Leatherpants: The one and only. Photo by Hollie Huthman

This month I was overjoyed to interview one of my favorites: songwriter/frontman LP, aka Leatherpants. A true believer in super loud guitars and hooky, pop-punk love songs, LP has garnered many loyal followers of his material and persona. Here is what went down when we had a chance to chew the phat…

Boris Budd: Give us an abbreviated (not really) summary of your life. The readers want to know.

Leatherpants: My father walked out of the Orange County hospital with one single thought. I just had a son. It was one in the afternoon and and the air was filled with smoke from the massive forest fire that had claimed the Californian hillside. He looked out to the horizon. The skyline on the hills was a blood red glow from the nearing fire. He then looked up at the sun. It was a deep orange giant ball of fire that seemed ominiously close. It was too dark to be midafternoon. The day I was born the sky was black and hills were on fire. It goes on from there…

BB: Is Leatherpants your real name or is there a story behind your moniker?

LP: Like all good nicknames, it starts with heathy teasing and a relatively boring story. I wore Leatherpants for awhile in the summer and hung out with these girls who had a close friend that I shared a first name with. They started calling me Leatherpants partly because they thought it funny, maybe even a little insulting. I found it amusing to introduce myself to their friends as such and it took off from there

BB: One thing I love about your work with the Holy Tailfeathers are the short explosive punk pop love songs. Discuss your influences in regard to your writing style.

LP: Dexter Romweber from Flat Duo Jets and the Etrus guitar trash from the early 90’s.

BB: What are the Holy Tailfeathers up to right now and when and where can we see you guys this summer?

LP: The Holy Tailfeathers play June 11 at Plan B with Thee Headliners and Sugar Sugar Sugar, and July 17 at the JINX Art Space with Leaders, among others. I play drums with Cherry Blossom Family Delivery every Tuesday at Plan B and we are also playing the String Band Jambo this year. Honeymoon’s Over are playing tonight but I thing we’ll play later in the summer. The Cheeps could always bust out a reunion show, same with the Party Favorites. I’m also singing a song or two with the All Nighters. And Andy Piper and I are going to do Slacks, probably, if we feel like it. Looks like a bitchin’ summer.

BB: What would your perfect evening in Bellingham constitue? Please explain in detail.

LP: Any night I’m upright.

BB: You have been around the local music scene for a long time (not to age you, you get better with time). Descibe the top three shows/events you have witnessed in town.

LP: Nirvana with Mudhoney, Jenny Lewis up at the college last year, all the Deadmoon shows, Dexter, Makers with the Monomen. I know that’s not 3.

BB: What were the best and worst jobs you have had locally and why?

LP: The worst job in town is looking for a job, which I now have a strangle hold on. I like bartending.

BB: When it’s really hot outside do you switch to Leather Shorts?

LP: I don’t really wear shorts unless it’s for comedy value. So Yes.

BB: How do you see your music career evolving in the next five years?

LP: Oh geez… Is it possible to get more awesome?

BB: Hey big fella, I’m very fond of your singing voice. How did you develop your pipes?

LP: Believe it or not I’ve never had any professional vocal training, I know what your thinking, that’s just not possible. Well I guess how I developed the pipes is by just doing it, seeing what works and what doesn’t.And believe me a lot doesn’t. After that it was just trying not to listen to myself too much on recordings because it’s really disheartening.

BB: Do you develop songs in a gradual process or does a flash of inspiration hit and BOOM, new song?

LP: Most of the time it comes to me in a flash, whether it is a riff or a chorus or maybe a verse, songs just show up when they feel like it. I also like to give myself song writing challenges where I write in a style or a time limit. Mainly the good ones are the ones that just pop out of nowhere, the ones were I feel like I didn’t actually write it at all.

My favorite song on the record was “Mental Health.” A topical look at societal issues and pressures. The song was different than the rest of the album in that it was more of a Hip Hop acousticy, Eastern European like thing with radio like quality, catchiness and provocativity if that’s a word.

