C.K. Flach Interview
Q: Let’s talk about your musical journey. You started drumming at ten and moved on to guitar in your teenage years. When did you realize you wanted to be a songwriter? Was it gradual, sudden or a specific event that made you realize you wanted to aggressively pursue music?
A: I was always interested in music, lyrics, different genres and song structures, but I never thought of myself as more than a drummer. It wasn't until I got a little older and started going to live shows and festivals that I began to think "I wanna do that!" so I started practicing guitar more and learning other artist’s songs and looking at the chord patterns. I think the lyrics came with maturity; Having real experiences to write about as well as a sensitivity to other people’s needs and desires. I don't think I could stop now if I wanted to.
Q: Can you talk about your creative process for Empty Mansions? Were there other musicians involved?
A: I had two goals in mind when I began working on Empty Mansions, (1) I wanted to craft an album that would give me a platform to work off of as an artist, something I could be proud to promote and say "yeah, I made that” and (2) craft songs that people could relate to that were rooted in modern themes and set myself apart from a writing perspective. I think I achieved both those things. I do a lot of reading and observing for the raw ideas and I find myself making mental notes when I talk to people or watch a movie. I'll think to myself "Oh, I could use that" and then I file it away or write it down in my phone.
There were a few people involved, I brought in friends and family where I saw fit to fill out some vocal parts and there's a guitar lick that I can't claim on one song, but other than that I did all of it.
Q: How much experience do you have in the engineering department? From what I understand you recorded the album DIY. The album sounds professional. Can you provide any insight to musicians who want a similar aesthetic?
A: I don't have much experience in audio engineering. I've done some recording in the past with more educated people so I tried to utilize what I learned there when recording this album. Of course I did a good amount of research ahead of time which I think is critical. To be fair though, the songs were mixed and mastered by a professional who works locally. As far as insight goes, do your homework and don't be afraid to ask questions, find someone to lean on technically and utilize their talent.
Q: Can you expand on themes that run through Empty Mansions? And why you chose to write about them.
A: Well the themes in Empty Mansions are the ones you might read or hear about in the news. I wanted to focus on modern/current happenings: love, loss, religion, spirituality, racism, politics, corruption, sex, abuse, it's all in there. I think it's important to integrate the culture into art; sadly our current culture is plagued by all these things. I like to write about what I see, hear and experience and of course there's always a degree of fiction to it, but it's real and I think people need that. It creates a sense of unity more than the manufactured songs you hear on the radio, and I know some people don't care for the heaviness of it, but I don't worry about them.
Q: You have a deep, commanding voice. I was reminded of Sturgill Simpson. When did you start singing and how do you think it has evolved over the years?
A: I've always tried to sing; in the shower or in the car like most people, but I never felt like I was very good. With some maturity I was able to sing okay, but I never really sang with MY voice. Then a couple years ago I was working on a new song with a friend and he suggested I try to sing a little lower. We both liked what we heard, since then I've been working with that deeper tone which I don't think you hear all that much in popular music, so it fits me well.
Q: The focus on your solo work according to your Bandcamp page has been very recent. What are your plans for 2017 and beyond?
A: I'm planning a tour for early summer and then to record a new album in the fall. I already have some new material which has me very excited. Other than that I have a few irons in the fire with festivals and local shows, but mostly I'm working on the tour and preparing for Albany's Move Music Festival which I'm excited and fortunate to be a part of this year.
Q: Let’s talk about your musical journey. You started drumming at ten and moved on to guitar in your teenage years. When did you realize you wanted to be a songwriter? Was it gradual, sudden or a specific event that made you realize you wanted to aggressively pursue music?
A: I was always interested in music, lyrics, different genres and song structures, but I never thought of myself as more than a drummer. It wasn't until I got a little older and started going to live shows and festivals that I began to think "I wanna do that!" so I started practicing guitar more and learning other artist’s songs and looking at the chord patterns. I think the lyrics came with maturity; Having real experiences to write about as well as a sensitivity to other people’s needs and desires. I don't think I could stop now if I wanted to.
Q: Can you talk about your creative process for Empty Mansions? Were there other musicians involved?
A: I had two goals in mind when I began working on Empty Mansions, (1) I wanted to craft an album that would give me a platform to work off of as an artist, something I could be proud to promote and say "yeah, I made that” and (2) craft songs that people could relate to that were rooted in modern themes and set myself apart from a writing perspective. I think I achieved both those things. I do a lot of reading and observing for the raw ideas and I find myself making mental notes when I talk to people or watch a movie. I'll think to myself "Oh, I could use that" and then I file it away or write it down in my phone.
There were a few people involved, I brought in friends and family where I saw fit to fill out some vocal parts and there's a guitar lick that I can't claim on one song, but other than that I did all of it.
Q: How much experience do you have in the engineering department? From what I understand you recorded the album DIY. The album sounds professional. Can you provide any insight to musicians who want a similar aesthetic?
A: I don't have much experience in audio engineering. I've done some recording in the past with more educated people so I tried to utilize what I learned there when recording this album. Of course I did a good amount of research ahead of time which I think is critical. To be fair though, the songs were mixed and mastered by a professional who works locally. As far as insight goes, do your homework and don't be afraid to ask questions, find someone to lean on technically and utilize their talent.
Q: Can you expand on themes that run through Empty Mansions? And why you chose to write about them.
A: Well the themes in Empty Mansions are the ones you might read or hear about in the news. I wanted to focus on modern/current happenings: love, loss, religion, spirituality, racism, politics, corruption, sex, abuse, it's all in there. I think it's important to integrate the culture into art; sadly our current culture is plagued by all these things. I like to write about what I see, hear and experience and of course there's always a degree of fiction to it, but it's real and I think people need that. It creates a sense of unity more than the manufactured songs you hear on the radio, and I know some people don't care for the heaviness of it, but I don't worry about them.
Q: You have a deep, commanding voice. I was reminded of Sturgill Simpson. When did you start singing and how do you think it has evolved over the years?
A: I've always tried to sing; in the shower or in the car like most people, but I never felt like I was very good. With some maturity I was able to sing okay, but I never really sang with MY voice. Then a couple years ago I was working on a new song with a friend and he suggested I try to sing a little lower. We both liked what we heard, since then I've been working with that deeper tone which I don't think you hear all that much in popular music, so it fits me well.
Q: The focus on your solo work according to your Bandcamp page has been very recent. What are your plans for 2017 and beyond?
A: I'm planning a tour for early summer and then to record a new album in the fall. I already have some new material which has me very excited. Other than that I have a few irons in the fire with festivals and local shows, but mostly I'm working on the tour and preparing for Albany's Move Music Festival which I'm excited and fortunate to be a part of this year.