In 2003, when I heard Dressy Bessy's self-titled release for the first time I was blown away. The guitars, melodies and harmonies are incredible on that record. I've been a fan ever since and was lucky enough to get to ask the band's main songwriter a few questions. Thanks, Tammy for spending time with us!
The new Dressy Bessy record is called "HollerandStomp" and is out on 9/16/08.
Your music has been described as poppy, melodic and fun. How do you describe your band’s style and approach to making music?
Good time rock and roll … HEAVY on thee roll!
Did you come from a musical family?
My dad was and still is an avid rock and roll record collector … I’d have friends over after school and he’d always stop them and show off his new RARE beatles albums.. It was embarrassing to me then because my friends and I were more concerned with getting a hold of the new Prince album.
You guys are from Denver. Do you have a favorite local place to play shows
The Bluebird Theater is probably my fave, great sound and a few blocks from my house.
What was the overall tone you were going for on this record?
Sound wise, gritty and back to the basement. Feel wise, laid back. This is the first batch of songs I’ve been able to sit down and write for myself, with no looming album release plans.
Were you inspired by anything specific while you were making this record?
Mostly my neighborhood. In the past, songs would arise through some sort of animosity toward another person. These songs are more about me and the world around me. My cat was a constant source of inspiration for Holler too! ‘Is Puddin’ out-side … ease me down’!
Where did you record the album? Why?
Well, after 2 years of touring in support of our 2005 release ‘ Electrified’, I was pretty sick of the music business as a whole, and needed a break. For me a break means heading to the basement to write/record. Having been through 3 drummers in 3 years I felt the need to take charge and stylize beats that I’d had bouncing in my head with no grief from a drummer. Dig? This beats first approach allowed me more melody and guitar freedom/options. In the past I’d bring a chord progression and melody to band and work out what would come next. Anyway, the home recordings were sounding so good(sounds that could never be duplicated), we decided that we wanted to keep them and work around what was already there. That meant finding a studio/engineer that believed in it as much as we did.
Why the decision to record with Trent Bell? Did he produce the record?
We’d met Trent about 5 years ago while on tour with a band he’s worked with extensively called the Starlight Mints(from Norman, OK.), and briefly talked about working with him sometime. Fortunately for us, we called him, he loved our recordings and had time to record some basic tracks and mix the album!
How have people been reacting to it so far?
Our fans seem to love it. I have been told it takes to couple of listens before it sucks you in. It IS different from anything we’ve released, but I feel it’s our best.
Ps: a couple of my fave Beck albums took me a couple listensJ
What was the most challenging part of this project?
Driving back and forth to Norman (600 miles) and staying at the Value Place during the big ice storm of 2007~!
In writing, how do you know when a song is done?
When I play it for a girlfriend and we dance around uncontrollably
What is the most important aspect of being a musician?
Making people/including myself feel good about the music I’m sharing! Music makes the world go round!J
What is one of the defining moments of your career so far?
Playing with Chuck Berry in a small club in St. Louis last year … holy crap that guy is a legend!
What is one thing we would find on your nightstand?
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