Interview: Heartless Bastards

Earlier this year we gave you a taste of Ohio indie rock trio Heartless Bastards with the song ‘The Mountain‘. Their new record, also titled The Mountain, was released in February to much acclaim. The band is currently on a mammoth US tour supporting Jenny Lewis, and later this year, The Decemberists. We spoke to lead singer Erika Wennerstrom about the new record, going on tour and perhaps a date in India.

1. Your new album The Mountain is the first with this new lineup. Obviously this meant a new dynamic when writing and recording songs. How different was it for you than on All This Time and Stairs And Elevators?

Well usually I would write a song and bring it into the band, and then we would work it out, and then I’d move on to the next one. This was the 1st time I ever wrote a record all at once and then went right into the studio. It was also the first time I ever worked with a producer. Just to make clear the album wasn’t recorded with the new lineup, because I hadn’t put one together yet. Mike McCarthy who produced the album had some people in mind that he thought would be perfect for the songs, and I just put faith in Mike that I would gel with them. When I started working with them I liked them as people right away, and as musicans.

2. The lyrics on most of the songs on The Mountain are very personal and autobiographical. What were the experiences that led to this introspection?

Most of the album was written after I went through a split from a 10 year relationship. It’s more about adjusting to life after the break up then the break up itself. I needed to leave town so I moved to Austin. I was in a new place. I didn’t know that many people. I was going through a pretty hard time. Not every song is about that though. ‘Early in the Morning’ is about this person I’ve known forever that thinks they know it all, and have to put their opinion on everything. They kind of drive me crazy. I don’t even bother debating anything. I know that sometimes there is more than one answer to the same question especially when an opinion is involved. The song ‘The Mountain’ is about greed. Capitalism going a bit to far. Everybody’s trying to be king of the hill.

3. How different was it working with Mike McCarthy in studio? What do you think is his biggest contribution to your sound on The Mountain?

I was a bit nervous about working with a producer, but I’m really happy I did. Mike has a great ear. It is by far the best I’ve done sonically. He gets really great tones, and has a great ear for mixing. It was also Mikes idea to put the pedal steel on ‘The Mountain’ which I really loved. It would of never occured to me to use that instrument.

4. You’re currently on a long tour of the US. What do you like most about being on the road for so long? Least? Are you planning any international dates? Any chance you may drop by India?

I love playing every night. The travel can be grueling, but it’s rewarding so I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I would certainly love to play India, but I kind of doubt that would happen anytime soon.

5. Top 5 songs on your iPod right now.

AA Bondy – ‘Lovers Waltz’
Karen Dalton – ‘ Somethings on your Mind’
Sir Douglas Quintet – ‘At the Crossroads’
Black Joe Lewis – ‘Gunpowder’
No Age – ‘Teen Creeps’

Heartless Bastards on MySpace

(picture: Cambria Harkey)