New Jersey Stage - September 2014 | Page 26

Sam (who plays in Josh Ritter’s band) helped put together a pretty stellar lineup in the studio that included Matt McCaughan (of Bon Iver) and Brad Cook (of Megafaun). My friend Gabriel Gordon (from Natalie Merchant’s band) joined us on guitar, and Katy Pinke, who I’ve been singing with since we were in college, came up to Maine for a day for the harmonies. Everybody brought a lot to the table in terms of ideas and before we’d even start recording a song there were a lot of long intense discussions about how it would come together. I was more used to recording a piece at a time and following the song where it went, but working with everybody on this record was more like drawing up conceptual blueprints first, which I think really benefited the songs and how they fit together on the record as a whole. You’ve played many big festivals and shows over the years, but what did this record release at the Mercury Lounge in New York City mean to you? Any jitters? The release show at The Mercury Lounge was a really special night. I had no idea what to expect and to walk out on that stage and see the room totally packed, and people singing along to a record that had only come out that day hit me with such a wave Musicians -- Get $50 off a Vivid purchase! High power, lightweight amplifiers and lightweight speaker cabinets. www.VividAmps.com Vivid Amps delivers the most pristine tone for your guitar or bass. Use code VAPTR1401 at VividAmps.com