dolour


Interview from 12 March 01

Corey: How did the formation of Dolour occur?

Shane: Well that's a tough question, because I am the only original member. I thought of the name in the fall of 1997, but I had been playing with the same kids for about a year. Dolour has gone through about three full line-up changes. At this point in time I don't foresee Dolour ever being four consistent people, it's just never worked out that way. It's fun having new line ups to play with though, because about every four months I have a completely new outlook on music, so it keeps it fresh.

Seattle is a pretty rock town. Has that presented many obstacles for Dolour?

It did cause problems early on, when we were trying to find our "scene" - but over the past year or so I've been writing music that I feel has no affinity to the city or a specific scene. I could be writing the same songs in New Mexico, maybe.

How do you usually approach songwriting? Do you tend to write the music first and then the words?

It has changed a lot over the years. I've gone through periods where the lyrics have no significance to me, and then times (recently) where I have the whole story or idea for the song written before I write a single note. I usually sit at the piano when I am writing, even if it ends up being played on guitar. I think I just have a better understanding of the piano, it's easier to see where the chord changes will go. That's a tough question, though, because - of course - it is different for every song. Every song has its own life. (How was that for artsy points??)

Do you prefer performing live or recording?

I love being in the studio. Watching my songs take shape, with the help of friends, is a very rewarding thing - especially recently. While we were recording Waiting for a World War, it was very tense. There were a lot of egos involved, and I ended up feeling like a guest musician on my own record. It was a growing up period for me. Since then I've had some great times in the studio. We've been recording demos and I am getting a better grasp on the studio itself.

But right now, it has been about a month since we've played live and I'm hurting for some rocking.

What has been the most memorable or most interesting show you have played so far?

Well, two shows were great just because of whom we were playing with. In the spring of 1999 we played a show with Tristeza who were a big influence on me at the time, so that was cool. And then that summer we played a show with Special Goodness (Pat Wilson of Weezer's side band) and that was fun, even though he was a dick to us.

I think my favorite show we've played yet was our last show with the

Waiting for a World War line up (me, Joe Gregory, and Paul Mumaw). It was in December 2000 at the old firehouse. We covered Superdrag's one hit "who sucked out the feeling" and the kids really dug it. I could feel the love in the room.

For how long have you been writing music?

I was always making up little melodies as a kid. Just silly songs, something just to make my brother and sister laugh. but I really starting writing around the time Kurt Cobain shot himself. That was kind of a push for me, "Ok, now its my turn." kind of thing.

What bands have been influential and what sort of bands do you listen to currently?

I used to be shy about sharing my musical tastes, not wanting to give anything away. But, what the fluke. . . I've been busting out my old Weezer records a lot recently. Also, Brian Wilson of the beach boys is always a HUGE inspiration for me. The way he tackled pop music circa '65-67 is incredible. I've been reading his autobiography lately, very sad life. But also, I love the Pixies, the Beatles, Bright Eyes, Outkast, Bob Dylan, Magnetic Fields, Ben Folds Five, and now my mind's drawn a blank.

What are a few of your favourite things?

I like hanging out with friends, partying, reading, getting in heated debates about the Beatles, and surfing the net! (Woo, geek rock points!)

What else keeps you occupied when you're not writing music or playing shows?

To be totally honest, music is pretty much what I eat, sleep and breathe. However, I am a student at Bellevue Community College this quarter. I am doing horrible, but I spend an hour in their "piano" hall every morning and that is really helpful. I was actually in the piano hall while the earthquake happened. I recently quit working at the Jewish Community Center (in Mercer Island) and am currently unemployed (with no complaints).

Hopefully, shows will be keeping me more busy in the coming weeks, as our first full-length is being released April 17th on Sonic Boom Records.

Visit Dolour online.