“Music and escapism go hand-in-hands.”
That is the thesis statement for The Motet. The funk/dance outfit from the Rocky Mountain high of Denver, CO have been absolutely killing it for the past two decades with their infectious sound.
Pop Break’s Andrew Howie (our brother-in-jam) caught up with The Motet’s Ryan Jalbert (guitar), and Lyle Divinsky (vocals) to talk about their new record Death or Devotion, their career longevity, and their new strain of marijuana StarMatter 303 as they get ready to play White Eagle Hall in Jersey City tonight.
In the press release for Death Or Devotion, I read that this was the first album which Lyle, Drew, and Parris wrote together start to finish. Can you elaborate on that process a bit? What did you discover through working that way compared to the way you had previously put records together before?
Lyle Divinsky: Every person brings their own energy and influence to the creative process. By introducing not only one, but three new minds into the writing, there are so many new possibilities and doors that open. With the rhythm section core being the same as it’s been, the rooting of the music is steeped in The Motet tradition with new flourishes and tastes sprinkled on top. We discovered a really effective assembly line means of writing too – where the rhythm section brings instrumental ideas to each other, and work with a song until they get it to a form they dig. Then, they send it to me to write the lyrics/melody, and when it’s to a point that we all dig, I send it to the horns to put their final touches.
Finally, we all get together to workshop the total piece, sometimes finding slight edits to things. It was how most of the music came to be on Death or Devotion, and it really worked out great.
In terms of themes or messages of this album, was there anything that was really on your mind when you were putting it together? Conversely, were there any ideas you wanted to convey that you saw completely turn around into something else altogether? A different message, etc.?
LD: This was an album led by inspiration rather than setting out for one thing in particular. By giving ourselves the space to be taken wherever we allowed ourselves to go, everything flowed very naturally. It was important to me to expand beyond the typical “party/good times” subject matter of the typical funk song. I wanted to reach further into the human condition than that, and so did the rest of the band. This led us into more abstract realms, political/social realms, to places where we and the listeners can get more than just a good time, but also hopefully some reflection and new thoughts about their own lives and experience.
Getting a bit more esoteric here: Death Or Devotion was called a “soul/funk gem” in one review. What is it about funk/soul that really lets you express the ideas/emotions you’re trying to get across?
LD: Soul and funk, to me, are two sides to the same vibe. They are the introvert and extrovert to music rooted in the groove. The groove starts the booty shaking, the feet sliding, and the head nodding. Once those things are in place, you’ve got a blank canvas to work with. Anything can happen. You are free to explore any and every place you want and are able.
The Motet has been around for 20 years now. What have been some lessons learned over the years, with regards to collaborating on music, touring, fan relations, etc.?
Ryan Jalbert: We tour so much that it has taken some time to figure out a unique writing process that seems to be working for this band. For the most part, it starts with rhythm sectionals in which the four rhythm section guys bring in demos, we’ll play them down a bunch and pass them along to Lyle and the horns to write their parts for and record demos on their own. It involves a lot of work at home with not very much time at home.
As for touring, we’re always just learning the fine balance. Playing shows is still our absolute favorite thing to do in the world and we love the road but it’s also really important that everyone still has some home time. It’s really important that we all put energy into personal and musical growth and keep bringing that fresh energy to the band. It’s what works for us and we’re in this for the long haul.
In regards to the fans, words just can’t even express our gratitude. They keep us going. We’re very lucky and we never take it for granted.
The Motet is from Denver, as you obviously know.In your press release, you describe the collaboration with The Clinic to create StarMatter 303, mentioning that it keeps you relaxed and inspired. What is it about the cultural environment of Denver (especially with the recent decriminalization of psilocybin mushrooms) that has led to the present day, where a band can collaborate with a dispensary, and how does that culture impact your music?
LD: Denver is one of the most open, supportive, inspired, beautiful, and progressive places I know. When that kind of energy is firing all around us, it expands into our music. We feel free and able to go wherever our hearts and minds take us because of the encouragement and commitment from everyone around us.
And I mean… when you’re able to bring those “perspective shifts” into your writing, practicing, and recreational life, it only opens you up to new possibilities and approaches. Outside of the music, we’re all very passionate people. When we can explore those passions to create products like StarMatter 303 with crushing companies like The Clinic, we can not only create a means of inspiring ourselves exactly how we want to be inspired, but also share that feeling with any and everyone who grabs some.
