Baby Sue writes: ‘Yet another album from The March Divide featuring cool, smart, credible pop. Jared Putnam‘s the main man in this band, and he never lets his listeners down. This talented fellow’s music just keeps getting better. Anticipation Pops is one solid spin. The album features ten smart guitar-driven pop tracks with a heavy emphasis on vocal melodies and lyrics. Over time, most artists tend to begin overproducing their music which in many ways detracts from their original sound. Putnam avoids this trap, opting instead to present his songs using only the basics. The stripped down approach works when there’s substance present. And you’ll hear plenty of substance here. The chord progressions are interesting and unpredictable. The arrangements for each track are precise and exacting. And once again the vocals are just perfect. Pops is yet another exceedingly entertaining spin. Cool reflective cuts include “I Don’t Care,” “Spinning,” “The One On,” and “Lucky.” Top pick.’. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sweet Sweet Music talked to Jared.

 

For every song you record, how many end up in the bin? 

 

I actually keep every song I record. The songs I don’t like, I typically give up on, long before I get to the recording phase. Recording is just too much work, to force a song you don’t like.

 

With every song you write, are you still learning to become an even better songwriter?

 

I really try to get better, with every song. I’m not sure how much better I’m getting, but I’m always trying new ideas & directions, to hopefully improve on where I am.

 

As an artist, you chose to show your emotions to the world. Is it always comfortable to do so?

 

It’s not at all comfortable, a lot of the time. But that being said, it’s usually very therapeutic, the more uncomfortable the topic.

 

 

What’s the gig you will always remember? And why?

 

Around twenty years ago, my band at the time opened for Modern English. It was the first really big show I had ever played. We were well rehearsed & did really well.  I’m never going to forget that feeling.

 

When was the last time you thought ‘I just wrote a hit!’?

 

While I have yet to write a huge hit, I usually get the feeling that I have, ever so often… Most recently, when I wrote “I Don’t Care” for the new album ‘Anticipation Pops.’ I’m still very proud of that song, more than anything because I feel like it fits the mold of a perfect pop song. Short, sweet, & to the point. I have songs that I’ve written that I like more than that one, but for whatever reason, that song makes me feel very accomplished. I’m still chasing that big hit, though.