From J Mascis to Neil Young: Kurt Vile's Journey with Vintage Guitars, Dead Strings, and Musical Legends!
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On a gloomy April day, we find ourselves gearing up for a conversation with indie rock icon Kurt vile about his latest album, Philadelphia’s Been Good to Me. The standout track, Chance to Bleed, is the perfect anthem for cruising with the windows down on a warm summer evening.
In Michigan, a few unseasonably warm days in March had us dreaming of Vile’s nostalgic portrayal of Philadelphia summers, so we planned to chat from our porch. However, with the weather taking a turn for the worse, we retreat indoors to the living room, which is currently a playground for this writer’s one-year-old daughter.
As we shuffle toys and books to create a space for our conversation, we’re reminded of Vile’s frequent reflections on fatherhood in his music.
“Daughters are the sweetest gifts,” he shares. “The moment they arrive, your world transforms. It’s a psychedelic experience,watching them grow and reliving your own childhood through their eyes.”
As we stroll around the living room, our discussion shifts to musical gear. we can’t help but inquire about the Gretsch Tennessean he acquired from Travis good of the sadies. Yet, the conversation frequently enough circles back to a term Vile uses repeatedly to describe his new album: “homespun.”
Much of the album was crafted and recorded late at night in his basement studio, allowing him to embrace what he refers to as the natural rhythm of life-finding time for self-reflection while creating the expansive, laid-back sound he’s known for. This interplay between family life and his past habits is evident in his lyrics.
Kurt Vile – Zoom 97 (Visualizer) – YouTube
On Zoom 97, you mention prioritizing time with your daughters over substances. Are you sober now?
I stopped drinking in 2018. Alcohol can be deceptive; it seems casual, but it can quickly become a serious issue.
The line-“my baby girls, they keep me high. Ain’t on no trips, no LSD, pure love drug for me“-is genuine. I don’t party like I used to, but I’m not entirely straight edge. I enjoy cannabis; it helps me experience music as I did in my youth. I don’t indulge all the time,but it’s a pleasant escape for anyone involved in music.
TAFS Unplugged: Kurt Vile – YouTube
What’s your process for writing lyrics?
There are countless ways to approach songwriting, and there are no strict rules.in the past, I used to overthink it.
Sometimes, the lyrics flow quickly, but it’s my craft. Zoom 97 is a track I take pride in because it was the first song I recognized as a standout for this album. I had a catchy mandolin riff recorded on my device. The folks at Gold Tone in Florida have been generous to me, providing a unique little guitar that resembles a mandolin but has six strings.
It was summertime, and my new bandmate, Matt [Jugenheimer], was present-there’s always a need for fresh energy in the mix. I played the riff back and had a melody in mind, but the words were elusive. I thought, “This is catchy; let’s layer some synths.”
Then, simply as I was in the moment and the microphones were on, I stepped outside and penned the lyrics. They came to me effortlessly because I was ready to capture them. It turned out beautifully. When my mind is open, one idea naturally leads to another.
Once I begin the writing process, it becomes a flow of creativity.
How Do You Unlock Your Creativity?
Being fully present is key. There are countless methods to compose a song, and no strict guidelines exist. In my earlier days, I frequently enough overanalyzed my lack of songwriting.I would ask myself, “Why can’t I write a song right now?” The truth is, you can’t force inspiration.
(Image credit: Douglas Mason/Getty Images)
Balancing Family and Music
What happens when you’re in the studio and need to pick up the kids? It’s a common scenario, and you learn to adapt. I’ve always preferred working at night. Once everyone is asleep, I have the quiet of the night to myself. However, inspiration can strike during the day as well.
Sometimes, ideas come in fragments. Life can be hectic, and those interruptions frequently enough lead to creative breakthroughs.
Transitioning from fan to Collaborator
at this stage in my career,I find myself collaborating with some of my musical idols. It’s a surreal experience. I tend to be quite shy, so meeting someone I admire can make me anxious. But stepping out of your comfort zone is essential. It’s akin to performing live; you have to embrace the possibility of making mistakes in front of an audience to grow. Being receptive to new experiences is crucial.
