ARMY OF SOUND

Constant Smiles

  • question: We are loving your song “Finding Ways”, can you tell us a little about the backstory of the song? When was it written and recorded? 
  • answer: Thanks! This was one of the first songs I wrote for the album and I feel like it really set the tone for the record. Matt (drums), Spike (bass) and I demoed the song out. Matt gave it that driving motorik beat and Spike really gave the song its melodic core with that catchy bass line. And of course Lena’s beautiful voice and Jai’s introduction he wrote really took the song to a whole other level for me.  
  • question: “Finding Ways” reminds us of The Twilight Sad, are you familiar with their music, and if so, what are you thoughts on them? Who are your most influential musicians and bands? 
  • answer: I do not know them but I checked out their song “There’s a Girl in the Corner” and it reminds me of Radiohead’s “All I Need” with that bassline. Sounds cool! Most influential musicians/bands off the top of my head would be: Kahoots, Drawing Guts and Cassandra Jenkins.
  • question: Who produces your music? What are your favorite lyrics on the ‘Kenneth Anger’ album?
  • answer: We produce most of the music as a band/collective. Except for ‘Paragons’ which was produced by Ben Greenberg. Lyrically, I’m pretty proud of the whole thing but I’m so bad at remembering lyrics that I can’t think of anything off the top of my head. 
  • question: If you could collaborate with any artist or band, dead or alive, who would it be? What’s your favorite album from beginning to end? 
  • answer: June McDoom and Evan Wright! Some favorite albums from start to finish: Nick Drake ‘Bryter Layter’; Beth Orton ‘Weather Alive’; Curtis Mayfield ‘Curtis’; Six Organs of Admittance ‘School of Flowers’. Really too many to name!     
  • question: What has been the highlight of Constant Smiles lifetime? What is your ultimate goal for Constant Smiles?
  • answer: This sounds cheesy but just staying in touch with old friends, making new friends, and hearing all of the beautiful things they do and make. To keep making better and better records with people I love.