note:
I did this interview for Substream Music Press. They chose not to publish it, in favor of publishing my review of the ne Deas Vail record instead, Read that review here, if you like.
Wesley Blaylock of Deas Vail
The word "hiatus" seems to be getting thrown around a lot these days. Bands who can't get along with each other will use that word as an excuse for why they're never all seen in the same room together. Bands with writer's block, bad record deals, or who are just wanting to move on with their lives will announce a prolonged "hiatus" to their fans to explain their inactivity without committing to a full-on breakup.
Deas Vail never announced a hiatus. Eighteen months ago, they were on top of the indie-pop world, filling the most coveted of tour spots and riding the wave of Birds and Cages, their successful first release with Mono Vs. Stereo. Everywhere they went, you'd find staggeringly long lines at the merch tables, full of wide-eyed new Deas Vail fans abuzz about what they'd just discovered, as well as veteran fans who suddenly found themselves being bumped up a few cool notches for having known about them already.
Then, without announcement or ado, Deas Vail slipped into silence.
Fast-forward to October of 2011, when the band released their anticipated follow up to Birds and Cages, tastefully titled Deas Vail. Eager for fans to hear the band's latest offering, frontman Wesley Blaylock shares some insight on the creative process behind the new record and what's in store for the future.
The year following the release of Birds and Cages was pretty eventful for DV, what with touring with the likes of Copeland, Owl City, and Lydia, among others. How did all of that affect your writing process?
Wesley: I feel like we drew a lot of inspiration from being around so many great people and musicians while touring last year. The level of professionalism was really great. It probably helped us to mature as a band, more than we realize. Being on the road so much of last year posed some other writing challenges too. We had to take on the writing of the record in sections. Whenever we were home, we would be working on songs and if we had to leave for a tour, we would just pick up where we left off when we got back again.
I'm sure all the fans you gained through those tours are gald to see that yo'ure playing again. Have you been getting any feedback from fans about the new music? If so, how is it being received?
Wesley: The feedback from fans has been amazing. I can't believe how well received this album has been by our listeners. We are definitely excited about that. We try really hard to pour something meaningful into our music, which usually means we are allowing the songs to get somewhat personal. When people appreciate our music, it means a lot because the songs are analogous of our lives. All around, we feel like we have the best fans on the planet.
Well then, on that note, have you noticed any difference between the feedback from new DV fans and older ones?
Wesley: I haven't noticed a difference. We have so much support from our older fan base and they seem to be excited about the band in the same ways that new DV listeners are. I don't know how to express the gratitude we have for this kind of sustained support. We have had some tough times in this band and that has reflected our ability to release music a lot. Our fans have had to be so patient with us. Our hats are off.
So. About the record itself. You produced it alongside Relient K's Matthew Hoopes, which, by the way, rocks. Some of my best friends are Relient K lifers. Tell me a little bit about working with that guy.
Wesley: Matt was so laid back and easy to work with. He also has more gear (mostly guitar gear) than anyone I have ever met. Matt helped us to stay on track during the recording. There is so much going on, with a five-piece band, that a song can easily get "muddy" or unclear sounding. He shared our vision, which was to create an album that is tasteful and minimalistic but still has a full sound. I think we did a pretty good job of keeping the recording "honest" so that if you come to our show you will hear the songs just like we recorded them. Also, Matt was great at finding the right tones for everything we recorded. That alone is hard to do.
Tell me about some of your favorite parts of the new record.
Wesley: "Desire" is definitely a band favorite. I feel like a lot of our personalities shine through on that track.
I personally love the lyrics to "Meeting In Doorways." I don't usually do this, but I actually cried while writing that song. My grandparents, who are both in there nineties and have begun to feel their age over the past two years, inspired the song. They actually celebrated their 70th anniversary this year! Meeting In Doorways came from trying to put myself in their shoes. I was trying to catch a glimpse of what goodbye will be like for them after all these years together. It may be perceived as a dark idea, but their story is a beautiful one and a wonderful testament to love. People who know my grandparents are honored to know them (if I may brag on them a bit) and I would say that their life has been full of character, joy, and compassion. That is why the lyrics to the song are particularly special to me. The second verse uses the seasonal falling of the leaves as a metaphor for a time of passage. It is about a time when we leave this world and discover something new.
Wow. Well, I'm sure you guys are more than eager to get this music in the hands of as many people as you can. What are your plans for touring in support of the new record?
Wesley: We are out on the road through the first of November and then will be back out on the road in December. These dates will all be headlining shows, which is a new and exciting venture for us. We are currently planning out our touring schedule for next year starting in January. It sounds like we will be busy.
That's good news. Well, before I let you go - In what ways have you noticed that the band grown or progressed since you first went to work on the new record?
Wesley: The band has grown so much in the past year. I think a lot of the growth came from us being apart for around 10 months. We recorded the album and then didn't do any touring for the rest of the year. Some of us did some exploring and a few of us moved from Arkansas where the band started. All of us did a lot of things we previously hadn't had the time to do. We were able to experience some of life outside of the touring life, and it was a great change for a while. We also had to replace our original drummer Kelsey this year. He decided to get married and head back to college to finish his degree. He has successfully accomplished both of these things this year and all is well. This change in the line up led us to ask our long time friend, Wes Saunders to jump on board. Wes is awesome. It is an honor to have him in the band. After our long hiatus, we are back out on the road and doing better than ever.
-JR