Kurt Vile – Loading Zones – YouTube
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Recording with John Prine
What was your experience like working with John Prine?
When he arrived at the studio, he was incredibly kind. He said, “I’d love to sing with you, Kurt,” and we recorded that track.
John came into the studio on short notice. I had connections with his label and had performed alongside him several times. He had heard my rendition of Speed of the Sound of Loneliness and appreciated it. Over time, he began to recognize me.
When he entered the studio, he was so gracious. He expressed his desire to collaborate,and we laid down the track How Lucky from the 2020 EP Speed,Sound,Lonely KV in just two takes. That’s how they operate in Nashville-efficient and impressive.
Meeting Neil Young
How did you first encounter Neil Young?
I finaly met Neil in Toronto with my friend Travis from the Sadies, who is one of my all-time favorite guitarists and a close friend. Neil has a great admiration for Travis. He was the first person I stood next to who introduced me to Neil by saying, “This is Kurt.”
The beauty of Neil is that he exists in his own universe. He has friends,but he remains in his own realm. You simply greet him when you can, knowing he might not remember you until one day he does. When you see Neil perform, he’s still the same Neil Young he has always been.
Kurt Vile – Chance to Bleed (Official Music Video) – YouTube
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Using Travis Good’s gretsch Tennessean
Is that the gretsch Tennessean belonging to Travis that you’re using on the new album?
Absolutely! If you’ve ever seen him perform,you know he plays with amazing intensity. Watching him is something else. The fretboard of that guitar shows the wear from his playing. He lent it to me during a show in Toronto to see if I wanted to buy it,and I promptly recorded something with it alongside the band.
Some guitars just resonate perfectly and feel like they play themselves. This one is remarkable. I couldn’t stop playing it; it sounds fantastic in the studio, equipped with powerful pickups. It’s the lead guitar on tracks like Zoom 97, 99th song, and Every time I Look at You. It really stands out.
Taking It on Tour
Are you planning to take it on tour?
Yes, I’ve started bringing it along on the road. One of my favorite live guitars is a sunburst 1965 Jazzmaster that J Mascis handed to me while I was working on his album in Massachusetts. He found it at a store where the owner was trying to sell it, and J has an impressive collection of them.
(Image credit: Douglas Mason/Getty Images)
(Image credit: Eleanor Petry)
The Joy of vintage Guitars
One of the highlights of my experience was when J Mascis personally handed me a vintage guitar at his studio. It was an unforgettable moment. While I own reissue Jazzmasters that mimic the vintage feel and sound, nothing compares to the authenticity of an original. The way it plays is simply magical-it’s like the guitar plays itself.
As for the guitars featured on my latest album, there were countless options.I’m a bit overwhelmed just thinking about it! [Laughs] One standout is an orange Gretsch 6120, which has become my favorite for lead guitar work. I played the Travis guitar extensively, but I neglected to change the strings, resulting in a rather dull sound.
Rob Schnapf visited my studio and suggested using the orange Gretsch for the lead on 99 bpm because the strings on the Tennessean were lifeless. He was spot on; the lead guitars really popped and sparkled. We’ve since replaced the strings on the Travis guitar.
Do you Prefer the Sound of Old Strings?
Absolutely! I have a Gibson J-45 that was my go-to acoustic at the beginning of the Watch My Moves tour.On the first day, our new guitar technician made a drastic move-he removed all the strings without me realizing it.
It was a shocking moment! [Laughs] Rob Schnapf also advocates for this approach; I learned that from him. New strings take time to settle in, especially during live performances.If you change the acoustic strings right before a show, it can lead to a challenging performance at first. They sound so bright and different,almost like bells.
Kurt Vile – Flyin (like a fast train) – YouTube
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Practice Routine and Performance Readiness
What does your practice routine entail?
I tend to pick up my guitar and play whenever the mood strikes me, especially when I’m feeling inspired. Recently, I’ve felt a bit out of touch, but then a performance comes up, and I’m thrust back into playing, which can lead to sore fingers.
