By Craig Chapman
‘You can’t teach an old dog new tricks’… this is especially true when they keep inventing new ones themselves. So goes Braid, the never slowed originators and innovators of modern indie rock-pop. Since their formation in 1993 Braid has continually written music that speaks volumes to their lovers, both new and old. Their roots go even deeper; having started in early hardcore bands in Illinois back in the late 80’s and early 90’s. I personally have never grown tired of a Braid song; each one has an individual place in my heart, carrying a melody of life that lightens a weight in my heart.
With their new ep Closer to Closed, you can feel their ease in crafting some of the most simple, catchy, effortlessly composed indie-pop songs. They paved the way (along with their label Polyvinyl) for an entire genre of bands that have shaped music as we know it today. When I heard they were releasing a new ep it was the kind of news I mourned would never come again, so I cried with joy when this memory of a dream came to life. I jumped at the chance to ask singer Bob Nanna these few lingering questions I had on my mind for decades:
This year seems to be the year a lot of old bands got back together (Hot Water Music, Samiam...), why did Braid decide to get back together?
We thought it would be fun to see what happens. Plus, we missed writing together! We wanted to do a 7" for Record Store Day but as usual, messed the whole thing up and released a whole EP 4 months after Record Store Day.
Your sound is unmistakable when I hear it! Even the new ep has 'the Braid sound'. My business partner, being a drummer, attributes it to your irregular and sort of off tempo beats. I think it's the singing and the melody arrangements, how would you describe the sound and how'd it happen?
Let's call the whole thing off! Your partner is right because NOBODY plays drums like Damon. But you're right too because Chris and I only sing together in Braid. It's just what comes out when you get 4 of us in a room!
On the new ep how did you decide who was going to sing which songs?
"The Right Time" was built off of Chris's original lines and "Do Over" was built off of mine. That's usually how things are divvied up. If I bring a song in, I usually have ideas on what to sing, and vice/versa. The songs that come organically from practice, we'll just decide on the spot.
Did you write most of the new ep in the studio or did you guys go in knowing the songs already?
We practiced and wrote the songs before we got into the studio. So yes, when we got there, we only had a weekend to do it, so we had the songs down pat.
Is writing a song for a new Braid release like second nature to you?
For better or worse, writing a song for ANYTHING is like second nature to me. I feel like one should work a lot on getting better at guitar or at singing or a new instrument - and also being open to and listening to many styles of music all the time. The songwriting then just comes.
Why did you choose J Robbins to Produce?
He's the best! We love what he does and he's worked with us before so we knew we'd be comfortable and leave with something sounding amazing.
How have your musical tastes changed over the years as well as things in life that have influence on your music? A lot of my friends are stuck in a time period of their lives, but I personally have become more voracious about hearing new bands and finding new styles as I’ve gotten older.
Yeah I think it's important to be open to hearing new music. That said, I can't really say my musical tastes have changed that much, though. And to drive that point home, I was very influenced by the newest Superchunk record when I was approaching this new EP; the sheer energy and enthusiasm from “old dudes"… really inspiring!
Do you guys remember a split 7" you released with a band from FL called Pohgoh? Just curious, Pohgoh used to be on my old record label.
Indeed I do! Not New Granada, right?
So what is today’s equivalent of trading mixed tapes? You guys met through trading videos correct? I used to put ads in MRR and trade mixed tapes with kids all over the country; it's how I found new bands.
It's all online! Can't you trade Spotify playlists? (I haven't gotten fully immersed in that yet) Nowadays finding new bands is so much easier what with mp3 blogs, sites like The Hype Machine, Stereogum, Bandcamp...
What's the plan from here?? (Please say another full length please say a tour, lol)
Not a full tour but definitely some more new material. I wanna keep the door open.
How does it feel to be doing this so many years later and what keeps bringing you back to it?
It feels really good! It's great mental and physical exercise!
You can get more information on Braid here http://www.myspace.com/braidband
