Words by Nick Mee
Discovered via http://musosoup.com
Los Angeles-based Solitary Friends have compiled some of the finest cuts from their potent punk-pop output onto a debut album, ‘Sum of More’. Crackling and fizzing from the off, the long-player’s catchy, dynamic and colourful set of garage rock recalls notable attitude-laden new wave outfits, from the Runaways through to Honeyblood and, most notably, Blondie, due to Michelle McGregor’s vocal affinity with Debbie Harry (which, of course, is no bad thing). Having recorded the album by employing the services of powerhouse musicians including Tears For Fears’ keyboardist Doug Petty, Solitary Friends’ core members here tell Lost In The Manor about their city’s underground scene, how the record came together and what it’s like being a ‘giant pink sweat machine’ on stage.
LITM: Congrats on the release of ‘Sum of More’, the album sounds great. How was the recording process – any studio meltdowns or unexpected dramas?
Ken LaMere (songwriter/guitar): The basic tracks were recorded in Louisville by Brad Cassetto, in-between bourbon, ATVs and bonfires. Additional tracking and mixing were completed over a course of a few months at Ken's studio in North Hollywood. Ken also lives next door to Doug Petty from Tears for Fears, and during Covid lockdown they worked out a lot of the keyboards that ended up on the record.
Michelle McGregor (vocals): I had a total blast during the recording. This was my first time recording an album, so I was thrilled by the experience. I loved getting to do as many takes as we wanted, and listen back, discuss, then make adjustments. There were definitely some differences of opinion at times, but I don’t know if they could be classified as dramas. Because the drums were recorded before the vocals, I was surprised by how many songs picked up speed when the guys all got back from Louisville! I thought: there’s no way I can sing ‘Disconnected’ or ‘X-Offender’ that fast. But now I can’t imagine them not being at that speed.
How was your recent show at the International Pop Overthrow (IPO)? Can you tell us about the event?
Ken: We had a great show at this year's festival. Nice to bring some heavy to a power-pop crowd.
Michelle: It was great! We were by far and away the loudest band there that night, and it felt great to really bring it. This was the first gig we’ve played in over a year because of Covid and the focus on the album, so for the first time in a long time, I was a bit nervous. I wore a bright pink dress and jacket, and it was so hot on stage that by mid-set my face was the same colour as my outfit! Just a giant pink sweat machine on stage!
Nick Liberatore (drums): I've known David Bash (founder of IPO) for quite a few years, and he's been gracious enough to put some projects I’ve been in on the bill before. I feel like Solitary Friends is best suited for the festival, though. We had a great crowd with a lot of really positive feedback. Sold some CDs and LPs. I look forward to doing it again next year.
Obviously LA has a world-famous music scene, but are there any under-the-radar bands or venues we should know about?
Ken: I wouldn't call them under-the-radar but I really like Hooveriii. They have a good pop sensibility and King Gizzard-style jam thing going on.
Michelle: Being engaged to Nick, our drummer, I’ve had my whole world changed in regards to my music exposure. My favourite band he’s introduced me to are the incredible LA-based rock group Dead Sara. They’re so goddamn good, I don’t understand how they’re not a household name. I’m also a huge fan of Le Butcherettes; they’re just amazing. And then, for some reason, Ninet Tayeb feels like an LA secret in a way. She’s a huge star in Israel, but it doesn’t seem like a ton of non-Israeli Los Angelenos know who she is.
Nick: Pat Todd & The Rankoutsiders have to be experienced live, while Giovanni Blanco is an incredible vocalist in several projects. Fernando Perdomo is an amazing multi-instrumentalist who has tons of prolific releases, from power-pop to prog-rock.
How long have you been making music together?
Ken: The current line-up has been together for about three years. We all met at the Park Bar in Burbank (RIP), where a wealth of musicians and friends played and hung out for years, drinking cheap beer and jello shots. The bartender, Kendra, was kind of a musical matchmaker.
Michelle: Ken’s not wrong, Kendra is a master matchmaker. She’s got an eye for talent, and an ear for great music. She’s actually going to officiate mine and Nick’s wedding. We owe her so much for where we are today. Nick was first invited to join the band, and I was always telling him, “I really hope you stick with Solitary Friends, because they’re really special and have a ton of potential.” So, imagine my excitement when Ken asked me to join as lead singer! Ken took a liking to my singing and performance as frontwoman for an AC/DC covers band, and it’s been fun developing a sound together from that starting point.
What’s been your favourite band experience during this time?
Ken: I loved playing the Park Bar, sweaty and hot, on a packed Saturday night, with people bouncing and dancing inches from my face.
Michelle: My favourite band experience has been playing live for IPO with Dan Lacey on bass and Jack Heldt on guitar. Those guys are so unbelievably talented, and it’s an honour they’ve jumped on board with us. It was so awesome getting to rock out with them live for the first time.
Nick: Completing our new record, ‘Sum of More’, and getting to finally play live again!
And what was the strangest gig you’ve done?
Ken: A horseshoe tournament in Minnesota.
Michelle: Thankfully I can’t think of any super strange gigs we’ve done, but we definitely got some strange looks from people in the Metro when we were filming our music video fairly gorilla-style.
Nick: The Goddamn Comedy Jam can be strange, but super fun.
Finally, what would be your dream venue to play and who else would be on the bill?
Ken: We love Zebulon, and the Teragram has got amazing sound and sight lines. I would love to open for Ty Segal. We also love Exploding Flowers, Donator, Hooveriii.
Michelle: Zebulon, for sure, is a great venue we’d love to play. It’s just got such a great vibe. Personally, to play The Troubadour would be a dream come true, and it feels attainable for our near future. My background is in theatre, so for me, the bigger the better. I’ve had dreams of playing at The Greek Theater. If that were to ever happen I could probably die the next day a very happy lady. I’d love to open for Ninet Tayeb big time or Dead Sara. And I’d love to open for Ty Segal to give Ken that experience.
Nick: I'd love to share any stage with Pat Todd, Jason Falkner, Dead Sara, Ninet Tayeb, Warpaint, Jon Briton, Cheap Trick, The Lickerish Quartet… among many others.
This coverage was created via Musosoup #Sustainablecurator Learn about this here