the elliott issue: interview with joey cape

Could you talk a little bit about how the acoustic project came about?
Well, I have always made demos with an acoustic guitar, so some acoustic version of every song I have
written over the years most likely exists. It's just something I enjoy as juxtaposition to the heavy band
versions. This record is an opportunity to release songs first as acoustic versions. They are all new songs.
Who knows? Maybe I'll record them later with bands. I have friends who have record labels. Some have
expressed some interest in an acoustic record from me. My friend Bjorn owns a record label in Sweden called
Bad Taste records. I asked him or he asked me. I can't remember. But the idea was real once we spoke.

Do you think the acoustic LP with Tony Sly gave you the drive to pursue a full-length effort and
subsequent tour?
Yeah. I wanted to make an actual full-length solo record. I have since considered that split to be a bit of a
cop-out. The songs were covers and I only had to record six. Also, I had everyone I know play on it. I play
everything on the new one and I have recorded nearly twenty songs. It's been a huge undertaking and I feel it
is officially my first.

What was the overall reaction to the split LP: both the experience personally and from your fan base?
The split was surprisingly well-received. I did have fun making that record. I regret that Tony and I weren't
more interactive or didn't collaborate.

On your MySpace blog, you mention always wanting to complete an acoustic album and tour. Did
some of your early musical influences and experiences help develop this idea? If so, how?
I have been a huge fan of acoustic artists. I was inspired by the low-fi/low-budget stuff like Elliott Smith's
early records. That was proof that anyone could afford it. Whether or not it was brilliant like Elliott was
another issue, but it was a green light. I was always into Simon and Garfunkel growing up. Playing music in
an acoustic setting just makes sense to me, although, I have some practicing to do. I'm not very comfortable
with the idea of sitting in front of people by myself.

There seems to be a "raw" quality to both punk music and the idea of doing a stripped-down
acoustic album. How are these are related both emotionally and musically?
I guess they both share certain intensity and integrity. Dynamically, they are very different but a stripped
down version of a song can be more dynamic and way more intense to my ears. They are similar in that both
punk and acoustic are very honest approaches.

Do you think a project like this changes the musical and critical perception of punk music?
Yes. To some punks, it is not punk and punishable by death. Others love it. You definitely get a different
insight to the songwriter in an acoustic recording. You may have missed something in a punk version. I think
most people who enjoy what I have done will appreciate my acoustic recordings.

Does a project like this show the true depth and versatility of punk music (both musically and
lyrically)?
The subtleties are more visible, so some people will hear better depth, but it is actually an easier way to
communicate a message or an emotion. I actually believe a song has to be a better song to shine as a punk
song. Acoustic recordings have a big advantage in the "cake icing" of subtlety and nuance.

Does a project like this open your music up to a different fan base? Does that excite you as an artist?
I hope so. Yeah, I think of a lot of songwriters and producers I enjoy. I would be thrilled if some like Chris
Walla or David Bowie were to appreciate my stuff. I don't have any delusions though. It's a self-indulgent
process and is best suited that way.

When touring, would you consider different venues for a certain sound quality?
I am guessing I will be either playing coffee houses or very small venues. It doesn't matter to me. It all sounds
terrifying.

What differences are you expecting from touring solo versus touring with a band?
I imagine it will be lonely on stage. To be honest, I plan to bring a friend or two along for a while. Most of
what I do will benefit from more instruments.

Tell us a little about your personal songwriting process. Do you approach writing songs differently
now versus seventeen years ago?
The process is more refined maybe, but it's basically the same. I always have a melody in my head and I pick
up an instrument to give it a bed. Hey that's not a bad line. Wait, yes it is.

Are there any other musical avenues or areas you are interested in exploring?
I would really love to score. I am always hoping someone will approach me to score an indie. I would do it for
free just to have the opportunity. That is a competitive business.

Being a part of so many and diverse projects (like Bad Astronaut, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes,
and The Playing Favorites), are you compelled to always try something new?
Yes. I am a musician and I don't have that gang mentality. I make music and life is short. I want to create as
much as possible before I lose my muse.

When writing a song, does this new acoustic/solo approach differ from the collaborative aspect of
working in a band?
Definitely. It is pure art. I don't think collaboration is at all the same as one person's effort. The outcome is a
collective, sometimes convoluted sound. There is something to be said for collaboration and its benefits, but
sitting alone in a room for hours on end brings out true expression. Either that, or insanity.

How does the personal satisfaction in a project like this differ from a full band experience like
Lagwagon or The Playing Favorites?
There seems more at stake somehow, but it is far more rewarding.

Is this process more cathartic when you do it alone rather than as a collaborative effort?
That is one of the greatest words to describe it. I have always thought so.