Sunny Day Real Estate
Jeremy Enigk Interview
by Nick Bogardus
How did you approach The Rising Tide compared to your previous albums?
I think we really wanted to dive in deeper this album as far as putting extra colors, instruments, and different things on the album that we've never really done. I think ultimately we tried to perfect our performance this recording.
What would be your ideal environment to make new music?
When we recorded in Woodstock New York, one of the amazing things about recording there was that it was constantly snowing¿a winter wonderland everywhere you looked. The studio was a stone's throw away from where we were staying, so we just walked through the snow every day to go to the studio. It was amazing. I think the most important thing when recording is to be in an environment that you're not necessarily used to. Whether it be a castle in the woods, or a church in the snow. I think those environments are probably the best¿where you're separated from the rest of the world, and all you really have is beauty.
So the setting makes this album a little bit more intimate.
I don't know about intimacy, but it might've added a nice, dark winter mood to the album.
Looking back at all of the albums you've done, how would you say this one has stepped forward?
It has more depth. We're a little bit closer to discovering our sound. Ultimately, the color is in there. We wanted to bring more depth musically, more texture. We're kind of shaping our band philosophy¿it's still shaping itself. I don't really know what our philosophy is, but it's the meeting of three.
What did Lou Giordano add to the album?
I can say I love the sound of it. The overall polish and the production of the album sticks out a lot cleaner¿more so than any of our other albums¿not just in sound, but in inspiration.
What's your favorite song on the album and why?
That's a tough one. "Snibe" is the first one that pops in my head. Mainly because of its utter aggressiveness. I relate to it; I get angry when I think about the lyrics and what it's saying. Not angry, but confused about the world.
What exactly is that song saying?
Snibe is the ultimate pawn of the world. He's the guy who's basically willing to have blood money. But at the same time Snibe is also in me, in that I get easily impatient because of microwaves and things that make life a lot faster. It's just the way society turns us into these weird, freaky machines. That's what Snibe is to me¿he totally hits it right on target.
Is there a general theme to this record?
Not an intentional theme. I think that kind of "Snibe" concept exists all through the album in different places. In songs like "Television," and even though it's not directly about that, songs like "Killed By An Angel." They all have a similar political kind of vibe.
What do you hope to accomplish in the next year with your album?
I think for the most part, I still want to be who I am and do what I do, regardless. I would say that's my goal¿to continue to have a soul and not sell it for anything.
What would your definition of success be?
Success to me is writing something that makes me feel like I'm comparable to Beethoven. I've been successful for many years because all it really takes for me is writing a song that blows my mind. Some songs I've written just excite me so much I get on fire. You get this total humility, yet power¿strength and humility.
Which songs have done that to you?
There's a song called "Explain" on my solo album. I couldn't grasp that it was coming out of me, and at that point you know that it's not really coming out of you, it's coming through you.
Where would you like to see yourself in ten years?
I will have at least done a couple important movie soundtracks. At this point in my life I'd love to dabble in soundtracks and open the door to so many different things in to the future¿sounddtracks being the main thing. Something that I can do in my old age and not be cheesy.
What do the three different musicians Dan Hoerner, William Goldsmith, Jeremy Enigk bring to the music?
In my opinion, Dan brings a really cool edge to the music. Kind of a dark feeling, where it still holds punkness. William brings the raw power, an explosion. He's so eager to play at all times. You get him on the drums and tell him to be quiet for five minutes and it's impossible. It's like his head is going to explode. He loves smashing those things. He'll deny it, but all he wants to do is smash on the drums. I think I bring the color, the glue¿that stuff that makes it work as a song.
I hear you guys are playing on a video game?
Right now, Soul Caliber on Sega Dreamcast. It's a really cool, fast fighting game. It's really fun.
Have you played Tony Hawk's Pro Skater?
Oh yeah.
How addicting is that?
Oh, it's amazing. It's the most amazing skateboard game since 720, which was the last cool game. Yeah, the Tony Hawk game is unbelievable, because it makes you feel like you could do it yourself. It makes you want to go skate on a halfpipe.
