It’s easy to fall in love with April Smith’s distinctive and charming voice. Her hauntingly soulful voice, sometimes bursting with buoyant spirit and at other times plaintive and world wearied, is deep, sensual and beguiling. Intricate storytelling and evocative lyrics infuse these songs with a captivating vibrancy but may be knocked sideways by the musical alchemy at play as a result of folk, country, and swing-style influences. Her new album, Songs for a Sinking Ship, with help from fan contributions, is a short yet playful preview into what April Smith and the Great Picture Show are capable of.
April Smith and the Great Picture Show will be performing with Jenny Owen Youngs at The Bell House in Brooklyn, NY on July 22nd and will be performing at the Newport Folk Festival at Fort Adams State Park in RI on August 1st.
You can purchase Songs for a Sinking Ship here.
This week we have the lovely April Smith as she answers the Kuestionnaire.
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1. Could you state your name and what you do in the band?
April Smith – writin’ and singin’ and guitar slingin’
2. How would you describe your sound?
retro pop with a swing – a little 1940′s with a modern spin
3. What is your favorite local band?
I love Baby Soda Jazz Band a whole lot. They play turn of the century pop – the 20th century, that is.
4. Any concerts that blew your mind recently?
We went on tour with Langhorne Slim earlier this year and they knocked our asses to the floor every night. What heart and energy those boys have! Great band and great fellas too.
5. Any non-musical influences you would like to mention?
Wes Anderson…his use of color in his films is the reason I’m alive. I find his work to be an inspiration and the most effective anti-depressant.
6. If your music was to be the theme of a film/TV show, what would it be?
The TV show would be a wacky old-time variety show. or a dance-a-thon.
Like Soul Train without the soul. Maybe Swing Train…or Swing Caboose. Or maybe none of those.
7. What musician/artist would you like to collaborate with for a day?
Rufus Wainwright. I can’t even think about what we could do.
8. What is the album you listen to on a cold rainy day?
Cousteau by Cousteau..particularly the song “Last Good Day of the Year”
9. List four songs you would listen to on a roadtrip?
Frankie’s Gun by the Felice Brothers
Today by Dr. Dog
Strangers by the Kinks
Take Me Home by Phil Collins
10. Where do you see yourselves in 7 years?
I’m nearsighted….can’t see that far. But I hope wherever I am that I get there on biodiesel.
11. What is the last book you read?
Portrait of a Killer – Jack the Ripper: Case Closed. You want to know who Jack the Ripper was? Read this book…riveting!
12. Is image a factor in music or is it a waste of time?
I think it is a factor and it’s also a way to express yourself without your voice. A little shoe shine never hurt anybody.
13. Any embarrassing moments on stage you would like to share?
I think embarrassment is a wasted emotion. But recently I left the tag on a new shirt and played a whole set with it sticking out. So that’s something.
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[mp3] April Smith and the Great Picture Show – Colors from Songs for a Sinking Ship (2010)
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[mp3] Baby Soda Jazz Band – Satan, Your Kingdom Must Come Down from Cures Everything But The Blues (2008)