An Interview with Brad Senne on 5/27/09
By: David Rachac
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| Brad Senne publicity photo by Ellie C. Rader |
How Was The Show: When did you get started playing music? Who were your earliest influences?
Brad Senne: I started playing music years ago, too long ago to remember exactly when. I first started playing in hardcore groups and I was just the singer, but I started writing my own songs about 9 years ago. As far as writing and playing music, the first stuff that really influenced me was R.E.M, The Cure, early U2 and whole bunch of punk music like the Circle Jerks, Minor Threat, Quicksand, Inside Out - the list goes on and on.
HWTS: What kinds of bands did you play in when you first started performing?
BS: The one that got the most attention was Picturesque and that was more of a hybrid of hardcore and rock music. We put out an E.P. on Trustkill Records called Shine in Eyes. That label is huge now.
HWTS: You first gained some local notoriety as the mastermind behind Beight, which you recorded with Ed Ackerson. How did that pairing come about, and how did you put together the subsequent band to perform those songs live?
BS: Initially, I sent Ed a demo of some songs and he was really excited about recording them. Then I flaked out and didn't go in and get them down. A year or so later, I sent him some totally different demos and those are the songs on File in Rhythm. I guess he heard something in those rough mixes that sparked an interest in recording me.
When I first started recording that album, I didn't even know if I was going to put a band together. I had some bad band break-ups in the past and didn't want to invest the time in putting a band together. It was more like I'm going to go into a really nice studio and see what happens. Then I started playing with Brian Just as a duo and really had a lot of fun with that, so I thought maybe I should try adding other people. About that time, I met Andre Leroux (bass) and Josh Lemoine (drums) at a New Year’s Eve party. It all happened very smoothly.
HWTS: Your solo output, especially the new CD Aerial Views, is quite a departure from the power pop sounds of Beight – was this a conscious shift in your approach or something that just happened organically?
BS: It's more just using the tools you have available and making the best of it. When I was working with Ed, he really encouraged me to start recording on my own and that's what I did. I bought a laptop and just jumped into it. What I like about recording on my own is that I can put out more albums frequently.
HWTS: Tell me about your songwriting and recording process -- how does a song go from idea to finished form?
BS: I sit down and it just comes to me. When I try to force it, it never comes out very well. My new approach is to record the vocals and acoustic live and then add sounds after that. I'm still trying to figure it all out, but I'm having a blast doing it! I will also record the song as thoroughly as possible and then listen to it over and over again. If I can listen to it for a month or so, and I still like it, then it's all good.
HWTS: What do you enjoy most about the Twin Cities that makes you want to live and make music here?
BS: There are so many places to play. People like to drink here, so there are tons of places to perform. I can't believe all the talent here these days. It's incredible! And most of the bands you can see for free! That's nuts. It's very inspiring.
HWTS: Your CD release party for Aerial Views will be Friday, May 29th at the Kitty Cat Klub. What are we going to see there?
BS: An acoustic filled evening. Ballast will be opening the evening, on second it's Unguided (acoustic) and I'll be rounding off the evening. Ben Durrant (Roma di Luna & Unguided) will be sitting on guitar and Ryan Lovan (Roma di Luna) will be playing drums with me. I'm super excited about playing with those two. They're pros!
HWTS: Do you have any plans for the road this summer?
BS: Yeah I'm hoping to play a Midwest tour in late August or early September.
HWTS: Thanks for taking the time to answer all these questions. Any final comments?
BS: I want to say that the Minneapolis music community is very lucky to have all the support it does from the writers and people who enjoy listening to music. We got something special here and we should all be very proud to be a part of it. I know I am.
Artist Info: Brad Senne
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