‘There was really no expectation for an LP when we started. We just wanted to try a couple songs and see how it went. We were all into the songs and we seemed to have good chemistry together and we were having fun so we kept going. After getting several songs down it felt right to try and make an LP.’, says Jason Lemke.

With that attitude, Lemke wrote at least one song that hasn’t left my mind now for a couple of weeks. Check out ‘(Don’t) Give Up on Love’ and then check out the rest of this self-titled debut.

 

 

 

 

What was the biggest fun during the making of the last album?

 

the best part was recording the basic tracks: bass, drums, guitars. The basic tracks we did live together and I think it comes through the live feel. It was so fun to bring these song ideas into the studio and hear them come alive. The basic song was there but the arrangement was all done in the studio with everyone contributing.

 

At what point, during writing, rehearsing, recording, did you knew you were on to something special?

 

I think really after the first couple recording sessions we knew it could be more. There was really no expectation for an LP when we started. We just wanted to try a couple songs and see how it went. We were all into the songs and we seemed to have good chemistry together and we were having fun so we kept going. After getting several songs down it felt right to try and make an LP.

 

 

The music industry has changed a lot (or so they say). What did it bring you, what not?

 

With the way, music is so accessible these days it is very difficult to get your songs heard. Social media has changed the way people experience art and you have to try and find a way to stand out. You have to capture their interest very quickly. Touring is so critical to bring the music to the people directly. Car City is not a touring band so we will have to utilize the social media outlet and slowly keep trying to create a buzz that way.

 

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?

 

Oh man …Just off the top of my head-

1 Sam Cooke -Bring it on home to me

2 Little River Band -Cool Change

3 Fleetwood Mac – Go your own way

4 Superdrag – Sold you an alibi

5 Weezer – December

 

 

 

The meaning of ‘success’ has changed over the years. When will the new record be a success?

 

When we sell out the first pressing

 

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

 

Yes at a very young age I recall my dad playing records and I would jump around and dance. It was a lot of Beatles and other British Invasion type stuff and it fascinated me and I was so happy when these songs were playing. I wanted to keep feeling that way and began listening to everything I could find. Later it became a way to escape but at a young age I just loved how it made me feel and I wanted to keep discovering new music.

Which is the song you wish you had written every time you hear it? And why?

 

So many, let me think…how about “Hot child in the city” by Nick Gilder Its got that great build up to one of the catchiest choruses with that cool guitar hook love it

 

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

 

I wouldn’t change a thing. We recorded Car City at Crutch of Memory in Appleton Wisconsin which is full of all these vintage amps and instruments and just has a really great feel. I’d want to be back there. What would change if Disney would call and tell you they are going to use your song in their next movie? I’d be wanting to go back in the studio a lot quicker. I just want to keep creating. Having some extra money would allow me to have the time to focus on the music.