The Bobbleheads are an indie pop-rock band, formed in 2003 in San Francisco, CA. Their sound is best described as upbeat,but sly, hard-hitting pop with melodies that stay with you for days. But don’t confuse catchy with kitchy, they turn a tad serious on their new album, Myths and Fables.   

 

John Ashfield explains.

 

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

 

Many songs are written and tried out by the band, but only a few get considered to be recorded. A lot of these songs are demoed at home, but just never get too far. When a song works it’s really clear. The ones that work get recorded.

 

 

 

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

 

Well yeah! You are always trying out a new idea or approach… in some ways its still a mystery if it’s actually gonna work. When it does it’s exciting!

 

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

 

No, it is not. Any ideas about how to turn this one into a million seller? HA!!!! Just you wait and see! It’ll be groovy.

 

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

 

Every gig is exciting and new really. It sounds ridiculous to say that but for me it’s true. You always want to win the crowds attention and keep it.

 

 

 

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

 

I always think every new song is!! Every time! You get a little more critical as the days go on.

 

Is recording a record easier than getting it heard nowadays?

 

Oh yeah. So many people are making cool music. It’s impossible to keep up, and it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. I am really thankful when anyone pays attention to our music!

 

Which 5 records, that everybody forgot about, would define ‘our time’ on earth?

 

This is a hard one. Things in popular music and pop culture are so fragmented. I remember being a kid in the ’70s and ’80s and there were songs EVERYONE knew. Now even big hits can sail under the radar of many. So, instead, I will list 5 songs that define my time on earth at this very moment. In no particular order!!! “You’re So Good To Me” – The Beach Boys, “Eyes Of The World (live 1982)” – Fleetwood Mac, “Man Blir Yr” – Gyllene Tider, “Senses Working Overtime” – XTC, and… there is always some new song that grabs my ear for a week or so.

 

Recording music. What’s all the fun about?

 

You get to experiment with sound! You get to try out ideas out and then hear the results straight away. When it doesn’t work, you know it quick! It’s like playing dress up.

 

Playing music in front of a crowd. What’s all the fun about?

 

It feels like magic, making all that sound. Seeing people react to it feels great Always proud to answer ‘I am a musician’ to the question ‘what are you doing?’? Oh yeah. No shame in being a musician ever. I’ve defined myself as one

 

You can’t control the way people ‘hear’ your music. But if you could make them aware of certain aspects, you think, set your songs apart. What would they be?

 

I believe in the power of a great chorus…