On the production side, Inferno and crew are tight and professional. The only downside to the record was the extensive length; it kind of got to me after awhile based upon very similar tones and tempos. Sometimes it’s good to change things up occasionally to lift the energy of the listener I suppose. People will definitely like this record though.

Self Released

Formed in January 2010, the band sounds as tight as many veteran acts, an obvious level of comfort and confidence is evident. The ultra tight instrumentation roars like a big engine, powerful but working together in perfect unison. The highlight and hook of this band though is the explosive singer whose ferocious growling mixed with a kind of Ozzy sounding tone was really cool. This is truly exhibited in “Behind Closed Eyes,” a fabulously angry track on the ep.

Released by the Carnelian Agency
www.carnelianagency.com

Sean Meyer in all his Scary Monster glory. Photo by Juniper Jones

This month in our 11 Questions Interview I had the pleasure of sitting down with Sean Meyer aka Scary Monster, whose David Bowie Tribute band has garnished rave reviews at capacity filled local gigs. Meyer and I spoke about what it’s like to be Bowie and many of the other fabulous things he is up to these days. We had so much fun we went to 13 questions…

Boris Budd: Describe how the Scary Monster persona has developed both internally and in public.

Sean Meyer: Jeez, that’s a pretty meta question! In short, I’m a dude playing a dude being played by another dude. The Scary Monster “persona” is a take on the Ziggy Stardust persona. I enjoyed how Bowie used the Ziggy apparatus to both comment on rock stardom and indulge in it. Those kind of contradictions are interesting to me. I also once had a band mate who would “get into character” before shows which I thought that was the lamest thing ever, so now of coarse, I’m doing it too!

BB: Tell us about yourself.

SM: I am an art enthusiast! The one thing I know I have in common with David Bowie is we are huge fans of music and art of all kinds. As a kid I was way into comics and cartoons and wanted to be a pen-and-paper kind of artist. Eventually my older brother, Chris Meyer gave me a guitar and my rabid fandom latched on to music. I tried to imitate Bowie’s numerous guitar proteges. It took me almost two decades and some time at a music school to discover I’m not a very good guitarist, so I moved on to the final frontier for artistic types: movie making. I still consider myself more of a fan of movies than an actual filmmaker as can be seen in the numerous homages that tend to show up in my Trailer Wars contributions. Now I just cycle through stages of being excited about drawing, music, and movies. Oh, and I play in a Bowie tribute band, so there goes my credibility as an original artist!

BB: In terms of “Bowie” time periods, what is your favorite era for the singer and why? Please include some of your favorite songs.

SM: Of course it comes in phases. I’ll be super pumped about Lodger and the Berlin era stuff then the next day decide that my desert island album would be Hunky Dory. The time where his music became most important to me was the define-yourself-chapter of my adolescence. Bowie happened to be making darker industrial sounding music at that time (Earthling and Outside) that my best mate Brendan McCreary got me into and it just clicked for me. The reinvention aspect is always what gets me reinvested in Bowie as an artist. To a teenager that’s super relatable. Ya know, “F#!k you mom and dad! You think I’m this way? Well I’m not. I’m like THIS now!” The 90’s stuff will always be the era of his music that I love the most, though very few “hits” came out of that time. Some of my favorite Bowie songs at this second are “Life On Mars?”, “Absolute Beginners,” “Cat People (Putting Out Fire)” and “Slip Away.”

BB: Did people tell you that you had these Bowie “tendencies” or did yo always know deep down that he is who you really are or need to be?

SM: HA! No. This whole thing started cuz I have two different colored eyes and Bowie has an enlarged pupil that makes his eyes two colors so people often make the parallel. That was the kernel of inspiration. The rest is manufactured. It’s funny dabbling in the tribute/cover band side of music because I meet a lot of “impersonators” who have totally lost the plot and think they ARE who they play. It’s frightening how some of them live the character even off stage. That’s why it’s Scary Monster not David Bowie and I don’t talk with an accent on stage. It’s just a costume party. Once the mask comes off, it’s back to my normal life as plain old Whitney Houston.

