Love, She Wrote
Can you first start off by introducing yourselves to the readers at ForTheSound and what you do in Love, She Wrote?
Michael O. bass & vocals
So, for the fans that have never heard your music, how would you describe your music?
Fun real and sing along.
The CD “Oh! And About Last Night…” was recently released, how have the fans been responding to it?
They seem to really dig it ;] We have been on the top of Smartpunk since the pre-sale went up and they are selling super well on tour. We had a blast writing those songs. So it definitely comes off that way.
The CD was also produced by Paul Leavitt, who is also known for producing albums from All Time Low, Circa Survive, and Senses Fail, what was it like working with him?
He was amazing. His ear was amazing. He definitely knew his board inside and out and he had a calm attitude that meshed well with us. I just wish we had a bigger budget to stay longer and record more songs. He had great stories about the bands you mentioned and his vision definitely came through on the album.
Where do you get the inspiration to write your songs?
Hmm that’s a good question ;] Basically from relationships, friends, situations, and fights in elementary school. Depends on the situation at hand but even the phone could strike a song. Joey and I work like peas and carrots and Nick is the mashed potatoes.
Haha fights in elementary school too?
Yeah. I had a lot of those growing up. Haha so they kind of inspire interesting scenarios for me.
How does the writing process work with you guys?
It either starts off with Joey’s idea or my idea. We then try to structure the idea in the house before we take it over to Nick in the studio. It usually goes quick with us revising along the way. We are very big into not taking anything too seriously until we have what we think it is a proper representation of LSW.
What has been your biggest challenge as a band?
Wow hard question. To be honest everyday is a challenge in LSW. We are constantly keeping on top of our game. We treat the band like a business. A business we love of course, but we take it so seriously. I think the hardest challenge to date was definitely the last tour plus the relocation to California and the music video being in one big lump. No time really to slack off haha.
Growing up, did you know that music was something you wanted to pursue as a career?
Well for me it was always something I loved. I started playing guitar when I was 13 but I changed over to bass later on. I was obsessed with Green Day as is Joey. It really all spawned from idolizing amazing band like Green Day and Blink. Once you’re hooked on playing music you’re hooked for life.
Is there any reason why you switched to bass?
Well my first band had to many guitar players, sooo haha bass. Plus Mark Hoppus played bass. He inspired me a lot. I mean I have old school bass players that inspire me, but I like to look at bands that really got me off my but and into a studio.
What are your thoughts on the Blink 182 reunion?
AMAZING! I’m trying to get our booking agent to get us on their first tour. Even though I know that’s basically impossible, there’s always that thread of hope.
Did you think the reunion would ever happen?
Yes. Plain and simple. They were super best friends and unless one of them did something bad with a girlfriend, you know? Haha. I knew they would be back.
What’s your favorite song to play live?
Well ;] we just covered a new song. We will be playing it on this tour. It’s a secret and this will be my favorite. All I can say is that it’s a rap cover and its hott. From the album, That Girl Is Fierce is my favorite to play.
Do you listen to a lot of rap?
I can’t say that I do, but Cash Money Records artists’ are so fun and outlandish and I love that aspect in music. Can’t hate Lil Wayne. That boy has style. T.I. and Jay-Z are awesome too.
What can the fans expect by going to your show?
Well, I think it has a large element of fun to it. We are not goofy on stage but we definitely like to interact. I think the best part of our shows, as we have been told time and time again, is that we sound like the album. We got that from Green Day. That band inspired us to be real and sound like the material you record. We don’t use tricks or iPods. We just rock it out like we record it. Although Joey loves to throw the falsetto in there more live.
What’s coming up next for Love, She Wrote?
Well, we have a ton of touring coming up. We leave in a week for our east coast Great Lakes tour with The Hit. We have our video shoot for Bling Bling Baby in March with Scott Hansen, a brilliant director. We have just signed a deal with Hot Topic to distribute our CD’s nationally. We are really stoked on that one. And of course, we write all the time.
What’s the first CD you’ve ever bought?
2 Live Crew. I remember I made my mom buy the dirty version because all the kids at school had it. I guess rock wise it would be Pennywise.
If you could only listen to one CD for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Hmm. Green Day Dookie. It changed my life.
Who are some of your influences non-musically?
Well I know we all love our familes for sticking with us. I think right now my hero would be my mom. She’s hardcore man. More into the scene than I am. She knows news before me haha. Joey says his sister, she’s a strong person and Nick says Hubert Cumberdale.
As young kids, many dream of becoming famous sports players or a super hero, what did you want to be?
Well thanks to the movie La Bamba, it was a rockstar haha. One that doesn’t fly too much in planes haha.
Haha do you have a fear of flying?
Not a fear, but I don’t like it. Not being in control at that distance from the ground is intense and drinking bears doesn’t help either. Haha I just bear through it though.
If you had to live in any classic Disney Movie, which one would you choose?
Under the Sea with Ariel. I was in love with her and still am. I’m sure King Triton would love me. I would be the tattooed fish.
Haha there’s a tattooed fish?
Naw, but there should be a tattooed fish though hahaha.
What are your thoughts on illegal downloading?
Well, at first I didn’t care and thought Lars Ulrich was crazy, but now with the economy down and musicians starving, I think it would be cooler if people bought CDs again and/or paid for songs. I’m all for kids getting songs for free but in the current stage of things in the country maybe it would be better to hold off on free until things pop back on their feet. I think CDs need to make a return.
Well with the Virgin Mega Store closing in Times Square, what do you think the future in music will be?
Well I think the online network will play a serious part of it, but for some reason, I think people will come around again once the economy pops back up. Right now touring is at an all time high. This is due to musicians trying to make money in other areas besides the CD store. So, I figure kids will soon hate the internet’s non-personal décor and try for a more fashionable approach… CDs. It will take a while, but it shall return haha.
Thanks you! Do you have any last words for the readers at ForTheSound?
;] Thank you so much for taking the time out to read this interview and for giving LSW a fair shot. We love all of our fans and everybody that helps us grow as a band. Thanks ;] and thank you ForTheSound for taking the time out to check us out.
A big thanks to James Clark for setting up the interview and to Michael O. for taking the time to talk to me. Check out Love, She Wrote’s myspace for dates on their upcoming tour. Also, don’t forget to buy their CD off smartpunk!
The Consequence by You Me At Six
