There’s something about straightforwardness in Briston Maroney’s new single “Small Talk” off of the new EP Indiana that — call me crazy — is really refreshing.
We’ve all really come around to the idea of honesty in music. Sounds trite — and is trite — but true. No matter what you like to listen to, though, what is it that grabs you? It’s probably your ability to connect with the everyday/human bits of the song – whether that’s the specificity in the lyrics, the catchiness of a chorus, or the slightly unexpected turn in a melody. Either way, your gut’s telling you to like it.
My gut told me to like “Small Talk,” and I was eager to know more about it and the guy behind it. So I sent him a few questions over email and he responded with a completely appropriate amount of exclamation points, in sentences so short and to the point that his songs made even more sense.
Watch the summery, sunny day-with-a-sense-of-doom video first:
Have you ever needed someone to tell you to act your age lest you end up alone someday?
I have definitely been told to act my age, and that I would end up alone someday, but never in the same sentence!
What does age mean to you? Do you ever feel like a perpetual kid? Wise beyond your years? Paradoxically both at once?
Aging is one of the few things we know is going to happen for sure which is a good reason not to take it too seriously. Some days I feel like a puppy and other days I feel like an old dog.
What was an instance that made you feel like you were acting your age?
Filing my taxes was a moment in which I truly felt like I was acting my age.
Do you listen to a lot of pop music? Do you find it influences your music? Small talk has such a great pop sensibility to it I’m curious what was on rotation when you wrote it.
I’ve definitely enjoyed more pop music than usual lately, but it’s not typically what’s spinning on my iPod Touch
Care to share this specific instance of heartbreak for this song?
As much as I would like to share that instance, it is not my place to speak on behalf of the other side of the story nor does it help us move to a brighter future!!
Do you think everything happens for a reason?
I do think everything happens for a reason!
Are “Small Talk” and “Caroline” about the same relationship? I noticed the mention of big dreams in both – if so, what sparked the change of perspective?
The two songs are not specifically about the same instance but maybe drew feelings from the same place? Dreams and ambition are a delicate thing that can be vulnerable and sacred but also used as a defense!
Do “big dreams and an attitude” come hand in hand? How so?
I think attitude is the gas pedal on big dreams! You gotta know what ya want and what you’ll do to get it!!
How often, if at all, do you find yourself seeking out drama or relationships with the potential for complications/material for songs?
I think it would not be super kind to use someone else’s attachment in a relationship for the sake of the song, so no! Sometimes I’ll wash my colored laundry with hot water instead of cold so they all stain each other on purpose to have more feelings to write about though.
What makes the juxtaposition between a velvety voice like yours and the distortion you use on guitars (“Fool’s Gold”) so irresistible?
I’m not sure but I like the word velvety!
When you listen to music, if you had to choose one thing that usually grabs at you the most what would it be? The singer’s voice, the lyrics, the drums? Why do you think that is?
I love story telling so I always attach to lyrics before anything!
What about the first thing that grabs you about another person?
When I first meet someone I always pay attention to their shoes and how often they say thank you.
What would your last meal be and what song would you play during the meal (Not necessarily death row or anything like that – just if you knew this was your last chance in life)? who would you share it with? Grim, but telling!
I would enjoy one last plate of Tikka Masala while John Prine’s “Angel From Montgomery” played softly in the background!!
What’s next for you?
In the process of writing, booking more shows, and working on my muscle definition!
Follow Briston Maroney on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and stream the New EP ‘Indiana’ on Spotify.
