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| Allen Christie : Email Interview with Allen Christie : April 18, 2006 |
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1. How do you go about songwriting? Do you write with a finish in mind? Usually I start with an idea for a hook, some catchy words or cool sounding idea, or a storey and then I just sort of have to fill in the blanks around that central theme. 2. How do you approach the recording process? I first of all like to take a song and live with it for a while just to get to know it really well. Playing it with the band alot helps to tweak the tune and kinda get a feel for what I want it to sound like recorded. I'm also a hardcore acoustic nut so I like to try and keep it as real as possible. I don't use a lot of effects and not alot of tracks. I like alot of space in the music so the less I do the better. I try to pick a variety of different sounding songs for an album. 3. What are your favorite kind of shows/festivals to play? Wow. Good question. Really, anywhere there are people, preferably nice people, who are not prone to throw things at you. Bluegrass festivals and Cowboy poetry gatherings have been really great places for us. I like playing rodeo dances whenever I can, just because the people are ready to have a good time and it gives me a chance to take in the rodeo during the day. 4. How did you hook up with Cyclone Records? It was through a friend of mine, Joey Schweitzer. He found out Brad was doing the "Heart of Alberta" album and thought that would be right up my alley. 5. You've been on two Cyclone comps, do you have plans for a full length? Brad and I are right in the middle of a full length, self titled album. Hopefully it will be released in May. 6. How important is it to you to be hands on about the non musical aspects of the 'business'? (cd artwork, promo stuff) I'm a bit of a control freak when it comes to that stuff, but if I'm comfortable with someone's work then I usually give them their head and let them do their thing. Early on because of expense, I did most of my own artwork and promo. I keep the business end of things pretty much home based. We like to ask everyone this one: List any 5 songs in your most current (last listened to) playlist. "Rolly Polly" by The Little Willys, (an old Bob Wills tune) "You Don't Know Me" Willie Nelson sings the songs of Cindy Walker.(WOW) "Half a Mile of Hell" by Ian Tyson "It Must Have Been You" Denver Daines. We're just recording this song now. Watch for this one in the near future! "Cowboy Boots" The Cruzaros |