| "We're not really
good at interviews; we're not used to it," admits guitarist Michael Swann.
On the contrary, Swann and singer/guitarist Rodney Reaves are as sincere
and candid in conversation as they are on Music on Plastic, their
TVT debut. With their "think melody, not licks" approach, the alt-rock
outfit, conceived five years ago in Birmingham, Alabama, melds the sounds
of the Beatles with Americana to produce heartfelt songs that the everyday
people can enjoy. |
 |
| When did you
start playing guitar? |
| Swann:
I was 15 year old. I had wanted to play guitar since 3rd grade. |
| Reaves:
Eighteen years old, but I grew up wanting to play. |
| Swann:
What kid doesn't want to learn how to play guitar? |
|
| What was the
first riff or song you ever learned? |
| Swann:
"Sweet Talkin' Woman" by ELO; but I had to stop mid-way because it had
a barre cord! [Laughs] |
|
| How do you approach
songwriting? |
| Reaves:
I write music first on acoustic, and then I add whatever it needs lyrically
for the mood of the song. |
| Swann:
I think Rodney draws from his daily experiences. It's a very personal way
of writing, but it seems universal. Just about everybody can relate to
it. |
|
| Is there anything
you struggle with on guitar? |
| Reaves:
I wish I understood it more. Writing is the only time I really improve,
because when I hear something in my head, I want to play it on the guitar. |
| Swann:
I'd like to improve as a song-writer. I always say, "I write songs, but
I refuse to write a good one." [Laughs] |
|
| What was your
first gig? |
| Swann:
It was at The
Nick in Birmingham, Alabama. In fact, that's how we got our name. The
lady at The
Nick named us because we just hadn't put any thought into it. She asked
Rodney what his middle name was, and he said, "Wayne." So we put it up
on the billboard, and it's never changed. |
|
| Where do you
hope to be 5 to 10 years from now? |
| Swann:
To be extremely over-rated...and extremely over-played on the radio." [Laughs] |
