There’s a common misconception about jam bands (and bands that fall into that genere). To the layperson jam are just a bunch of dudes standing around on stage noodling for eons in a repetitive, sometimes show off-y manner.
If this misconception frustrates you — show people a live performance from Papadosio. The band’s deft ability to weave socially conscious themes, wild visuals, and a complex electro/rock/jazz fusion. It’s complicated, insightful, and thought-provoking — the furthest thing from the misconceptions laid upon the greater jam genre.
We spoke with Anthony Thogmartin (vocals, guitar, synth) with a cameo by Billy Brouse (vocals, keys) during the last question about their new album, new tour, and their thoughts on the country’s addiction to the internet.
In regards to recording/production of the album — did you approach this record differently than previous albums?
We have always written, recorded, mixed, and produced our own albums. This time we were able to do some drum, bass, and piano recording in a studio called “Sound Temple” in Asheville, NC. It was nice being able to pick between cymbals and snare drums and to be able to use a beautifully tuned grand piano.
One of the themes of this record is the human race’s addiction to the internet and social media. How do you discuss this theme in the record? And was it difficult to do since both are intrinsic elements in promoting your music?
Big time weird. In fact that was the original inspiration. Our management at the time was saying “you gotta get more content on the internet, more and more! There can never be enough.” It’s all over the album in different ways. One song called “Just Like the Days” is a song about what happens to the mind when all the noise of media and life go away and you get the clarity of the moment. Another one is the title track saying “nobody feels alive at least you were notified.” It is certainly a satire but one where we ridicule ourselves too.
You’re well known for having an intricate, and pretty wild visual display at your live show. Can you talk about the visuals for this current tour?
Dustin Klein is the man. He created a system where the LED wall reacts to our instruments and sounds in interesting ways. This kind of feedback is the kind of show we have always wanted to bring to people.
I’ve read you guys never repeat a setlist. How difficult is this to accomplish this feat? It’s pretty crazy.
It is. It takes a lot of dedication. Sometimes you see another band that plays the same tried and true setlist night after night and you get envious. But its what we do. Basically you look at three data sets. What you played last time you were in that city, what you played the previous couple nights, and what you are stoked about playing that night. And that is how a setlist is born (laughs). We then use the soundcheck time to figure out how to tie the songs together.
You’re playing the iconic Red Rocks this year, and it’s a venue you’ve played before. Can you talk about performing in such a unique music venue?
It’s wild. A monumental and incredible place. There is nothing quite like it and we are so so so lucky/blessed to be playing there again.
You have your own music festival — Resonance — happening this summer. Can you talk about how this festival compares to years past, and what band are you most excited to see perform?
Resonance is a great festival that we’re involved in, going to have a bunch of great acts there. I think we need to wait until the full lineup is released to be able to say who we’re most excited to see. So far I (Billy) am stoked for black moth super rainbow and tipper.