BB: Are you suprised when you fill a room in Bellingham with people of all ages?

SM: I’m grateful and thrilled but not surprised. It’s really the magnetic power of Bowie’s music that fills the rooms. It helps that we don’t suck, but really it just a matter of the band and the people who come having good taste.

BB: Let’s talk about your band The Super Creeps. How has the group, and for that matter the overall performance evolved since you began the project?

SM: Pretty cracking band, eh? When this started I made a dream team list of my favorite musicians in Bellingham and tricked them all into joining! I played with Walt Burkett in a country band in Sedro-Woolley and I knew I wanted him on bass. He’s SO solid! Phil and I played together in some Loyal Sinners and Dissonics projects. Best drummer in Bellingham! I met Ken through our original guitarist Scott Green. I play with Bobby in So Adult, but have been a fan of his since high school. Kessa and Annaliese are both childhood friends of mine. Being able to cherry pick such a motley crew like this and then watch them gel over time is a fan-boy’s dream come true. They just keep getting better!

BB: Please tell us where you get all the snazzy on stage outfits?

SM: All the costumes are made with loving care by an amazing seamstress called Ell Barton. She is available for costume design and creation and can be reached at contactingbarton@gmail.com.

BB: Have you considered inviting David Bowie to a gig? Imagine Bowie, Iggy Pop and Bucketz hanging out at Plan B. Have you at least sent him a video? Please elaborate.

SM: He’s been to a few gigs. Honestly he always seems a little unimpressed. Bucketz and him get so caught up in playing Buck Hunter that I don’t think he even knows we’re playing.

BB: Where do you see Scary Monster and The Super Creeps headed in the future? I think you would be massive in Vegas or even Broadway.

SM: We are making great effort to take it to that next level. It’s easy to get caught up in all the other projects everyone in the band has, but thanks to the response of the last few shows I think we’ll be more focused on moving forward in the coming months.

BB: Tell me about some of your other musical projects. What other local bands are/have you played in over the years?

SM: I currently act as So Adult’s bassist and Joe Olmstead’s personal towel boy. I also write for a great new band that I’m super excited about featuring ex members of Connecticut Four, Brownes Condition and The Arcadians. That band will be performing live soon! I did a few years with an electro pop band in LA called Stefy. I also played guitar in Inger Lorres’ revival of The Nymphs. Loads of funny stories about those two bands!

BB: Have you ever walked down Railroad Avenue in your Bowie attire and been stopped for autographs? If no, is it something you would consider?

SM: I would be too afraid. There is something called an Insane Clown Party or something that works on Railroad Avenue and I’m pretty cool with letting them do all the public performance on that row.

BB: You are active in the Bellingham film making community. Please tell us about those endeavors.

SM: I worked on the local short “Ball’s Out” by Mikiech Nichols and Ryan Covington as well as “Donuts” directed by Chris Patton. I also participate in a monthly film festival called Trailer Wars that is very dear to me. It is a sensational opportunity for ANYONE to try their hand at movie making by creating a three minute trailer for an original film idea. Through it I have witnessed people wander in as first time media makers, sweep the festival, and inspire folks who have never made anything in their life to pick up a camera and participate.

Local artists from every medium have begun to take part and it is not uncommon to see a Bellingham music scene celebrity grace the screen. The next screening night is May 26 at The Pickford Film Center with a Best Of The Year event at Boundary Bay on the March 27. You can see how to participate and when to attend by finding Trailer Wars on Facebook, visiting the Pickford website or checking in at www.trailerwarsbellingham.org. Trailer Wars truly is my favorite thing going on locally these days.

BB: What is it like to be married to Iman?

