There are a fair share of ‘singer-songwriter multi-instrumentalists’ roaming around the Bay Area music scene. Many of them sounding like a hybrid version of John Vanderslice and Michael Zapruder. Few pull it off and one of those that do is a man by the name of Jonathan Meek. Meek’s latest effort since 2008′s Irony and Pity, entitled In Her Yard, is a short 5-song EP consisting of sweet and brightly orchestrated songs that drift slowly through the listener’s ears. His style is not unlike Vanderslice’s rich production and symphonic layers, along with his poetic narrative and lyrical mysteries. In Her Yard is worth checking out for people ready for some magical possibilities.
You can purchase In Her Yard here.
This week features the man himself as he politely answers the world famous (and late) Kuestionnaire.
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1. Could you state your name and what you do in the band?
I’m Jonathan Meek, the songwriter and “front man.”
2. How would you describe your sound?
It’s a combination of gritty, raw sounds and sort of traditional ideas of harmony and melody, all in a pop/rock format. We like to use interesting instruments and sounds in addition to the rock-band setup.
3. What is your favorite local band?
There’s a group called Speak Friend out of Livermore in the east East Bay that puts out some really good music.
4. Any concerts that blew your mind recently?
The National had a good show at the Fox Theater in Oakland. They had Ramona Falls opening for them which was really great to see.
5. Any non-musical influences you would like to mention?
Literature in general is a huge influence. There’s a lot of biblical imagery and symbolism in my lyrics, and while I try not to go overboard with literary references, you will find them here and there.
6. If your music was to be the theme of a film/TV show, what would it be?
East of Eden starring James Dean.
7. What musician/artist would you like to collaborate with for a day?
Neko Case would be really great to work with. She is incredibly creative and seems like a really cool person to hang out with.
8. What is the album you listen to on a cold rainy day?
Boatman’s Call by Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds.
9. List four songs you would listen to on a roadtrip?
“Strawberry Wine” – Ryan Adams
“The Mercy Seat” – Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
“April the 14th” – Gillian Welch
“(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding” – Elvis Costello
10. Where do you see yourselves in 7 years?
Holed up in a studio working on a record!
11. What is the last book you read?
Sons and Lovers by D.H. Lawrence. And right now I’m reading The Sentimental Education by Flaubert.
12. Is image a factor in music or is it a waste of time?
It’s absolutely a factor! Sometimes unfortunately so, but music serves as entertainment most of the time. A person’s image is another expression of creativity, so artists should embrace it.
13. Any embarrassing moments on stage you would like to share?
Well, more than once I’ve forgotten to actually plug in my guitar.
14. Any favorite tour locations?
I went to school in Santa Cruz so it’s always great to play there.
15. Lastly, what is your present state of mind?
Motivated and content.
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[mp3] Jonathan Meek & The Mutes – In Her Yard from In Her Yard (2010)
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[mp3] Speak Friend – The Motivation from We’re as Tall as Trees (2010)