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Email Interview with Ross Bellenoit
Ross - “Eight Track Mind” is a collection of the best songs that I’ve written from my formative years as a songwriter. I guess people can expect a variety of styles, with two sides sort of coming to the fore. There’s the more straight-ahead rock/pop style of “Mysterious Child (oh god!)” and the folksier side of “Different Crown”. It has a lot of subtle (and not-so-subtle) guitar work in it. It feels good. It sounds good. I like it.
P.V. - Please tell us what drew you to this particular style, and what aspiration do you have for “Eight Track Mind”?
Ross - Well, I generally try to let the song dictate the style. This collection of songs was written over a period of four to five years, beginning when I first moved to Philadelphia seven years ago, and I listen to a tremendous amount of different types of music. So it’s all, in a way, in there. My goal for this record is for people to react. Whether it be positive or negative, I hope people get something out of it.
P.V. - I was reading Helen Leicht’s Local Pick of the Day (XPN) and one of the comments from a reader was; “An amazing artist who hasn’t gotten enough of the spotlight” - Any Thoughts?
Ross - First off, I’m genuinely grateful that for the few people who have heard the record so far have had such a positive reaction to it, and Helen Leicht is such a strong supporter of the local music scene, so that obviously means a lot to me. When I first moved to Philly I became instantly immersed in the local music scene. I’ve played guitar for some of the best songwriters In Philadelphia. People like Birdie Busch, Cowmuddy, John Francis, Devin Greenwood, Adrien Reju, George Stanford, Gillian Grassie, Chris Kasper, Hezekiah Jones and Amos Lee. And that’s maybe less than half of who’ve I’ve shared the stage with. All those years playing with these people I feel like I got in front of a lot of people as a guitar player, but at the same time, I was getting schooled in how to write a good song. These people I’ve mentioned have had such a huge impact on my life and I feel like I’m ready to step up to the plate and make my mark as my own songwriter.
P.V. - What impact, if any, do you think your hometown and local scene had on the music you make today?
Ross - Well, being raised in the beautiful Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts definitely had an effect on my writing style. Particularly around autumn, when the leaves are just gorgeous, people are hunkering down, getting bundled up and delving deep into their work (it’s a huge college area). I love the process of writing. It can feel otherworldly sometimes. And the beauty of the area brings that to the fore. There’s a handful of great songwriters who have passed through (and some still live in) the area I grew up that had a large influence on me as well. Songwriters like Peter Mulvey, David Goodrich and Kris Delmhorst to name a few. We’re all good friends now and they have encouraged me in my endeavors.
P.V. - What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change overtime?
Ross - Well, since the songs were written over such a long period of time, the topics vary from song to song. Some of the songs are clever little notes to women I have fallen for. “Human Nature” is about the apocalypse, specifically about global warming and mass consumption of our natural resources. “This Time Around” is about getting burned by love, but being unable to resist it’s temptation. I’m really fascinated with writing more character sketches right now. Songs that are less about me and more about people who are like me and the situations they find themselves in.
P.V. - Could you briefly describe your music-making process?
Ross - I write a lot. Words, poems, couplets, letters, etc. If the story is right and the words are written the right way, the music becomes second nature and it just flows into creation. Then I spend a couple hours making a demo of it in GarageBand. I actually have about two records worth of new material, all recorded with just my computer. I may release some of it next year as a new record.
P.V. - What are you plans for music in the next year?
Ross - Well, I’m still fairly active playing with other groups. This past year I spend a fairly large chunk of time touring with the Sweetback Sisters. Next year, I’m looking to tone done my time spent on the road and more time spent making records. In the past few years I’ve been honing my skills as a producer at Turtle Studios. I produced Suzie Brown’s first album in 2009, and I have several other production projects about to be released. I’m looking to do more work like that, where I can bring an objective ear to someone else’s record.
P.V. - If you could book a tour with any 3 bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Ross - This is probably the hardest question of them all! I could see this a variety of ways. If I wanted to be selfish, I’d put together a bill with myself, Joe Henry, Richard Thompson and Elvis Costello. Just so Richard and I could trade leads while Elvis and Joe sing “Shoot Out The Lights”.
P.V. - Any last thoughts / words for our readers?
Ross - I hope people get something out of this record. Whether it’s a feeling, an inspiration, anything, and I thank them for taking the time out to listen, if they decide to.
Visit http://www.rossbellenoit.com/ to learn more about the artist
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