Los Angeles based, singer-songwriter Jeff Caudill, who will be releasing a new EP called Reset The Sun on April 21st. If you aren’t familiar with him, Jeff is best known as the singer/guitarist for the influential Revelation Records rock band Gameface who were one of the 90’s emo/rock scene’s pivotal bands. His solo music is a complete departure from his band and is much more rooted in singer-songwriter/alt-country styles.
– What’s new in the world of Jeff Caudill?
I’m figuring out how to deal with a changing country without completely losing my mind. Music always helps. I’ve been writing songs and playing music with some new people. I’m excited about this record that’s finally coming out.
– How was it recording your album Reset The Sun? Also where did the idea behind the title of the album come from?
I started recording it a few years ago. We got the basic tracks finished and then I was distracted by an unexpected Gameface reunion. That led to an album and a tour so I had to put this project on hold. I finally had time to get back to it last year. It’s a concept album. The story is generally about forgiveness and starting over. No matter how far away you go, you can always come back. That’s what the title means.
– How did you go about making the artwork?
It’s a road record. I shot a lot of pictures in my travels over the last few years. The cover was kind of a mistake – an accidental shot of the sun through a dirty windshield. I think it captures the mood of the record. Since it’s being pressed on vinyl I wanted to make it look like an older album, something you would see in the 70s.
– How do you build a song up from nothing to become something?
I write everything on acoustic guitar but I can always hear the other instruments in my head as I go. I knew exactly what I wanted the songs to sound like. It was just a matter of getting the right people together to play them. Luckily I have enough talented friends to back me up and make me sound like I know what I’m doing.
– How is the music scene in your area these days? Are clubs still popular?
The scene I knew when I was a kid is pretty much gone but there’s no stopping good music in Southern California. There’s been a resurgence of the post-punk/emo/powerpop/etc thing that I did in the early 90s. That’s kind of fun to see.
– Could you describe some of your earliest influences in life and in music?
‘Reset The Sun’ reflects a lot of the music I grew up listening to – Jackson Browne, Eagles, Neil Young… My dad was really into Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. Those are some of my earliest influences before I discovered metal. Metal led me to punk and punk eventually led me back to where I started with singer/songwriters.
– Do you use mostly Facebook now as a primary website source for the band?
I guess so. I had a website for a while but it felt kind of unnecessary because most people get their info on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram so I just use those now. I keep it simple.
– In your opinion, which album would be essential to have if someone were stranded on a deserted island?
This is such a tough question. My answer would be different each time you asked me. Today I’m gonna say ‘Cold Roses’ by Ryan Adams & the Cardinals. It’s got a little of everything I love about music and it’s a double album. I really couldn’t imagine only listening to one record for the rest of my life.
– Where do you see music in general going in 100 years from now?
If we’re still here I hope they’re still making it with guitars.
https://www.facebook.com/jeffcaudillmusic
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