Q&A: The Gloomies
Photos By Rebecca Burns & Andy Craig
IT'S SURF ROCK DESPITE THE GLOOMY NAME - it's the music of The Gloomies that'll you capture your ears instantly. Created by musician Andy Craig, The Gloomies finds their roots in the Southern California surf rock scene, with influences like Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Ariel Pink, and Lana Del Rey. The group spent the past year across the country from their base to record new music in New York, with the resulting debut LP Romance. The band just released their latest single "Sick Like You",which serves as a perfect tester for the upcoming project. Below Craig speaks to the creative process behind the LP, the evolution of their sound and plans for the end of the year.
LUNA: What are the some of the main ways you see Southern California vs. New York affecting your music?
CRAIG: It seems like when I’m in New York I write happier songs, which is funny because thats the complete opposite of what its like. But this record there is no difference really, its about a state of mind, and my mind is always in both places. I love the beach but I love the craziness of the nonstop lifestyle out here in New York.
LUNA: Do you find yourself having a common theme when it comes to writing?
CRAIG: I think a common theme for me is always past loss and with that comes nostalgia. But when I’m writing or playing music I’m just searching for peace of mind. I guess a lot of time that’s summer in California for me. Or winter in California. Fall and Spring in New York always remind me of winter in California.
LUNA: With the music you've been working on the past year, how does it compare to that of your previous music sonically?
CRAIG: We’ve been a lot more experimental with the new music, but it’s a more complete picture of what I had imagined The Gloomies would be when I first started the band. We’re trying to mix surf and jazz style guitar work with electronic elements into something thats beat driven like a hip hop record.
LUNA: Can we hear a bit more what the creative process has been like for you the past year? Does it differ from your process before?
CRAIG: For a while I was giving my songs to friends and having collaborators more involved but now its kind of back to our roots. Lately it’s been a lot like how the band started, just me writing in my room and Chris and I recording a lot on our own.
LUNA: What do you want listeners to pay attention to when listening to your music?
CRAIG: I don’t think listening to our music is about any one thing. I just want a listener to feel something. What I write is all about the vibe and how it makes me feel. It’s all about feel.
LUNA: As the year comes to a close, what do you want the future to bring The Gloomies?
CRAIG: I just want to keep putting out new music, and I want people to hear what we’ve been working on. I am really proud of the new record and am excited about the future and getting back on the road.
