Interview // Glyders
Glyders break down their fantastic new EP, Lend A Hand.
Your newest collections of songs since the Dim tape is Lend A Hand EP. How does Lend A Hand embody what the Glyders project is all about right now?
After sitting on these songs for awhile, we realized it was time to let them roam. Once we got them all together on a tape we realized how timely they actually are. Lend A Hand is a crucial message in its own. 'Black Sky' pays tribute to the ones we lost in the Oakland fire. 'Sweet Anymore' is an antidote to social media and a reminder that real life still exists. 'Rollin' On' is an old fashioned love song. 'Futures' is a subtle fuck you to the big wig corporate wully bullies trying bring you down. 'Pog Dog' is pure primal scream therapy.
How was this recorded? Are you D.I.Y. recording artists or did you have access to some studio time? Were there any new recording or production styles implemented for Lend A Hand?
All of the songs aside from 'Pog Dog' were recorded in a tiny bedroom at Eliza's and my old aprartment on an 8-track tape machine that I had just purchased. I've been into recording for awhile and every now and again I'll find an affordable piece of gear that really makes you feel comfortable. That machine was right at home.
'Pog Dog' was a new style for us because we didn't do it ourselves. Our pal Dan Grabala invited us to Berlin for a tour and also to record at a studio he's affiliated with called Studio Wong. It was quite the relief not to have to do everything ourselves and it kind of changed our approach on how to catpure things in the future. I love recording us, but it sure is nice having an extra pair of hands.
Listening through Lend A Hand, we hear some psychedelic country on 'Lend A Hand' followed by spacey, droney style tunes like 'Futures.' Did you work to diversify the Glyders sound for this album?
Not on purpose, it just sort of came about. We're always coming up with a new song that doesn't quite fit with the rest, and it's always exciting. We like to shake it up.
What's the advantage of doing EPs versus saving up your work for a traditional full album? Are there obstacles hindering a formal Glyders LP?
The only obstacles have been us, really, just deciding what to do with all of these songs. We're currently working on a full-length now with our good friend Doug Malone at a studio called Minbal here in Chicago. It's fully equipped with everything I would ever want in a studio and by far the most professional thing we've done as a band thus far.
As a Chicago-based band, what parts of the city do you think make Chicago unique for musicians and artists?
I would say the places you wouldn't normally go. Making the effort to branch out and explore something new always leads to a new discovery.
How did you guys meet? How has Glyders changed since the bands inception?
Ryan and I knew each other from when we were both living in Muncie, IN where he was going to school and I was not living with my parents. I moved to Chicago and met Eliza when she was visiting her friend who happened to be my roommate at the time, and after about 30 seconds of talking to her I fell in love. I mentioned I had a bag of songs, she mentioned she had a bass guitar, and shortly after, Ryan moved to the city and joined up. We all started out pretty fresh, and over the past four years we've really grown together not only as friends, but as musicians as well. We can really feel out the changes. Change is good.
What's the Chicago music culture like? As bands from the city grow in popularity, are there artists who work to promote the up-and-comers with opening acts and help in the studio, etc.?
Thick. Constantly growing and there's always something new. We haven't received any help from the big dogs personally, but we're not really seeking it either. The real help comes from the underdogs who are on the same wavelength. Whether it's booking a show, sharing a recommendation or popping in with an instrument and laying down that magical overdub, people here are always down to lend a hand.