Nude Shoes - Sound In The Signals Interview

I recently had the chance to interview Nude Shoes. Check out the full interview below.

First off, thanks for the interview.
No problem! Thank you!

Can you tell me a little about how you started the project and what got you into music for anyone who is unfamiliar with Nude Shoes?
I started this project as a way to cope with my most recent flare up with my battle with ulcerative colitis. I’ve been in other projects in the past, such as a solo project I had called “Weird and Wonderful Words.” This project was very different though, at least in terms of how it started. It was a way for me to cope both mentally and physically with what was happening to me. Music has and always will be a form of therapy and this record was my healing process.

You just released your new EP 'Suburban Ceremonies'. What was the recording process like for the EP and how long did you work on it?
It was an awesome experience. I was fortunate enough to work with some incredibly talented artists and friends. My buddy Pat Risi, who owns Bear Away Studios helped me write and track the record. My buddies Tom Risi and Charlie Cohen of the New Jersey band, As Always, helped me track drums and bass. My buddy Adam Cichocki of Gatherers also played drums too. Jesse Cannon mixed it and Mike Kalajian mastered the record (both are amazing at what they do!) The entire writing process and recording took almost 18 months all together. A lot of songs were written and we decided to go with the 4 you hear on the record.

I really like "Mental Stencil". Can you tell me about writing that song and how it came together both musically and lyrically?
I love that song too! That song was really fun to write. We wanted something that would set this record apart—something dynamic with multiple layers and parts. We also wanted it to be heavy and become more dramatic as it closes. Doing vocals for that song was a little difficult—I had to go out of my comfortable range for most of it. The lyrics reflect on being unhappy with your current situation in life and how the past is nostalgic at times. Sometimes we miss the simpler times and struggle with the idea of moving on.

The artwork for the EP is really eye catching and I instantly liked it. Who came up with the concept and designed it? Why did you feel like it was a good fit for your EP?
Julie Chencinski is the artist behind the artwork. She is amazingly talented. I work with her to this day. She and I talked about the concept and Julie helped me execute the final idea. She drew everything and designed all the layouts. I thought about how a relationship can bring out the best and worst in people. The 4 heads represent the tracks on the record essentially. The songs change as they progress, just as a relationship, or how our lives do. I wanted to capture that element.

You released a video for "Headache For A Decade". What was the video shoot like and why did you pick that song as the lead single?
The video shoot was really fun to do...and a little embarrassing haha. My buddy Conor Risi did the entire video from start to end. We used three different bathrooms and went to a local mall. You see a lot of thigh in the video haha. We wanted it to be fun and easy and a little different. The content is personal to me but humor is the best way I’ve dealt with this disease. I poke fun of myself all the time. This video was an extension of that.

I thought it was a good single because of the length of the song (like around 2:15) and it just has a bop. It bounces and moves and gets to the point.

Why did you title the new EP 'Suburban Ceremonies' and what does that title mean to you?
The title reflects how I’ve been feeling about where I am in life. I live in New Jersey and grew up in New Jersey. As I’ve gotten older, some friends have left, others have stayed, and I’ve had the opportunity to find myself here. Living in the shadows of two major cities is interesting. You’re the place where everyone travels to and from. There’s so much to do here, it’s wonderful, and it’s all I’ve known. I’m incredibly grateful for that. I am however, getting older and looking back on how living in the suburbs has changed me. This record reflects that. It’s been a journey and I’m excited to see where it’ll lead me next.

I guess that wraps it up. Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions. Do you have anything else you would like to add?
Thank you for taking the time to interview me! Means a lot. I just want to add that I cannot wait for all the shows I have planned for this spring and summer. I have a wonderful band getting ready to play these songs and some new ones as well. I will be playing lots of solo shows too. Can’t wait to get out there!

Order 'Suburban Ceremonies': HERE.