SM: I bet it’s a real pain in the neck! HA! Get it? Cuz she’s a really tall super model and men are always complaining about their wives so it’s like a double entendre… oh never mind.

Wearing his Beatle and Shin influences on his sleeve, Orlowski reminded me a lot of solo Paul Westerberg, telling haunting rock and roll stories that are both introspective and interesting. In that vain is “Your Move,” a personal song deep with emotion that makes some nifty Bellingham references as well.The 12-song record alternates between acoustic ballads and hooky pop songs. Impeccably produced and played, Orlowski hits on all cylinders, especially with cool uses of different instruments like strings, horns, keys, etc to keep things really interesting. Other highlights include “Rivera” and “Small Is Beautiful,” which also has a cool dance remixes at the end of the record.

Happiness is Waiting contains many songs that seem to be radio friendly. It wouldn’t surprise me a bit.

Self Released
krisorlowski.com

The duo that make up the group, Lilli McGovern and Vicky Reardon can both really sing and show a lot of humor in their compositions as well, like in “Athena,” which tells the story of Athena, a strong willed woman, who claims she can get it done, whatever that may be I think. Anyway, it’s a cool song. Then they become heartfelt and deliver a fabulous ballad like “Don’t Ever Change.” A song that people can connect themselves to easily. That is the sign of good music writing indeed.

Other highlights, and there are many, is the fun “Vegetarian,” a song loaded with snazzy percussion, that neato 60’s organ again and a hysterical lyric that sings the praises of all meat products but has the protagonist wishing they could give up eating flesh until of course yielding to the reality of carnivorous desires. Funny, funny, funny.

Released on One Eyed Turtle Productions
myspace.com/honeyvs

Barrett’s vocals also mirrors that of Steve Malkmus at times, while still achieving a degree of originality, which makes them real. Some of numbers totally flip to a folk, acoustic groove, which are actually deficient in enjoyability when compared to the albums weirder stuff. For example, there are also some hip little hip hop things happening at various junctures of this record that keep the ears fresh as one often needs to change it up when throwing 24 songs at people.

Overall, the record has some small self-indulgent moments that could be considered irksome. The production snafus add to the charm of the whole thing for sure. Find and or seek out this Chris Barrett fellow. His music is quite interesting and new.

Self-Released
myspace.com/spacecowboy527

The band reverts back to their Filthy Habits style explosiveness, which to me was more punk than hard soul. “God Damn World” very well may turn out to be one of the signature songs in the band’s discography when all is said and done. It exhibits the elements that make the band so desirable to so many with classic Crider licks and antics, Diana’s big vocals and big finish as well as the killer drumming by VanBuskirk.

The Dt’s are playing at Boundary Bay on May 29. Do yourself a favor and go check them out. One time I saw them at Boundary and after a pint and a half they sounded more like Led Zeppelin than you could ever imagine. Seriously, they rock hard.

Released on Pure Vinyl
myspace.com/thedts

Ben Ballew from The Love Lights. Courtesy photo

The Love Lights. Courtesy photo

This month we have Ben Ballew, lead guitarist of the Love Lights, as our guest for 11 Questions. Ballew has lived in Bellingham since 2002, formerly playing guitar/keys for Paper Tiger (Tom Wiebe & Co.). Ben decided to place an ad for like-minded musicians, and that is how Rob Stauffer entered his life. Thus, the Love Lights began. The band has since released two full length records, annual holiday singles and a few EPs, the most recent being The Walkaround Pt. II. Ballew’s style offers original, eclectic licks that tip their cap to sounds of the past, including his obvious love of the 60’s, R&B, and The Beatles.

1. Boris Budd: Tell us about yourself. What’s your background?

Ben Ballew: See: TMNT – Secrets of the Ooze for The Love Light’s historical documentary.

2. BB: It’s noted on the band’s website that its main influences are numerous local eateries. If breakfast, lunch and dinner and dessert from local restaurants were on me, what would you pick?

