Q&A: Facing Mortality with Grace, Pigeon Club Reflects on Loss in "Ancient History"
LIFE IS A FLEETING MELODY, a poignant mix of joy and sorrow played out against the backdrop of time's relentless march. Los Angeles-based musician Pigeon Club captures this bittersweet essence in his latest single, "Ancient History." This cinematic indie-folk epic transcends the boundaries of a typical song, transforming into a deeply personal exploration of loss. Sparked by the passing of a close friend and the approaching farewell to a beloved grandmother, "Ancient History" confronts mortality with grace, weaving a tapestry of grief, acceptance, and the enduring power of memory.
We had the chance to chat with Pigeon Club and delve deeper into the creative process behind the song. We explored the upcoming album Another Year In The Minors, and the influence of esteemed collaborators like John Would and Amy Wood.
LUNA: “Ancient History" explores themes of loss and the passage of time, sparked by your grandmother and a close friend. How did these experiences shape the song's narrative and emotional core?
PIGEON CLUB: I actually started writing this song a couple of years ago. My grandma was in her mid 90s, and seeing as how we lived on opposite ends of the country, I knew that realistically I only had a handful of visits left with her. So I had her in mind with the opening line “stop and say hello to our nearly dear departed.”
The song felt a little too morbid at the time, so I put it back in the To-Do pile. But early last year my high school best friend/bandmate Patrick passed away unexpectedly and suddenly the song felt very relevant. I finished off the lyrics on the plane and we were in the studio a few days after I got back from his funeral.
The music video came together pretty quickly too, right after my grandma passed away in January. So this song has been really healing to work on.
LUNA: The song is described as a "cinematic indie-folk epic." Did specific films or visual imagery influence the song's atmosphere or storytelling?
PIGEON CLUB: Speaking of morbidity, I have this nasty habit of thinking about death a lot. I always have. Anyways, there’s this shared phenomenon amongst people who have had near death experiences, in which they see a lifetime’s worth of memories in an instant. That’s what the song’s outro reminds me of.
I think we did a good job of capturing that sort of poignant, melancholic and nostalgic vibe in the video. My aunt had filmed hours of tape when my grandparents moved out of their first home in 1997, so I combed through that, and my friend Victoria was able to put together a really moving piece.
LUNA: "Ancient History" blends the sounds of Neil Young, Andy Shauf, and The Beatles. How did you weave these influences together to create the song's unique sonic tapestry?
PIGEON CLUB: Early last year Neil Young put out a film about the making of his album ‘Harvest,’ and this was of course on the heels of the Beatles ‘Get Back’ documentary. Both of those films are like superhero movies for me, seeing these guys create timeless works of art in front of your eyes. So when it came time to record this song, I really wanted to track live, together in a room, and capture an actual performance.
LUNA: Collaborating with Grammy winners John Would and Amy Wood, you achieved an "expansive sound." Can you describe your creative process with them in building this sonic landscape?
PIGEON CLUB: John and Amy are the best. We have a great working relationship, mainly because we get along so well. They’re two of the best friends I’ve made since moving to LA and we just genuinely enjoy making music together, so the process is incredibly easy.
I did have to convince John that the chromatic string part would work…I think I eventually convinced him. He didn’t mute it in the mix, at least.
LUNA: Working with such esteemed producers can be both inspiring and challenging. How did Would and Wood elevate "Ancient History," and what did you learn from the experience?
PIGEON CLUB: I’ve learned so much from them both. Amy is truly a centering presence, and for as relaxed and easy-going as she is, she’s also a perfectionist. She wants to come up with The Part, and then really nail it. And she always does.
John is just a natural song maker. When I started showing him my timid folk(ish) songs, he was the one to hear what they could be and to encourage me to get a little more adventurous. And of course he’s always there with a hooky riff to tie things together.
LUNA: "Ancient History" is part of your upcoming album Another Year In The Minors. How does this song thematically connect to the broader concept of the album?
PIGEON CLUB: There’s a fair amount of loss in these songs, loss or losing.
LUNA: As someone who frequently collaborates with other artists, did these experiences influence your creative approach on Another Year In The Minors?
PIGEON CLUB: Sometimes when I’m writing, I find it easier to write with other singers in mind. For instance, when I was originally writing “Ancient History” I was envisioning my friend Justine Bowe singing it. I recently played bass on her project Photocomfort’s hopefully-soon-to-be-released album (as well as the debut album for her band Hex GF), and I just adore her voice and musicality.
LUNA: The title track of the album is kind of my version of an Aimee Mann song, who’s another musician I really admire.
PIGEON CLUB: I’m sure that subconsciously this is all tied to me working primarily as a sideman, and perhaps having an easier time realizing ideas when I envision them as vehicles for other artist’s egos as opposed to my own (which I can assure you does exist). But that seems like a job for a therapist to unpack, and who has the time?
LUNA: With "Ancient History" setting the tone, how would you describe the overall sound of Another Year In The Minors? Can we expect a similar melancholic beauty or a broader sonic exploration?
PIGEON CLUB: There are a few heavy and bittersweet songs on this record, which I guess ultimately is a bit of a breakup record. But I think there’s a healthy balance between the heavy and some lighter toe-tappers. Well, ya know, mid-tempo toe-tappers.
LUNA: What intentions do you have for the upcoming season?
PIGEON CLUB: I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of a bunch of great projects that are about to cross the finish line, including Amy Aileen Wood’s debut record which is out in May, and upcoming records from frequent collaborators Tyler Ballgame, Sam Small, and Nini Fabi. So with any luck we’ll be playing those songs for people. And I suppose I’ll find time to release my record at some point.
