Q&A: Nightlands Takes Listeners on an Odyssey Into His Mind and Soul With New Album ‘Moonshine’

Q&AMusic

Aug 8

☆ BY MOSES ROBERT SOZA ☆

THE SOLO PROJECT FROM DAVE HARTLEY OF THE WAR ON DRUGS – Nightlands delivers a body of work that is true to him, and unequivocally magnificent. Moonshine is the creation of music that was inspired by change, isolation, family, and the pure love of making art. To be a musician a part of such a successful band as The War On Drugs is, it seems nearly impossible to balance a solo career that stands firmly on its own two feet, but Nightlands has been doing it for over a decade. With four albums in his discography, there is plenty of music to dive into.

Hartley shared more than just information about his music — he also expressed what being human in our current state of the world looks like: how we can go through challenging times yet take the moments to stop, reflect, and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. Hartley shared that he likes to observe and listen to nature, enjoy the company of family and friends, and simply live life. His home is surrounded by a lush green landscape, and his music studio –– a restored barn –– is located on the property.

Hartley and his family also use it to hang out; his children refer to the studio as the “dancing room.” It’s a space where they listen and dance to awesome music that ranges from the Frozen soundtrack to American classics such as Steely Dan. It seems as though through belief, love, and hard work, we can create a life for ourselves beyond our wildest dreams, and that’s exactly what Hartley has done.

There is much to be proud of in terms of his personal and professional achievements. As of now, The War On Drugs has been touring tremendously, and with Nightlands’ new album, Moonshine, Hartley is on fire. Nevertheless, he knows how to cool down, and that’s with his loved ones.

Luna had a great conversation with Hartley to talk about Moonshine, family life, and what it is to be human in this sometimes chaotic world. Read our Q&A below to learn more about the multifaceted artist and his journey of making music.

LUNA: For the fans of The War On Drugs, how was Nightlands created?

HARTLEY: There is some crossover between the two, however Nightlands is pretty separate from The War On Drugs. It is an outlet for a lot of things I don’t do in The Drugs. With the band, it’s more of a team and a bunch of best friends collaborating together. If I wasn’t in The War On Drugs, I would be a huge fan. With Nightlands, I am able to explore different genres and use influences such as The Beach Boys for inspiration. In a lot of ways it’s what’s left on the table; my heart and soul.

LUNA: Was there a certain sound or vibe you wanted to create at the start of making Moonshine?

HARTLEY: I always have a list, a set of ideas to try. For example, I would try and make a song that sounds like Sade, but with no drums or guitar. However, when making music, I have sort of become my own compass, which always pulls me to a certain feeling. No matter what I do, my albums are going to be what they are going to be. I get into the studio and play certain chords and keyboards, and I follow the signs and get to where I need to be. Simply put, I follow my internal roadmap.

LUNA: Where did you record this Moonshine? How was the experience?

HARTLEY: This album spans different areas of my life. It started in Philadelphia before my kids were born. Then my family and I moved down to Asheville, North Carolina, and we bought a house with an old barn. A carriage house barn. We made it into a studio, and once that was done the album started to take shape. Having kids, it was hard at times. I also recorded and mixed the album by myself. Of course, I would have some friends and collaborators help out a bit. I’m already looking forward to making another album without the factor of isolation.

LUNA: Expanding on the creation of Moonshine, can you talk about how the writing process was for you?

HARTLEY: It was good. It’s a crazy thing, the idea of something coming about that didn’t exist before. Also knowing when to follow my instincts. Lyrically, the album has a lot of anger in it. Inspired by political quagmire. Also frustrations towards the politicians. I don’t deliberately try to write music about that, but it just pours out. It’s fun to take the anger and contrast it to the music. It comes out rather peaceful.

LUNA: The track “Down Here” is such a vibe! My favorite on the record. How did this song come to fruition?

HARTLEY: My favorite on the record as well. It’s a big achievement for me. I’m not a music theory guy — everything is by ear. On the song, the key keeps changing. It continuously modulates on a step. There are 30-something key changes. There’s a triple meaning to the song: a key that keeps modulating down, moving from Philadelphia down to Asheville, and depression. Instrumentally there’s inspiration from Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On.” Musically, the arrangement is dense and the saxophone in the song is pronounced.

LUNA: You have been touring quite a lot recently! Are there any rituals or activities you do to keep focused?

HARTLEY: I like to play pinball when I can. Sound check is earlier in the day, and there is usually a five hour gap before the show starts. It’s a weird time. I can sometimes feel anxious. Playing pinball allows me to be introverted in plain sight. I can be antisocial and social at the same time.

LUNA: One of my favorite questions to ask: What is your favorite color and why?

HARTLEY: I guess green because it’s the color of earth and nature. I’m looking outside right now and seeing butterfly bushes and spruce trees.

LUNA: As Nightlands, there are years between each album. Can you share how you look at the concept of time in terms of your work as a solo artist?

HARTLEY: Mainly because when I am doing The War On Drugs I just focus on that. I’m not writing Nightlands songs when we break. I’m part of this great American rock ’n’ roll band and my mind is tuned in. I want to be the best bass player I can be, while participating in the tradition of great rock ’n’ roll.

LUNA: Do you plan on touring Moonshine?

HARTLEY: Semi-retiring Nightlands for live. I have gotten nice invitations to play. I’m just too busy. Also, some of these tracks have 100 vocals or more. It’s hard to showcase that live. If I were to tour Moonshine, I would have a choir up front and center of 20 people singing, a drummer, and a bass player. The show would be stacked high; that’s the craft within the art.

LUNA: Do you have any fun plans for the rest of summer?

HARTLEY: Spending time with family and a zillion more concerts with The War on Drugs. I might cook up a remix album for Moonshine.

Nightlands new album Moonshine is out now.

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