PAUL JACOBS

Hi Paul and thanks for taking the time out to speak with us at Musicology. Firstly congratulations on your latest record Pink Dogs on the Green Grass. You are a prolific artist and the flame that burns within is a strong one. Can you give us a little insight as to what provides the continual inspiration and creative drive that so constantly churns out such diverse and engaging music?

I’ve always used song writing and recording as almost a form of therapy, it helps me get things out and feel good I guess. I also just like to keep busy with hobbies and this is a great way to construct something and enjoy the end result, like playing with Lego.

Lyrically, what was some of the subject matter you wanted to explore on this record?

This album was mostly just focusing on day to day type stuff. It was before Covid so it was a lot of complaining about going to work and the daily grind (RIP) haha. I was getting into a bit of religion and bible stories as well because I like looking back to my childhood when I write music, and I was forced to go to church and listen to that stuff as a kid. I always just try to write honestly about how I feel, because I’m sure a lot of people feel the same.

There is an eclectic mix of songs on this record; ranging from the psychedelic swagger of Half Rich Loner, bliss out of Cherry, and monologue excursion of Dancing with The Devil. Was there a clear narrative you wanted to take in terms of the track order, style of each tune and overall story the record told by the sequence it was laid out in?

I was just writing and recording stuff that I wanted to hear at the time. By the end of the whole writing/recording period I was left with maybe 40 or so songs to go through. There were some for sure picks and difficult album cuts. The process of laying out the track listing is one of the hardest parts of the album, I just tried a bunch of options and went about it like I was putting together a 40 min long song with a break in the middle. I just try to keep it entertaining right through, I love albums where if you put on one song, you need to hear the rest of the album. I was listening to the Notorious Byrd Brothers a bunch during this time, and that is one of those albums for me.

The medium of art is one that runs throughout your musical work and is evident in the ways it features in your cover art and videos. Personally, how do you fuse the constructs of music and art together in so much that the two can be mutually exclusive yet symbiotic?

I just have an equal love for visual art and music. I remember hearing advice before saying you can’t succeed if you do everything you love, you need to focus on one thing and make it great. But then I saw the Devil and Daniel Jonston and decided that’s what I’ll do. I couldn’t put out a vibe and get someone else to try to create something visual that goes with it, I don’t know, maybe I’m a control freak haha. It’s all just very personal to me all around.

Instances where a concept, lyric or sound cannot completely encapsulate the sentiment you are trying to express, the visual medium can become the bridge. In what ways does a visual concept strike a chord with you for it to be the idea that you follow and incorporate it into a given art work / video clip?

Just like sound, when you like something then it’s good. It’s the same for visual, if I like how it looks then it works. I can’t lie to myself and put something out that’s half ass, I’ll only share something that I’m 100% stoked on at the time. Sometimes I see the visual in my head when I hear the music, other times I need to find it, it’s all part of the project for me.

From the comfortable surrounds of your home studio, the album takes on an expertly crafted production. On a technical level, what particular equipment did you employee to create the signature sound we find on Pink Dogs on the Green Grass?

I’ve been using pretty much all the same gear I’ve been using to record my previous two albums (Easy & Pictures, Movies & Apartments). I did buy a new microphone though, an SM7B which I used as my main mic. So I went from SM58 to SM7B. Also with this album, I was able to record acoustic drums. This is the first time in my life I live in an apartment where I’m able to play acoustic drums. That was a big game changer for me, I love playing the drums.

The album was mastered by "The Loudest Band in New York" Oliver Ackermann of A Place To Bury Strangers. How did you harness Oliver’s skills (and him not destroy every guitar in the room)?

Well, Oliver is a sound wizard, he has a unique ear for noise. I knew he’d embrace the strange sounds he heard instead of trying to clean things up to some kind of industry standard. He helped me out big time on this and I owe him big time. If he thinks it sounds good then I’ll take his word on it.

Your live shows are known the world over for their vibrancy and energy. Are your performances a mixture of what you want to see take place on stage and what doesn’t take place on stage, that is to say, bringing to your own sets what isn’t happening on stage with other bands?

I guess I just vibe with the audience, I can sometimes feel what the room needs at that time, or what we need to bring within the show lineup. I’ve spent my early years mainly as a drummer, I think you notice a lot of different things when you’re sitting behind a kit. You’re not the front person so you get to observe a bit more. Also I always trust when the drummer think’s things need to change or get loud/quiet. I guess I just go with the flow, just like when you’re having a conversation with a stranger.

Having performed with so many amazing artists over the years, during that time have any words of wisdom been spoken to you that really resonated and in turn altered the way you approach your craft?

I guess it would be to just keep doing what you’re doing, and to do it for yourself, someday things will work out. Also drumming tips on doing exercises for your weak hand haha. Just keep playing and practicing and creating. If you want it to be your life make it your life (that’s my tip haha).

On a personal level what does music give you that nothing else does?

It’s a healthy release, you can let out every emotion you have in a constructive way. It is also a great exercise for your brain. It’s just very fun and rewarding.