Swear Tapes has been hard at work this past year playing countless shows and making its presence known not only in Oxford, but all over the Southeast. You can catch Swear Tapes with Spaceface Saturday night at Proud Larry’s, where you’ll hear tracks off their new album released on cassette, “Cherish The Cabin.” I recently had the opportunity to ask frontman Jim Barrett a few questions about his power-pop project, the woes of touring and his thoughts on the new music Swear Tapes recently dished out.
“Cherish the Cabin” album. Courtesy Jim Barrett.
The Daily Mississippian: When did the idea of starting Swear Tapes, or just a different project than Young Buffalo, come to you?
Jim Barrett: Swear Tapes came about after writing and recording demos of songs that never got used for Young Buffalo over the course of 4 to 5 years. I think I ultimately decided to start something new after the last YB tour late in 2015 … It’d been a long year of touring and everything, and I wanted a new outlet to use my otherwise unused material. I started re-recording songs with Will Eubanks (drummer for Swear Tapes and keys for Young Buffalo) out at his cabin where we rehearse and record, and gradually the writing bug hit me again after having avoided me for about two years prior. And that’s how I got Swear Tapes started.
DM: What creative differences were you going for with Swear Tapes? Any different genres you wanted to try out?
JB: I wanted to strike out on my own and, for the most part, rely on myself for the material and the ideas. Obviously, I can’t do everything, and that’s where Will and the rest of the guys (Andrew Guinn and Hershey Tate) come in and help. Also, my girlfriend Natalie Moorer helps me with all my design stuff. But, for the most part, with this project I’m trying to push myself to create as much as possible and try not to wait around on other folks to get things done as much.
Everything I write comes out pretty poppy, and I’m cool with it. I love me some hooks. But I am trying to delve into some garage and some psych-pop territory. I think within the confines of a three-and-a-half minute pop song you have a lot of room to experiment with styles and also get the point of the song across.
DM: If you could name any three artists that have influenced you the most, who would they be?
JB: David Bowie, Sonic Youth, The Beatles.
DM: Which of those bands, if any, influenced the style of Swear Tapes the most?
JB: All of these artists have made a huge impact on me, and there are countless more that have as well. But, if I have to choose, I’d have to say The Beatles. The first time I listened to “Abbey Road” all the way through, I think I figured out what I wanted to do with my life.
DM: Swear Tapes has accomplished a lot over the past summer. Where are your goals set now? Any big tours or an official LP?
JB: I definitely want to put out an LP with a good label and tour it when the time is right. I wouldn’t be surprised if I put it up on the internet myself as soon as I can get it finished.
DM: I saw you guys in Jackson at Big Sleepy’s for Dream Cult’s release show. The crowd seemed to dig the band even though it was sweltering inside of the venue. What’s it like playing in uncomfortable situations. How do you keep your spirits up? Are there any pre-show rituals you guys have?
Courtesy Jim Barrett.
JB: Uncomfortable situations sometimes make for the best, most memorable shows because you’re all in it together, you know? Live shows are way more fun that way because you feel like you’re part of something, rather than just paying your $5 or whatever to see a performance. Sometimes it can be exhilarating and sometimes it can really suck! It just depends on the situation I guess. We try and do some fun cheap things whenever we have time playing shows out of town. As far as pre-show rituals go, if I told you I’d have to kill you … I’m joking! Normally, a shot and a cigarette right before we hit the stage. Not the healthiest, I know, but it’s worked for years.
DM: What would you say was the most fun song to record off of “Cherish The Cabin?” What about to play?
JB: Probably “Blasé Blasé” because it was the first new song that I wrote and everything came together without much thought or planning put into it. Funny how it works out sometimes. I think we’ve really been digging playing “Song For Lois” lately. We’ve been starting our sets with it because it just has a frenetic energy that is fun to hit people in the face with right off the bat.
DM: Reception has been exceedingly positive for “Cherish The Cabin.” What does it feel like, even after all these years, to release new music to the world. What’s the most exciting part?
JB: It’s exciting! It kind of recently became a necessity to put out new music regardless of how. I’m not so much worried about making a career anymore than I am about making the next record. The most exciting part? Playing new music with a new band to hopefully new people every time we play. It’s a kick in the pants.
DM: Lastly, Whether they see you live this weekend at Proud Larry’s or stumble upon your music on Bandcamp, what is it that you want people to take away from your music?
JB: Songs. It’s all about the songs, man.
