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1.) We’re super-excited to be speaking today with acclaimed genre-defying band, The Scarlet Goodbye; greetings and salutations gang and welcome to Vents Magazine! Before we dive into the Q&A mosh-pit, could you say ‘hi’ and introduce yourselves to our ever-inquisitive reading audience?
Hey! The Scarlet Goodbye is Daniel Murphy and Jeff Arundel, backed by Pat Nelson on Bass, Ben Peterson on drums, Pat Frederick on violin and keys, and a few other chaps who amble in and throw down with us at various times. Danny and JA have both been on the scene for awhile, but in different camps, so this mash-up, which happened by chance, ended up being unique in many ways, as both of the frontmen brought different backgrounds and skills to the mix. And it shows in the interesting and unique resonance.
2.) Major kudos and accolades on your freshly-minted new sophomore album El Camino Adios, which is set to light up record charts around the ever-lovin’ globe when it premieres this March 14th! Daniel, starting at the tip-top, can you talk about what inspired this beautiful new LP?
We slipped back into Jeff’s attic studio, where we had first collided, and pretty soon the unique mojo that is us started to flow. As it went along, this set of songs became centered around a mythical small town, El Camino, and the idea that the songs express the mysteries and memories of someone who has lived there, loved there, and finally is saying goodbye, with everything that goodbye brings…………
3.) Jeff, considering that you did the producing honors on Scarlet Goodbye’s inaugural 2023 album, is it a safe bet that you also had a hand in the producing-side of things for the new album, El Camino Adios? And, if so, what are the pros to serving as your own producer?
Great question! Danny and I both love creating, we’ve both made a bunch of records, and so one of the pros is that we get to keep the magic of the process in our own hands and minds. I think we stay objective (that can be a risk if you don’t have outside views) and I think we’ve been around enough to not have an ego about anything—we can create, be realistic, make decisions, admit defeat, and work our way to the conclusion we like. Maybe it won’t always work, but it’s working now. I’ve loved every minute of producing both of these records.
4.) Pat N., can you talk about all of the amazing guest artists who contributed their own musical wares to make the El Camino Adios LP a full-fledged reality?
We do most of this ourselves, but on this record we have some great guests, most notably Rob Arthur (Kenny Loggins, Peter Frampton) bringing some “church” to the organ on “El Camino Adios”, and Steve Gorman (Black Crowes, Golden Smog) on drums for “Speedway” and “The Last Time”. Some other top players like Billy Oerhlein, Jeff Victor, and the Sea Change Treble Choir (they’re the Angels on “Raylene”) jumped in. Bam!
5.) Pat F., how is the El Camino Adios LP similar to Scarlet Goodbye’s first album, 2023’s Hope’s Eternal? How is it different?
El Camino Adios is a little more raw, I think, and a little more emotional. Dan and Jeff were obviously just continuing to get more comfortable with each other, and it shows! Hope’s Eternal is great, and got a bunch of well-deserved press, but Adios, for me, is a step up.
6.) Ben, El Camino Adios is being released via the good folks over at Angel Dust Records which is a division of the Label Group which in turn is distributed by Virgin. What makes Angel Dust the perfect home for Scarlet Goodbye and their indelible musical stylings?
Angel Dust is helmed by Dennis Sanders, who has been around the block, so he looks out for us. We’re in good hands! And his best friend manages Dolly Parton, so of course we hope he arranges for us to meet her, sooner than later.
7.) Daniel, we’re big admirers of the tune To Feel The Sun which can be found front-and-center on the upcoming El Camino Adios album! What’s the story behind this gem of a ditty?
It started as kind of an acoustic thing, and our working title for it was “Youngblood”, because it sounded like one of those great Jesse Colin Young songs, but once the lads got hold of it, it began to morph into The Byrds. Pat Frederick plays killer piano, and it is really fun to play live—we’ve been opening the shows with it.
8.) Jeff, in the wake of the March 14th release of the new Scarlet Goodbye album El Camino Adios, can fans look forward to catching you all on the touring/performing circuit?
We are for sure hoping to get out there this Summer and Fall—we are adding dates now, so if you read this and have a slot for us, let’s GO! Especially if it’s opening for Mark Knopfler.
9.) Pat N., in your humble opinion what differentiates the upcoming El Camino Adios LP from the Distinguished Competition on the 2025 music scene?
There is a timeless feel—WXPN just called the title track “sweetly gorgeous”, and there are some flat-out burners, along with some wistful melancholia. It’s more like an album from the ‘60’s or ‘70’s, where you listen to the entire thing, in one sitting. I’m not sure who makes these records now—it’s always about singles now. This is a record.
10.) Pat F., any final thoughts you might like to share with fans and readers alike regarding the upcoming March 14th release of the new Scarlet Goodbye album El Camino Adios?
Take a minute with it. Listen, and listen again. It will reveal a depth that is unusual, both in the musical production, and in the lyrics. Handmade in an attic studio in St. Paul, Minnesota. Listen, and listen again. You’ll see.
