What is your name and role within Spirit Mother?
My name is Armand, I play guitar and sing in Spirit Mother.
How did you start?
I started by writing songs on my own after my last band ended, using the name as a moniker. My last band got hit up for a decent paying show at The House of Blues, so I took it as a challenge to take the show, form a live band and write out a set to play it. In the month we had to prepare, we got to about 5 original songs covered Monkberry Moon Delight by Paul McCartney. Our current lineup only features one of the musicians who played that show with me.
Where are you based?
We are based in Long Beach, CA.
Please give an example of your music writing process?
We go through phases. I don’t think there is a concrete method anyone writes music. Lately, my bandmate James and I hash out riffs into songs and record crude demos of all the parts we then take to the full band to flush out.
What are you working on right now?
We are working on our debut full length record.
What is your gear setup?
I use a semi hollow guitar and a fender deville with some pedals.
What do you like to do outside of music and does it affect your music?
I like to ride and fix choppers and make things out of metal (mostly motorcycle parts). I believe the patience involved, people I meet through this line of work, and experiences had has an effect on the music on some level.
How would you describe your music genre?
We are inspired by 70’s era glam. So we call our music “Heavy Glam” because it uses these music ideas as structural inspiration and use of rhythm section, but we incorporate more noise and energy into our take of it. Fuzzy bass, unflinching rhythm section, with guitar and affected violin sitting on top.
Do you know any music theory?
I’ve studied music since I was 4, and went to conservatory. But I’ve found that theory doesn’t help much creatively. I only use it to communicate my ideas. I’ve found it more beneficial to use my ears instead of restrict myself to a set of structured rules.
What are your plans for the future?
Record and release our record, and tour.
How did you get into music?
My mom made me do it.
What are you listening to at the moment?
Lately I’ve been listening to “Hunky Dory” by David Bowie.
Who are your top 5 influences and icons?
I’m inspired by contemporaries Queens of The Stone Age, The Kills, and then glam bands such as T Rex, David Bowie, and Alice Cooper.
When are you playing next?
We are playing Music Tastes Good Festival in Long Beach, CA on September 30th.
Please feel free to include any extra info.
Booking:
spiritmother.band@gmail.com
