Houndmouth's influences - Oleosymusica.blog

Houndmouth’s Influences

The Band: Shaping Houndmouth’s Sound

Houndmouth, the American alternative blues and rock band, draws significant inspiration from the influential group known as The Band. With their fusion of rock, country, and folk music, The Band has had a profound impact on Houndmouth’s musical style and direction. The band acknowledges The Band as a key influence, recognizing their contribution to shaping Houndmouth’s sound (The Guardian).

The Late-60s Era: A Source of Inspiration

Houndmouth finds inspiration in the late-60s era, particularly in the music of Robbie Robertson and The Band, which drew on ancient country and folk traditions. This connection to the past has influenced Houndmouth’s approach to their own music, infusing it with ragged country blues, period details, and genre signifiers (The Guardian).

Authenticity and Rawness: Houndmouth’s Musical Philosophy

A defining characteristic of Houndmouth’s music is their commitment to authenticity and rawness. They strive to keep their music real and unprocessed, avoiding the use of artificial sounds. This dedication to capturing the essence of their influences allows Houndmouth to create a genuine and sincere musical experience for their listeners (WTBU Radio).

The Evolution of Golden Age: Exploring New Territory

Houndmouth’s latest album, Golden Age, represents a notable shift in their musical direction. Departing from their previous sound, the band embraces an ’80s-synth kind of beat, demonstrating their willingness to experiment and explore new sonic territories (Wikipedia).

Collaboration with Shawn Everett: Pushing Boundaries

During the recording process of Golden Age, Houndmouth had the opportunity to work with producer Shawn Everett. Known for his boundary-pushing approach, Everett encouraged the band to push their own artistic boundaries. This collaboration resulted in the incorporation of new sounds and textures, enriching the album with fresh sonic elements (Wikipedia).

The Influence of the Linn Drum Machine: A Vintage Discovery

A significant influence on the sound of Golden Age was the discovery of an old Linn Drum Machine in the studio. This vintage piece of equipment had a profound impact on the album’s sonic palette, contributing to the ’80s-inspired synth elements that are prevalent throughout the record (Wikipedia).

Embracing Change and Adapting: Responding to Fan Feedback

While Golden Age has been well-received by many, the band’s new sound has also faced some backlash from fans who long for their old folk-rock sound. However, Houndmouth has taken the criticism in stride, demonstrating their ability to adapt and evolve as artists. They have even made light of the situation, embracing change while staying true to their artistic vision (Wikipedia).

In conclusion, Houndmouth’s influences span from the musical legacy of The Band and the late-60s era to their commitment to authenticity and rawness. With their latest album, Golden Age, the band explores new musical territory, collaborating with Shawn Everett and incorporating vintage sounds. Houndmouth’s ability to respond to fan feedback and adapt to change showcases their growth as artists, while staying true to their own unique musical identity.

Sources:

– “New band of the day – No 1,303: Houndmouth” by Paul Lester, The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/jul/06/new-band-houndmouth)
– “INTERVIEW: Houndmouth” by WTBU Radio (https://sites.bu.edu/wtbu/2019/02/15/interview-houndmouth/)
– “Houndmouth – Wikipedia” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houndmouth)

FAQs

What are Houndmouth’s key influences?

Houndmouth draws inspiration from a variety of sources that have shaped their musical style. One of their key influences is The Band, a legendary group known for their fusion of rock, country, and folk music.

How does Houndmouth incorporate the late-60s era into their music?

Houndmouth finds inspiration from the late-60s era, particularly the music of Robbie Robertson and The Band, which drew on ancient country and folk traditions. This influence is reflected in their music, infusing it with ragged country blues, period details, and genre signifiers.

What is Houndmouth’s philosophy when it comes to their music?

Houndmouth aims to keep their music real and raw, avoiding the use of artificial sounds. They prioritize authenticity and strive to create a genuine and sincere musical experience for their listeners.

How does Houndmouth’s latest album, Golden Age, differ from their previous sound?

Golden Age represents a shift in Houndmouth’s musical direction. The album embraces an ’80s-synth kind of beat, exploring new sonic territories and departing from their previous folk-rock sound.

Who did Houndmouth collaborate with on Golden Age?

Houndmouth had the opportunity to work with producer Shawn Everett on Golden Age. Everett encouraged the band to push their artistic boundaries, resulting in the incorporation of new sounds and textures into the album.

What influenced the sound of Golden Age?

During the recording process of Golden Age, Houndmouth discovered an old Linn Drum Machine in the studio. This vintage piece of equipment had a significant influence on the album’s sonic palette, contributing to the ’80s-inspired synth elements found throughout the record.

How has the reception been to Houndmouth’s new sound?

While Golden Age has been well-received by many, there has been some backlash from fans who miss their old folk-rock sound. However, Houndmouth has taken the criticism in stride and embraced the change, showcasing their ability to adapt and evolve as artists.

How does Houndmouth balance their influences with creating their own unique sound?

While Houndmouth draws inspiration from various sources, they strive to maintain their own unique musical identity. They incorporate their influences into their music while staying true to their authentic and raw style.