Ed: So give us the low-down on Tides. Where are you from? How long you have been together? Etc.
Donny: I would have to say Tides was started around three years ago by Augie, Rob, and I. The three of us had played together in a few other bands and after they fell apart we just kept playing. The music that we started to write from that point on slowly culminated into the album Resurface. We’re originally from Plattsburgh, NY (think Canada) since that’s where the three of us grew up but as of now most of the band lives in Boston. We’ve also been slowly adding members; Benny Nelson (electronics) joined the band last May and Brendon Palmer-Angell, Angela Pavone, and myself are responsible for all visually related aspects of Tides.
Ed: Why instrumental?
Rob: It just happened that way. The need for “instrumental” music was not a conscious decision, but we knew from the start that our approach would not be geared towards traditional song writing. I think instrumental music allows each of us to make art that has personal expression and meaning.
Donny: Yeah, we never set out to make solely instrumental music, it just happened that way. So I don’t feel like we’re bound to any specific form or style. I love a good song with lyrics as much as anyone else, but if it’s just there because you think it has to be and it doesn’t add anything to the music there’s no need.
Ed: A lot of people tend to focus on front man’s lyrics or grasp onto their styling. Do you feel that not having one will hinder you in any way such as keep you from getting a larger fan-base?
Rob: Again, having a front man or lyrics is not a concern for us. The only thing that hinders us is our struggle to create what we want, in the best way that we can. I personally see art and music as fundamental parts of being human. I hope that people will come away with something from our music and in many ways I know they will. It is gratifying for us to connect to other people when we show them who we are.
Donny: Our goal has always been to write music that is powerful and meaningful to us. If that in some way hinders us from amassing a larger fan-base, that’s fine with me. I would rather respect what I’m doing then try and make music that will please the largest demographic.
Ed: Describe a Tides live performance for those of us who have yet to witness one.
Rob: People should expect loud, heavy music with visuals. Our live performance is very important to us and we are critical about making it as real as possible. It’s something that we are constantly trying to improve and challenge ourselves with. I see it as an endless process that pushes us into new areas of creativity.
Ed: What was the inspiration behind the name Tides?
Rob: The process of coming up with a name was laborious. We went through a number of names before we agreed on and stuck with Tides. It’s too complex to pinpoint why we chose the name, but I think it lends itself to an array of meanings.
Donny: We had been playing for a while before we settled on a name. For the most part we were looking for something that we could esthetically all agree on. Yet at the same time I felt that it was important that the name should in some way relate to our music.
Ed: What was the recording process like for Resurface? Are you happy with the outcome? Anything you’d change?
Donny: We recorded Resurface at the Granary in Morrisonville, NY, with Larry Dolan. For what it is I’m extremely happy with how it came out. Larry’s a great guy and he made it really easy for us to get comfortable and just play our songs. I think we recorded Resurface over the span of a month. We finished all the bed tracks over the first weekend and since neither Larry nor we were in any kind of a rush we took our time with overdubs and mixing.
Ed: Let’s talk gear for a moment. Without giving away any secrets, what do you all use for live purposes and, if different, for recording purposes?
Benny: I like to be semi-secretive about my setup. I use an assortment of synthesizers and effects pedals; I think I’m probably the biggest gear whore in the band. I’m constantly looking for new interesting effects. Live, I currently use a Peavey power mixer with a SUNN 412LH cabinet, which I think is one of the heaviest things in the world because my castors are broken.
Donny: Live and in the studio I run a Gibson G3 through an assortment of pedal into an old SVT head through an Ampeg 8x10.
Augie:: I play a Les Paul through some pedals split into an old Marshall JCM-800 and JCM-2000.
Rob: I play a custom kit that I built and cymbals that cost too much money.
Ed: I’m going to deviate from my normal drivel and try something different here. I’ll list off some bands and you tell me what you think of them…
Tides: This is a very confrontational question that puts us in somewhat of an awkward position, but we will try to answer it. It also looks like we’re not very hip because we haven’t heard half of these bands.
Pelican - Interesting pick since we’ve been compared to them so much. They aren’t in our top arsenal of CD’s but we respect them as a band. Their new material is pretty awesome.
YOB - We’re not familiar with them.
Torche – (Benny) I’m the only one that has heard them but my exposure has been too minimal to make any call here.
Big Business - Again, not sure.
Iron Maiden - Number of the Beast 666
Isis - All around one of our favorite bands.
Boris - Wicked fucking awesome, true amplifier worship
Ed: What do you guys have planned for this coming year? A new album? A tour (hopefully)?
Benny: We had a summer tour that was a total blast and we got to meet a lot of cool people. It provided us with a chance to improve our live performance and deal with a leaking Econoline Van.
Rob: We are presently in the studio recording material for a future release. Augie is re-locating to Boston, which will give us a chance to begin writing for our next full length which we hope to put out by next fall. We try to get out and play whenever possible, but we are currently spread out and this can make it difficult.
Ed: I just wanted that I love the album to say thanks for taking the time to do this interview. Keep on a’rocking.
Tides: Thanks for giving us a chance to do the interview! Take care.
