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Hi Dave, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?
Thanks for having me! I’m well, thank you. It’s a rare sunny day here in Washington, so I’m doing my best to soak it in!
Can you talk to us more about your latest single “Hoped You Couldn’t Tell?”
I unintentionally took a very Goldilocks approach with this song. This version is actually my third attempt. It began its life as a more intimate acoustic song, but it felt like it wanted to be more. So, I started experimenting. I tried slowing it down and giving it a bit of a 50’s vibe, but that didn’t feel quite right either. On the third try, I channeled my inner Evan Dando and landed on this jangly, mid-tempo version, which at long last, felt like I’d finally found the song. I’m so happy with how it turned out!
Did any event in particular inspire you to write this song?
I think at its core, “Hoped You Couldn’t Tell” pulls from my struggles with low self-esteem and insecurity. I was in a long-term relationship that was failing miserably, and I knew it, but I felt powerless to stop it. When it did finally come to an end, I spent a lot of time analyzing where it went wrong and arrived at the conclusion that although I’d tried my best to be a good partner, there was so much I could’ve done better. That’s where the line, “I know that I’m not perfect. I’d just hoped you couldn’t tell” came from.
How was the filming process and experience behind the video?
I worked with Doni Bacox, who is an amazingly talented indie filmmaker. He only asks for the lyrics and music, and the rest comes straight from his imagination. I love his storytelling style and the way he interprets my lyrics. He captures emotion in a way that really draws you in. And I also love that I never have to be in them!
The single comes off your new album Anhedonia – what’s the story behind the title?
Anhedonia is defined as an inability to experience joy. It’s a form of depression in which you struggle to find pleasure in anything. Even in things you used to love. After my mom passed away a few years ago, I’d lost my best friend, and my mental health was at an all-time low. I definitely suffered from anhedonia, and it took me months to climb back out. And it was music that got me there. I started playing my guitar again. Writing a bit here and there. Going to shows. It ignited something within me that hasn’t let up since!
How was the recording and writing process?
Once the pandemic hit, it changed the way a lot of musicians chose to work, myself included. I researched a lot of DIY home studio options and bought some basic equipment to started. I discovered that not only was it relatively easy, but it was also possible to achieve a high quality of sound on a budget! But I can’t play all the instruments, so I enlisted the help of some extremely talented folks through Soundbetter, including Adam Soucy on drums and John Thomasson on bass. I could’ve never made this record without them.
What aspect of your own personal life did you get to explore on this record?
It’s interesting to go back and read the lyrics because it’s almost like getting to know myself a bit better. What was I feeling when I wrote this song? Why did I choose this particular word or phrasing? Have I grown as a person since writing this song and am I better person for it? Sometimes the answers can be surprising. I never know exactly what I’m going to write about until the words start flowing, so it’s often fascinating to see what was on my mind in that moment in time.
Where else did you find the inspiration for the songs and lyrics?
My songs all have a personal element to them, but they’re not always about my experiences specifically. Sometimes, I’ll be inspired by something I’ve observed, or a poem I’ve read, or just anything in general that makes me feel something. It awakens something inside that I just can’t wait to get down on paper!
What else is happening next in Twelve Days In June’s world and where can people find out more info about the band?
As we speak, I’m mixing the tracks for my next album, which Is on target for early 2023, but there will absolutely be some new singles coming later this year. I’m so excited about this record! It’s a love letter to all my favorite bands from the 90s.
I’d love to connect with folks who are interested in learning more about my music! I’m @twelvedaysinjune on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. And my music is available now on Bandcamp or just about all major streaming services. Thanks for listening!
