Blood makes noise

Q: In your opinion, what are the essential qualities that make a “good songwriter”?

Michael Robert Kelly: Growing up playing bass I did not really think much about the lyrical  content of a song because I was only drawn in by what the harmonies, melodies and rhythms did for my soul. All the emotion came from the music for me, and I think it still does. However, in the past 12 years or so I have been more hyper focused on what songs are actually about. I think writing about something someone can relate to is very important and if it feels like you are speaking to us through your song then the emotion can really come through. It’s cool to meet new songwriters all of the time and hear what they are writing. I will always let someone know if I was moved by their song.  

Q: What is the basis for writing attention-grabbing music in this day and age?

I really have no clue! I am in a constant search for that, as are all the other songwriters out there. Sometimes I wish I wanted to write an overproduced pop song with 808 drops, synth bass and fake drums. Then I listen to the Fearless Flyers and want to write like them. How about a song like the Magnetic Fields’? It’s all possible but I think it comes down to trying to channel what comes to you naturally. I instinctively write on the acoustic guitar but when I try to write on electric the possibilities are a lot more broad and the soundscapes are so abundant, I lose myself! Write how you write and if you love it, it will grab someone’s attention I think.  

Q: Can you pinpoint some specific songs and songwriters that changed the way you write music?

My buddy Jim Weeks (The Jim Weeks Band) is probably the best songwriter I’ve ever known.  Listen to “Lost and Found” or “Gray Area Day” on Spotify. Granted, I played bass and sang all the harmonies on the album, but seeing the songs from the inside out was eye opening. And I had nothing to do with the initial songs. The simplicity in the chord structures with the important little nuances are beautiful. Being part of that always makes me think when I write.  

Back in 2001, I was listening to Chris Cornell’s Euphoria Mourning album a LOT. That made me want to write songs. The soundscape was great and all the playing killed! Plus, I mean, Chris Cornell. Ya know? One of the best ever. I could review the whole album but listen to “When I’m Down” and “Disappearing One.” Listen to them all.  

Q: Do you find it hard to be inspired by your peers? Can you name any new artists you find inspiring?

I run seven open mike nights a month right now. I hear a lot of original and cover songs by people. If it’s a good song I am influenced by it. I can name some people who come to these that I find inspiring: Ryan Calkins, John Gerard, Isaiah, Natasha Ramos, Joey Deno, Joe A, Robbie, Risa LaVelle, Vermin, Chris Schalick, Pete Johnson, Kat, etc. The list goes on! Some of these people may never record a lick, but some may have albums. It’s about being there in the moment really. I’m usually not inspired by new music unless I hear someone live. With that said, I never saw Led Zeppelin and they were obviously the best.  

Q: For your upcoming album, what inspired the lyrical content, album title, and overall vibe?

These songs have been written throughout the years, sometimes individually and sometimes in groups. Songs written in groups usually have a similar vibe and structure where others on the outside may take a completely different turn. Some songs have their own art. Our first release “After The Rain” is a great example. It stands alone in its vibe and message.  

Then there is “Time in History” and our coming release “The Ballad of the Washed Up (and Seemingly Forgotten)” as well as our – probably – next release, “Tornado.” All written within a close time span and have similar vibe and production. These three are sort of deep and dark.  We have others that are more upbeat and even some that are slower and more artsy. Nothing was planned here.  Lyrics come and go. I’m just lucky to have put some words together that work! I don’t know for sure, but I think this album will be self-titled.  

Q: Do you find that you ruminate over writing songs and hold on to them for a long time before including them on a record? Or do you prefer to write them, release them, and be done with them? Do you ever revisit old material to do a re-write or once it’s done it’s done?

Yes and yes. Songs happen in so many different ways! Since I started recording with Shawn Pelkey (drums) and Buddy Sullivan (guitar) we have finished a lot of my already written songs from the past 10 years or so. But in turn this has influenced me to start writing FOR the band. I think that is something that will develop over time through live shows and whatnot, but we do have a couple brand new songs being included on the album. I wouldn’t be opposed to re-recording something I’ve done in the past since I now have the band together, but there is so much more to do so leaving old stuff to rest is fine with me too.  

Q: Were there any lessons you learned in the writing and recording process for your current release that you will take with you into your next project?  

It’s such a jumble that it’s hard to think about but I would say throughout this whole process recording these songs really makes me want to tap into all the styles we are capable of producing. I wouldn’t expect The Brother Stereo to be producing the same music two years from now. Although I love what we are doing and am very happy with it all, I just know the potential for growth and the sky's the limit with us. These guys I’m working with, Buddy and Shawn, really know what they are doing. I think we are capable of growing in parallel and remaining happy with each other as we progress in this ever challenging world of the music business.