An upcoming full album release from Solomon Crowe brings out a lush array of instrumentation that comes through all completely natural and slightly rustic with straightforward and honest lyrics and in almost gothic folk-rock tonality that is combined with songwriting approaches from different decades to create something that's very unique.
The Demons Run album is packed to the brim with a genuine and authentic swagger and detailed storytelling that comes from emotionally driven platforms and portrays the inner thoughts of an artist.
This is the kind of thing albums are all about. Being able to listen to a record like this and feel closer to the artist themselves is imperative with music of this nature.
All the while you're getting these songs that are completely pop undertone with catchy hooks left and right but there's so much edgy honesty to it that you almost pay more attention to the facts that are so incredibly relatable to yourself.
There are more than a few sentiments that you can tell are maybe not the easiest to speak so perhaps he does it his way to get things off his chest.
The best part is the relatability to it so that you kind of get a real understanding of where he's coming from on a lot of the songs on this record.
Now there's plenty of soil and lots of attitudes as well. It's not all acoustic either; there are songs that rock out a little bit more and boast a harder edge but even those are completely honest.
This is an absolutely wonderful display of songwriting approach that covers a lot of ground but also has this true staple sound that floats around.
When you hear him, you know that it's him and that's an important aspect for a songwriter and an artist.
There's a unique undertone to everything and the songs almost connect with each other on a certain level as well like their chapters from his life.
These are the kinds of things that draw you into the story and create something that you can step into and escape your own life for a little bit.
I think records like this one are meant for that to a certain extent because albums that are in-depth like this one although as catchy as this is, are a form of escapism not only for the artist but for the listener.
There's so many layers going on with this record that it's best to listen to it from beginning to end so that you can completely soak it in the way it was meant to be.
When's the last time you heard a record that was meant to be listened to like that?
Yeah, it's been a while and it's about time that we have something like that again.
Now this record is coming out in the coming months and there are several singles that are out now that you can listen to so you can get a good feel for what the album might sound like although there is some good diversity throughout it.
With the album coming up we did want to have a sit-down with Solomon to talk about where this record actually came from and what might be coming up next for him after this.
Here's what went down.
Buzz Slayers: Okay, let's start with the Demons Run album! This record had folk rock, elements of punk, and this Americana undertone as well! How did this album come about?
I don't really have a good answer for that haha, this is just what sort of came out of me. I never set out to write a particular song or achieve a certain sound, I'm often just as surprised as anyone else when I finish a song. If I am being entirely honest with you, I rarely know what I'm doing. The only thing that really matters to me is the pursuit of relentless authenticity and these songs are the result of that pursuit. Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as an artist? When did you really fall in love with music? I've always loved music, since I was little. I remember my older sister got a guitar for Christmas one year and I'd sneak into her room when she was gone and just fuck around with it. She would get so mad at me, but she never played it! Finally, our amazing mother told her to pick any song she wanted and if I could learn that song, I could keep the guitar. And so American Idiot by Greenday was the first song I ever learned to play.
I didn't actually start writing songs or playing in front of people until many years later. Somewhere along the way I got hooked on opiates and crystal, so I started busking around the streets of St. Louis to support my habits. That's when I really started writing my own stuff and playing original songs for people. Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire songs for you? For me, writing a song was my way of confronting myself. As an addict I would lie to everybody, including myself, every day about everything. I was living such a disingenuous life and it got to the point where I couldn't even be honest with myself. So, songwriting became my way of looking within myself and sorting through the lies and the bullshit, looking for any shred of authenticity that I could grab a hold of and use to create something tangible and real.
Buzz Slayers: This album has some great styles on it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically? I love all genres really, my favorites right now are Amigo the Devil, Todd Snider, Brown Bird, and Django Reinhardt. Buzz Slayers: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music? Playing Red Dead Redemption 2 or .. well, that's really it i guess lol Music is my lifeline; it keeps me clean. Buzz Slayers: Who's in your headphones right now?
Willi Carlsile, Poor Mans Poison, Lightnin Luke and The Bridge City Sinners Buzz Slayers: Are you doing any live performances right now? I'm actually doing my first real gig in over a year down in St. Louis at the end of this month and I'm really excited to get back out there. It's been a long time but I'm finally healthy, clear headed and have a shiny new album to throw at people so, yes, I am actively booking gigs:)
Buzz Slayers: Did you record yourself or hit a big studio for this? I actually recorded this in a garage/shack type thing, in the middle of nowhere in Celina Tennessee lol.
Shout out to Andy and Paul and Steelhouse Studios! We did the whole thing in 3 days and it was a lot of fun. Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future? I don't even know I can expect from me in the near future haha Right now, I'm focused on pushing this album and playing shows everywhere I can.
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
That I couldn't do this without you. I may be the one playing the songs, but you are the most important member of this band, and you save my life every single day. So, thank you, I love you, and I will see you soon:)
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