Start Listening To: The Reds, Pinks and Purples
We had the pleasure of speaking with The Reds, Pinks and Purples about their upcoming album and got to learn more about their songwriting process.
For those unfamiliar with your music, can you tell us who you are, where you’re from, and a little bit about the music that you make?
I’ve been making music for a bit. I’m probably most known for my band The Skygreen Leopards and my last band The Art Museums. I’m originally from Southern California but moved to San Francisco after college.
We really love the sound of your upcoming album Uncommon Weather. Can you tell us more about how the album was produced?
Thank you! I use very simple tools. I record at my kitchen table. I have one decent microphone and mic pre-amp. I have a couple old hollow-body guitars, Casiotone keyboards, a broken tambourine and some cheap guitar pedals which I mix with drum machines and software effects.
What is your songwriting process like?
I write a lot of songs in my head on walks around the neighborhood. If I stumble on a phrase or a title, I can quickly write a whole song around that. It’s hard to explain how songs are written; you open yourself up to a certain feeling and maybe a song is there which suits that moment.
How has San Francisco influenced your music?
All the songs are about San Francisco, the people I have loved and cared about, my musical life here, all my failures and good times too.
Could you tell us more about the lyrics in lead single ‘Don’t Ever Pray In the Church On My Street’?
I wrote that song when I had the flu a few years ago. I had a fever and wrote it unconsciously. I’d rather leave it up to the listener to find meaning in it. I don’t think it’s literally about “church”, but it could be.
Do you have a favourite track from Uncommon Weather?
Hard to say. I am pretty self-critical. “Life at Parties” has some lines I am fond of, and I like the descending chord progression in the chorus.
What are the main ideas and feelings that you wish to convey with this album?
I wanted to make cathartic pop. I love a sad pop song mixed with a bit of humour. A lot of people only let their emotional guard down when listening to a wistful pop song alone in the car. I’m trying to make that kind of music.
I love the consistency between your album covers. Who designed this one? How do you feel it reflects the music on the album?
Thank you! The images on the last few records are photos I took in my neighbourhood. The songs are about life here, and the images are too. Matthew Walkerdine assists with his layout expertise.
What first got you into music?
Probably punk and hardcore. My friends had older brothers who were into hardcore and skateboarding and taught us about it. I still feel like I am making “punk” music.
Which artists would you say have influenced you the most?
I am a record collector and making music is a way to be more of a fan. I listen to a ton of music, and I draw on all of it for various things. One fun aspect of this project is people have been comparing it to so many different bands. A lot of people mention East River Pipe, and I want to say he is one of the great American songwriters. I am a huge fan. A few records I go back to for inspiration: Tracey Thorn’s A Distant Shore, Television Personalities Privilege, Magnetic Fields House of Tomorrow, REM Murmur. But this list could be several pages, not to mention all the bandmates I have had over the years who taught me so much.
Which three artists (alive or dead) would headline your dream festival?
The Go-Betweens, Cocteau Twins, Husker Du.
What music are you still listening to from when you were a kid?
A ton… The Jam, REM, The Cure, The Buzzcocks, The Smiths, Rites of Spring, OMD, Mission of Burma etc!
What were your favourite tracks or albums from 2020?
Cindy - Free Advice
Hum – Inlet
Chronophage – The Pig Kiss’d Album
Zeel – Hardrock on Easy Street
Toner – Silk Road
Pumice - Table
