Save The Clocktower (Photo: Lauren Herrmann)
Exclusive Interview: Save The Clocktower
by Chuck Norton
May 26, 2011
I like Save The Clocktower. That might be an odd way to start off an introduction to an interview, but it’s true. But at the same time, I could kick myself for not listening to more of the band, sooner.
Last year, when the band first sent over information on their album Carousel, I gave it a quick listen and flagged it for a follow-up. Then weeks would go by without me listening to it or moving ahead with a piece on the band or album. But I also came back to it.
This happened a number of times over the last six months. Then a month ago, as I was prepping for another round of interviews for the site, I thought again of Save The Clocktower.
This Chicago-based band qualifies as one of those acts that you should be telling your friends about. Their album Carousel is a dream-pop delightful. It mixes modern elements of emerging music (think “chillwave”) with classic synth-pop to create an album that leads to lots of head-swaying, shoulder-bouncing and good-time feelings.
The band, comprised of Greg Newton, Jimmy Shenk and Sean Paras, is still unsigned although they’ve shared the stage with such acts as Toro Y Moi, Beats Antiques and Kid Koala.
For more on the band, visit their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter. You can also stream the album via their Bandcamp page or via the embed below.
DeadJournalist.com brings you this exclusive interview with Jimmy Shenk of Save The Clocktower.
What is the history of the band?
JS: We started as Save The Clocktower in 2009, though we’ve all been playing music in some capacity for many many years. We all grew up as best friends since we were little in the Chicago suburbs.
How did you first get involved in music?
JS: We got started in music first as just fans. We grew up as young kids listening to music, and that kind of drove us to wanting to be musicians.
What aspects of being a musician do you most enjoy?
JS: As people who write music, the most enjoyable part of it is creating something brand new. Its a really interesting feeling being able to listen to a song that you wrote, and people really like.
For someone unfamiliar with your music, how would you describe it?
JS: I’d say we’re a dreamy pop band. Carousel had underlying in straight pop while incorporating ’80s synth rock, ’90s psychedelics and electronics. I have always had a difficult time describing the band though, because I feel like we’re constantly evolving our sound
What can someone expect from your live performances?
JS: They can always expect a band that comes well rehearsed, ready and willing to give a great show, and brings a positive energy. We always try to stay humble and really enjoy every minute of it.
How do you work through the creative process of writing a formulating the layout of a song?
JS: That’s an interesting question. Its not exactly the same for each song. Our band dynamic is very free flowing, and what I mean by that is we all are hands in with the song writing. Generally one of us will have a framework or an idea, and we just build off of it.
Save The Clocktower - Carousel
As a self-evaluation, how do you feel about the progress the band made in 2010?
JS: 2010 had to have been the biggest year for us so far. We played with Hudson Mohawke, DJ Yoda, Toro Y Moi, Beats Antique at some of our favorite Chicago venues. We also got to play at Wicker Park Music Festival, a festival I always went to growing up, and the inaugural North Coast Music Fest.
What are your plans for the rest of 2011?
JS: We have already began writing a third album, which we are really excited about. I like the direction its starting to take. We already have probably half the songs done. We’re going to keep on doing shows, and hopefully enjoy the summer.
How do you leverage social media to promotes your work?
JS: We are on Twitter and Facebook. We have fun with this because it allows to connect with people who enjoy our music from all over the place. It also has given us the opportunity to connect with the media, which a lot of the time, are the medium fans come across our music, so we’re really appreciative for all the great feedback and reviews we’ve gotten from you guys!
How would you describe the current state of the Chicago music scene?
JS: Tough question. Its tough to really describe the scene, because its so eclectic. There are a lot of great musicians and bands in Chicago that we have the privilege of knowing and working with. Chicago has some fantastic venues and festivals.
What is the most bizarre thing that has happened to the band while on tour?
JS: Tour? Whats’t that? Just kidding! We actually haven’t done a ‘tour’ yet, as we’re still relatively a “new” band. We hope to continue gaining momentum and getting on the road soon though. We did play 7th St Entry / First Ave in Minneapolis, which is also the same place Prince filmed “Purple Rain”! That was pretty amazing.
Who is an artist that you have been recommending to your friends?
JS: We always try to get people to watch the movie “Dig” with us.
To whom were you listening to in 2001?
JS: A lot of classic rock, Radiohead, Phish, old school funk
What Web sites do you read on a regular basis?
Currently anything talking about THE BULLS!
(Editor’s Note: This question was asked before the passing of Randy Savage) Don Pardo vs. The Macho Man:
JS: And Your Host … Ladies and Gentlemannnn …
One Drink. One Album. One Movie.
JS: Coca Cola, Violator, “Purple Rain”
