Ex Red House Painter Jerry Vessel talks about his new album and more

Hi Jerry, how are you today and what is the view like? 

I am rather neutral at present; today is Sunday and it has been perfectly uneventful. The view is typically my attempting to find moments of optimism to take me from one point to another. I have too many objects in my house; little time capsules of stuff I need to organize or get rid of; I need to have a yard sale.
 

I have to start with you telling me previously that “Gorky's Zygotic Mynci; are your favourite Welsh band; perhaps your favourite band period”….  Why?

I met Euros Rowlands (former GZM drummer) in London around 1998; we were staying in the same hotel. When I arrived back home I bought a copy of 'Barafundle.' I fell in love with it immediately. I love the breadth of their collective vision. They were exotic to me. I love the whole trip that Euros Childs is on with Richard James and John Lawrence; it seems there was simply too much talent to be kept under the GZM umbrella. Gorky's, Deerhoof, Arab Strap and Guided by Voices all occupy a special place in my head and heart.

Do you consider the new album the ‘Down at the 5-Star’ to be a natural progression from ‘Forever the Moon’ or are they totally separate pieces of work?

I consider 'Down at the 5-Star' to be a natural transition; for whatever reasons, I had a bunch of songs come my way in 2010. I am sitting on a back-catalogue of songs from that period that I hope to turn into another album or two.

Down at the 5-Star is described by your record label as “Chamber Americana”, how would you describe your music for people that have not heard your albums?

'Chamber Americana' is a description I first read in a review by music writer Jeremy Searle. I thought it to be appropriate. I simply give a CD copy to anyone I'd like to have listen.

Is there a process you follow or a place you have to been to start creating a song or, is it just when an idea occurs? What comes first, melody or lyrics?

If I am well rested I am able to work on music. I tend to write words separately from music. When I have a musical idea I like, I try to find some words to sing along. Rarely does a melody come first. I don't like to write words with a melody in mind; it fucks up my process; I don't want meter or a melody to hinder the words that may fall to paper or to fuck with my folk-art mood... I usually write at my kitchen table; I have one sweet song titled 'Sally Ann' that I wrote while driving and a few things I've written in motels, etc.

 The Album covers of the two Heirlooms of August records are remarkably different. What was the idea behind the cover of the new record? 

I searched so hard for the best art-work I could find. The local photographers here mostly focus on weddings, graduations, etc... I found Heather Polley after much searching at the Bay Area Photographer's Collective. The band name 'Heirlooms of August' comes from the tomato plants I had growing at a time when I needed a band name. Heather's photography really stunned me; they are Polaroid shots using 'fade to black' film. I love that produce is featured; radishes, cabbage, oranges; a butterfly and antique bottles. On the back cover there seems to be a monkey in white make-up peering into the antique bottle; I have no idea what that is. I love that the blue is so dark it seems to be fading to black; Check out Sanchez Cotan.

Are the songs on the new record real life tales or are there any particular stories you would like to share around any of the songs on the album?

'Jerusalem Ridge' is mostly fictional. The other songs are more actual.

Frances Everett appears on the album with some sweet singing, how did she come to be on ‘Down at the 5-Star’?

I found her by coincidence; she may be found as 'coffeescup' on YouTube 

15 Years bassist with The Red House Painters, was that a good apprenticeship for your solo career?

I have been in a bunch of bands; RHP being the only one to, sort of make it above ground; barely.

I was in a band called 'Six Eye Columbia' for a few years. The main songwriter (Josh Pollack) had some really strong ideas and bass parts; he had a great music head for every aspect of his musical vision. Being in that band challenged me to play much more aggressively than I would typically play. I suppose that all the bands I've played in have made me consider my role. I'm not quite in a band anymore; simply with an informal group of people I like working with.

You seem to shun social media, is that correct and don’t you think it is a necessity for music promotion these days?

The main reason I don't have a website or social media accounts for the band is that I simply don't want to have more bullshit to consider. I have tried to find the right person to set up a website; haven't found them. I am aware of Bandcamp; I will likely set up an account there at some point.

With so much great music out there, do you think there’s always room for more - unless you’re very different, do you think there’s a danger of overload at the moment?

I love searching the airwaves and any avenue to find music that will stun me. I don't often find it. I am forty-nine now and my perspective has changed. I prefer to listen to music by myself; it is all mine that way. Sometimes I listen to music I can't stand over and over just to make sure I haven't overlooked some aspect of it.

Bands/performers that I presently loathe include but are not limited to: Sufjan Stevens, Mumford and Sons, Devandra Banhart, Iron and Wine, Civil Wars, et al. I have tried to find something or anything in each of them to compel me; but they are all poison to my ears.

I love the Felice Brothers- they are raggedy; they are minstrels and buskers; their songs make me think about being in this small town; they write poetically and simply. I like Lupe Fiasco's whole trip.

What music are you listening to on the car stereo or at home these days?  

An album by Julian Summerhill titled XIV Songs; that one is in my car. I found a vinyl copy of the David Grisman album 'Mondo Mando' at an antique shop a few days ago; that one has been on my record player ever since.

Is there any other artist or band you would like to collaborate with if you got the chance?

I am hopeful about working with Julian Summerhill and Bruce Kaphan in December or at some time. We met up last Sunday for a great Japanese meal and conversation about possible studio plans. 

Do you have any plans for any live shows around the album?

I want to post a few live videos at YouTube ; I just bought a new guitar so I am anxious to use it in some way soon...

Can we just spend sometime discussing your time in RHP; how did you end up being in Red House Painters in the first place?

I was in a band around 1988 or so. I went to a show in San Jose, CA with our guitarist Kevin, to see The Replacements. I picked up a local weekly that had an ad for a band looking for a bass player.

What compelled you to respond to the ad?

The ad was written in such a way that made me curious about what they had going on. I was young and bored and restless and looking for something new.

What was your initial meeting with Mark and Anthony like?

It was casual. I was with my girlfriend. We arrived at Mark's apartment on Washington Street, listened to their demo. The music and lyrics intrigued me.

When did you officially join the band?

The first time I rehearsed with the band, Anthony told me I could leave my gear in their storage space; I suppose that was the day.

You are credited as co-writing the song 'Helicopter' on 'The Bridge' album; how did that take place?

I brought a three- chord progression into the rehearsal studio one afternoon; Mark changed the time signature and made a song of it.

Just what was it like being in RHP?

It was generally a good experience; being in the band took me to San Francisco as a resident. I had never lived in a city before. Anthony, Mark and Phil are and have been very special people to me. I wish we had toured more and broke into the mainstream; like Flaming Lips or something. 

Do you miss living in San Francisco?

I do! There are places like ' Tadich Grill' I never visited. I miss having the baseball park within walking distance. If I moved back to San Francisco tomorrow, I could be in a new band by the end of the month. I miss the vibrancy; there is always something to take in.

I hope you have enjoyed reading the interview by Susan James with Richard Buckner we ran recently (Here); what are your general thoughts about Richard Buckner and his music?

I love Richard Buckner's approach; he seems to do what he must in order to make his art. He has some words that I like; I love that song 'Town.' There is a vagueness to it I quite like. I would like to attempt to write a song like that; meandering and esoteric; maybe as an exercise in writing. I think he works diligently to express himself; that is the same thing I attempt; so much respect to him.

Heirlooms of August Albums are HERE