This is all part of the journey. Now that I have a career, there will be moments when I need to perform unexpectedly. My music isn’t as complex as that of Led Zeppelin, so I don’t stress too much about it. In many ways, my songs feel increasingly straightforward, which eases my mind.
Looking Ahead
What’s next for you?
I poured my heart and soul into this album. By the end, it took a lot out of me, as they always do. This is my most authentic work yet; it feels very homespun.I collaborated with studios and individuals who share a similar organic approach to music-making.
While I plan to create more records, I have a sense that this might be my last traditional album for a while. I’m considering exploring more unconventional avenues. But who knows what the future holds?
From J Mascis to Neil Young: Kurt Vile’s Journey with Vintage Guitars, Dead Strings, and Musical Legends!
From J mascis to Neil Young: Kurt Vile’s Journey with Vintage Guitars, Dead Strings, and Musical Legends!
Kurt Vile: A Musical Icon
Kurt Vile, the Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter, has carved a niche for himself in the indie rock scene. Known for his distinctive sound that blends elements of folk, rock, and psychedelia, Vile’s journey through music is as fascinating as the instruments he plays. His affinity for vintage guitars and unique playing style has made him a beloved figure among music enthusiasts.
The Allure of Vintage guitars
One of the most captivating aspects of Kurt Vile’s music is his collection of vintage guitars. These instruments not only contribute to his signature sound but also hold stories and histories of their own. Here are some key highlights:
J Mascis’ Influence: Vile’s connection with J Mascis,the frontman of dinosaur Jr., has been pivotal. Mascis introduced Vile to a vintage Fender Mustang, which became a meaningful part of his sound.
Neil Young’s Legacy: Collaborating with Neil Young has further solidified Vile’s place in the music world. Young’s influence is evident in Vile’s songwriting and guitar work.
Unique Sound: Vintage guitars, like the Gretsch 6120 and Jazzmaster, offer tonal qualities that modern instruments often lack. Vile’s preference for these guitars enhances his music’s authenticity.
Why Dead Strings Matter
Another intriguing aspect of Vile’s musical approach is his preference for dead strings.While many musicians opt for fresh strings for their luminous sound, Vile finds beauty in the muted tones of older strings.Here’s why:
Benefits of Using Dead strings
Warmth and Character: Dead strings provide a warmer, more mellow tone that can enhance the emotional depth of a song.
Less Harshness: New strings can sound overly bright and harsh, especially in live settings. Dead strings offer a smoother sound that blends well with other instruments.
Familiarity: For Vile, the sound of dead strings is familiar and agreeable, allowing him to express himself more freely during performances.
Case Studies: Vintage Guitars in Action
Vile’s use of vintage guitars and dead strings has been documented in various performances and recordings. Here are a few notable examples:
Performance
Guitar Used
Notable Features
Live at the Fillmore
Gretsch 6120
Rich, warm tones with a vintage feel
Recording of “Zoom 97”
Fender Jazzmaster
Unique sound texture from dead strings
Collaboration with Neil Young
Custom Gibson J-45
Classic acoustic sound with a personal touch
First-Hand Experience: Kurt Vile’s Guitar Journey
Vile’s journey with guitars is filled with personal anecdotes and experiences that highlight his passion for music. Here are some insights from his journey:
Meeting J Mascis
Vile recalls the moment J Mascis handed him a vintage guitar at the studio. “He actually showed up and put it in my hands, which was the coolest part of all,” Vile shared. This moment not only solidified his admiration for Mascis but also deepened his appreciation for vintage instruments.
collaborating with Neil Young
Working with Neil Young was another milestone in Vile’s career. “The beauty of Neil is he’s 100 percent his own world,” Vile explains. This collaboration allowed him to explore new musical territories while staying true to his roots.
Practical Tips for Guitar Enthusiasts
If you’re inspired by Kurt Vile’s journey and want to explore vintage guitars and the art of using dead strings, here are some practical tips:
Experiment with Different Guitars: Try out various vintage models to find the one that resonates with you.
Don’t Be Afraid of Dead strings: Give older strings a chance; they might surprise you with their unique sound.
Learn from Legends: Study the techniques of artists like kurt Vile and Neil Young to enhance your own playing style.
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