Patrick Foshee. All of these guys are amazing and original.
Maytina: What do you hope to achieve with Chapa?
Russell: My dreams and ambitions are too big to really go that deep lol But my ultimate goal is to be able to share my love with the world. My experiences, my failures, my passions. Everyone can relate. And with this, I know I can survive as an artist. Because that is what keeps us going. The feedback from others. Good or bad, it's a response. The financial aspect is very important as well, but it doesn't drive you as a true artists. That's the cherry on top.
Pick up the new Chapa disc at CD Baby
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