Last year Spyderpop released Chris Church’s Limitations Of Source Tape. It was received with praise. A lot of praise.

I Don’t Hear A Single wrote:

The beauty of Chris Church is that there is an energy that flows through his songs. Whether they are slowed down or move apace, there’s never a disappointment. Fall Into Me and Something Completely bears classic Matthew Sweet comparisons but the trippy Psych Pop of Ostinato has hints of Michael Stipe.

That was all true. Now let’s talk songs, song structures, harmonies, and melodies. Vinnie Vincent. And more.

 

She tells you she will decide on a 5-song-mixtape if there is going to be a second date. Which 5 would you put on?

 

Admittedly, my very happy more than 12 years with my beautiful wife Lori may have dulled whatever mixtape manifesto wooing skills I may have ever possessed, but I have done many and always loved making them, especially back in the cassette days.

Here are 5 songs that I feel pretty strongly about… today (haha)

 

Raspberries “Tonight”

Marshall Crenshaw “You’re My Favorite Waste Of Time”

Vinnie Vincent Invasion – “No Substitute”

Chocolate Genius – “All Good”

White Animals – “You Started Something”

 

Do you feel part of a community, the power pop community?

Yes, I have always enjoyed different genres of music, but powerpop is definitely my favorite. The song structure, the harmonies, and when it’s done the way I like it best, the melodic but loud guitars are all irresistible and clever components that I continue to love and revisit.

So yes, I feel like I’m truly a part of the power pop community. Now if I could just convince them (haha)!

 

 

Can you still recall the moment music became important to you? What happened?

 

Absolutely, it’s a very clear memory. I was very young, maybe 6 or 7 and started learning how to use my parents’ record player. There was a 45 of The Bobby Fuller Four’s “I Fought The Law” I eventually played. When I heard those ringing guitars on the solo, I was transfixed.

I don’t even think that record belonged to them, as it was the only thing I remember them having that could be called rock and roll, but I am glad it was in the stack. In some ways, I guess I have always chased the feeling that moment created for me when getting lost in some great musical passage takes precedence over everything else at that time.

 

If the budget was unlimited, how would you record the next record?

 

I’m very fortunate to have Scott Cornette, a knowledgeable and very good engineer, as a co-conspirator and best friend. I’m also lucky to have Lori not only as my partner in marriage but as an increasingly helpful part of my music, especially on “Limitations Of Source Tape”.

I had never stepped away and let others take control with some of the producing and all of the mixing before, but that’s exactly what happened with this album. There were several mixing sessions at Scott’s studio when I was cooking for all of us while he and Lori worked.

So, I guess to answer the question, I would take whatever budget I would get and apply it to procuring fine food ingredients and wine… and don’t tell Scott, but maybe some updated kitchen utensils. (Haha)

 

What would change if Disney would call and tell you they are going to use your song in their next movie?

 

I would go from doubt about the entire Disney operation to completely expecting and preparing for their imminent expedient demise…but not before I cashed the check!