BB: Having eight people of various preferences (vegetarian, etc.) makes agreeing on food a bit difficult. Here’s our compromise: Breakfast: Pizza Pipeline Trixy Stix Omelet; Lunch: skip lunch in order to practice because we don’t practice consistently enough to earn a lunch break on days of shows; and Dinner: That tiny pierogi place downtown. Extra sour cream please. Drinks at McKays?

3. BB: You noted that one of your other activities is being an English teacher. Does it bother you when Rob brings lyrics to the practice room with spelling and/or punctuation errors?

BB: To be quite honest, I’m probably responsible for any grammatical issues in the lyrics; Rob is much more conscientious in his writing and process. I’m much more pragmatic: if it gets the job done, use it.

4. BB: Tell us about your love of the Beatles and everything “Fab.” When did you become enamored with the group?

BB: The Ballews have always been Beatles fans and always will be. It’s innate. We might not look alike, and some are surlier than others, but it’s our shared love for the Fab Four that unites us.

5. BB: If you could purchase any guitar on earth what would it be and why?

BB: A big, old Gretsch hollowbody. Even in my dreams, I’m not picky about the model. See question #4, though.

6. BB: What are some of the greatest (most fun, memorable) shows you ever played and witnessed in Bellingham over the years?

BB: Opening for PUSA & U.S.E at WWU were pretty memorable. We’ve had a few good shows at the Nightlight as well. Sometimes we get nostalgic about Chiribin’s.

There are also some terrible shows that stick out: playing to two people in one of the dorms at Western (one of whom practiced his light saber moves in the corner, oblivious to the concert). That was a low point. See question #3 for further information.

7. BB: What can we expect from the Loves Lights and Ben Ballew in the next five years?

BB: Team Honey (full album, summer/fall 2010). We’re also discussing a focus on recording and releasing smaller EPs much more frequently. Think Paul McCartney in the 1970s.

8. BB: Do you and Stauffer write songs together, ie write each other hooks, etc ala Lennon and McCartney or is it a different thing that makes it all go?

BB: Usually, I’ll demo an idea and email it out. The rhythm section criticizes it into shape, while the horns disregard most of the discussion and process and come up with something entirely different. It is always an improvement. It’s a little more democratic than the Lennon/McCartney dynamic.

9. BB: Can you discuss some of the more interesting conversations that have (or have not) taken place in the van during a Love Lights tour or road trip?

BB: TLL has not really done the perfunctory road trip. We’ve played in some strange places (on a half-pipe), but never far enough way to necessitate a bus; however, there are plenty of LOST-centric discussions anytime we get together. Those get pretty weird. If you know nothing else about the Love Lights, know this: TLL loves it some LOST.

10. BB: Where are you leaning these days in regard to music, sports and entertainment during your leisure time?

BB: What leisure time?

The Sounders are looking good this season. The World Cup starts soon.

11. BB: Where do you hope to see your songwriting style evolve as you continue your development as a songwriter?

BB: Up to this point, our songwriting has been pretty pedantic. I think we’re getting closer to writing songs that really reflect our more inane interests or influences. In other words, expect to hear more “Rocky Raccoon,” rather than “I Want to Hold Your Hand.”

Acoustic with electric overtones the first song (which I will call Track 1 for all intensive purposes) tells the story of what could, would or may have been for the protagonist, (i.e. singer). The singer has a nice voice, although he sounds a little depressed.

The other song on the CD, which I will creatively call track 2, was more of the same kind of thing, a duet with nice clean guitars and lyrics of love, loss, hope, etc., familiar territory for all of us. The cool thing I also noticed was the singer’s voice was this neat mix of Jeff Tweedy from Wilco and David Cassidy of The Partridge Family (one of the greatest TV shows ever). Not bad company. Check out Sanoma when you get a chance. I’d be intersted in hearing more of their material.

Self Released
myspace.com/sonomamusic