So when asked to be a guest editor for MAGNET, my initial reaction was that my inner 18-year-old self might flip out so much that I might have nary a word to say. However, I persevered and was immediately filled with some of the memories of growing up in the proverbial “sticks” in the ’90s. Starting there and moving forward to the present day, I accumulated a list of people, movies, music, food, poets and other stuff that, although not exhaustive by any extent, it gives an insight into me, my music, the band, inspirations and interests. At the very least I would hope that a few of these things may also be viewed as recommendations that could steer people toward becoming acquainted with a few new people, and things that I find dear. It goes without saying, I appreciate the opportunity to “preach from the pulpit,” so to speak and air my opinion on so many different things. Normally people only care about what I say about my music or music in general, which can get tedious. So thank you, MAGNET, for providing the platform to impose my taste on others. Really and truly, I hope someone finds something in here that they, too, can enjoy.
I have known Skyler Norwood for more than 10 years, and during that time he has engineered and help produce all five of my records. He also happens to be one of my best friends and overall is an incredibly affable dude. Skyler has been working out of Miracle Lake Studios in Camas, Wash., for so long that it is almost as if when you enter the place it’s like entering into some extension of his body. He has recorded by my estimation 1.5 million bands there over the years and knows the place inside and out. Skyler has amazing ears, is a great engineer and an excellent musician, but his most important skill is sneaky and unassuming or at least he wants you to not know that he is implementing it all the time. Skyler Norwood is the psychological mastermind of coaxing performances out of musicians. It’s subtle and sly and usually sounds like:
“Wow that take is one of your best ever it just gave me goosebumbs!!! Come in here and look at my skin!” He then points to his arm through the control room window in an attempt to show you that the hairs on his arm are raised. Then he will instantly and nonchalantly switch gears into: “We totally have it, let’s stop. Or, wait, just do one more.” Around 15 takes later, you get the take that is when you realize that you have been had, but truly in the best way.
I have joked that he is kind of like our fifth Beatle in that he has been this man behind the scenes for years and been responsible for how all these records end up sounding, but no one would know that because he isn’t touring and playing shows. So it turns out he is going to be on the road with us for the first time lending a hand onstage doing all kinds of stuff, which is really exciting for him and the band. I am hoping he can work some of his psychological magic on crowds with some well-timed rock talk, which would really help us take things to the next level.
