Andrew Combs – Dream Pictures

By starrymag | August 23, 2024

By: Gladys Luna

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) Tangible surrealism wrapped up in a folk song.

 

Q) Who are some of the artists that influenced you when you were growing up?

A) The Beatles, Radiohead, Joni Mitchell, Townes Van Zandt

 

Q) With your single “Eventide,” how did you come up with the idea of writing this song for your wife?

A) It’s an ode to the time of day when my wife and I get to take a step back from responsibilities and parenthood.

 

Q) “Eventide” has been released along with a beautiful technicolor music video; what was your intention behind this video and what would you like people to take away from watching it? 

A) I had no direct intention for this video. I was working with a tiny budget and handed off the song to my videographer pal Austin Leih. He made it his own. He isolated a lot of the tracks and focused in on capturing the cymatics (the study of sound and vibration made visible). I think it’s gorgeous.

 

Q) It’s been over a month since the release of “Eventide.” What has been the response you have been receiving to it from the fans? 

A) So far, so good. It’s a slight departure from older sounds, but people seem to embrace the sonic quality and the writing.

 

Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can craft lyrics around it?

A) It depends on the song. Lately, I’ve enjoyed writing melody first.

 

Q) Your sixth album Dream Pictures is due out on August 23rd. What are some themes you’ll be exploring on it? 

A) First and foremost, it is an album about contentment – being at ease with where you are in life. It’s also about that hopeful yet melancholic time between two states, whether that be day and night, awake and sleep or love and heartbreak.

 

Q) This album was co-produced with your friend and drummer Dom Billett. How would you say his talent and vision contributed to it?  

A) Dom was the driving musical force behind this record. I wrote the songs, then we would record basic tracks, then he would sprinkle all the lovely fairy dust on top. 

 

Q) If you were to name your top three favorite songs to record on this album, which ones would you choose and why? 

A) “Eventide” – I love the chorus melody so much. I find myself humming it still.

“Your Eyes and Me” – This is my favorite song on the record and the first one we tracked. I love the melody, lyrics and the naivety of the recording we captured.

“To Love” – This song is a departure from what I normally do, so I find it interesting and intriguing.

 

Q) What do you hope lingers with audiences that explore Dream Pictures as an album?

A) I guess a feeling of contentment.

 

Q) What are some artists you would like to collaborate with in the near future and why? 

A) I’d like to venture into the world of film and playwriting to somehow incorporate my songs into a piece. Also, visual art (which I already dabble in) is always intriguing. Anyone who I admire that works outside of the normal confines of music would be interesting to work with I think. 

  

Q) What would you like to say to the fans and supporters of the music that you make? 

A) Thanks for sticking with me. It’s been a journey and there is much more to come.