Mike’s Carwash - Sound In The Signals Interview
I recently had the opportunity to interview Samantha of Mike’s Carwash. We discussed musical influences, recording new EP ‘I Hope the Roof Flies Off…’, collaborating with Chirp Records for a cassette release, and more. Check it out below.
First, thanks for the interview.
Of course! We haven’t been interviewed before, so thank you for giving this opportunity.
Can you tell me how you formed the band for those who may be unfamiliar with it? How did you initially become interested in music?
So, we formed the band in 2021. Originally, Mike’s Carwash was Dan on lead guitar, Mike on drums, our friend Brad on bass, and myself, Samantha, on vocals and rhythm guitar. Mike and I ended up meeting more people interested in music when we went off to college, which is when we met Jack, our other lead guitarist, and Brooke, our current bassist and vocalist who is also part of another local band called Paint by Numbers.
We’ve all been interested in music for a really long time; it’s hard to even remember when I first took a liking to music to be honest, but I started playing guitar when I was 7 years old and have continued ever since.
Which artists or albums have the biggest influences on your sound?
We all individually have a wide array of influences, which makes for a diverse and pretty unique sound; to name some artists: The Smashing Pumpkins, Snowing, Dire Straits, Wilco, Panchiko, Paramore, Pink Floyd, and many more.
You released your EP ‘I Hope the Roof Flies Off…’ a few months ago. Have you been pleased with the response it has received so far?
Yes, we’ve gotten more than we could ever ask for as far as the response goes. We worked really hard on it, especially Dan who recorded, mixed, and mastered the whole EP. He spent hours and hours and hours mixing, getting the right takes, and playing on it as well. We were all really happy when we first heard the final mixes, and are happy that people continue to listen to the music.
What was it like recording that EP? Do you have a favorite moment from recording it?
We recorded all the takes over winter break at Drown Out Records, Dan’s home studio. It was a long (but very fun) process recording all the takes and getting to spend time with everyone.
I’d have to say my favorite moment from recording was when Mike, Dan, and I had just finished recording some drums and vocals; I was taking videos for our Instagram and I took this one of Mike roundhouse kicking the camera while some Duster song was playing in the background. It was just fun to be able to hang with them after and be goofy.
I really like “Sam’s Car”. I think the guitar work, as well as the vocal performance on that song, is fantastic. How long did you work on both aspects of that song?
Thank you so much! The guitar work took hours because we were almost writing some of the lead parts as we went. I also kept messing up on the rhythm guitar so we did a lot more takes for that as well.
Vocals took a couple of hours I’d say. We actually did the screams separately so I didn’t strain my voice too much, I just didn’t have great technique at the time so it was a little painful to do those takes; I also had to take some breaks in between to rest my voice which made it take a bit longer.
You released a cassette with Chirp Records. How did it work out for you to work with them?
It was great working with them, they were super patient with us, which we greatly appreciate, since we had to push the release date of the EP so far out. They were also very transparent and collaborative with the design choices; I’d definitely recommend reaching out to them for tape releases!
Is there any chance that the EP will be released on vinyl?
Currently, we don’t have any plans for a vinyl release — but if anyone wants to and has the means to do that, feel free to reach out!
What’s coming up for the band in 2023? Is there any chance that we’ll hear new music anytime soon?
We definitely have some things in the works that I won’t elaborate on too much, but there will be updates on our social media soon; definitely throw us a follow if you want to be in the loop!
Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions. Do you have anything else that you would like to add?
Thanks again for reaching out. I’d just like to add a huge thank you to everyone who comes to our shows, listens to our music, and everyone who supports the band. We’ve come a very long way from practicing in Mike’s garage, and it never would’ve happened if people didn’t reach out for gigs, play our music on radio stations, and listen to the music we release. We’re more than thrilled that people enjoy our music this much and can’t wait for people to hear what’s next.
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