Dave Norris and John “Boz” Boswell have been making music together for a long time. Around the turn of the century, they made some beautiful records with Crash Into June full of classy Indie Power Pop songs, and they are doing it again now, as On The Runway.

On All We Have Is Ourselves, the are five songs that are bursting with quality.

What was the moment you knew you were on to something?

BOZ: When Dave played the demo for “This Charade.” The sound was there, and I knew it was going to be a great record. A continuation of a musical partnership that we’ve had for the last 23 years or so…

How did this record come together?

BOZ: I was talking with Dave about recording some new music together. He said he’d been working on some stuff, and he sent the ideas to me. We agreed that working with Neilson Hubbard as a producer again would be the way to go. We also wanted to go to Nashville and record.

The meaning of success has changed over the years. What would success look like for the new record?

BOZ: Obviously, we want as many people to hear it as possible and would love for a song or two to end up in a movie, tv-show, etc…but ultimately, it’s how it makes you (artist) feel. Because at the end of the day, we’re really just doing it for ourselves.

How great is the urge to stay creative?  To keep writing songs and lyrics?

DAVE: Very great! I always have Voice Memos on my phone ready for any ideas that pop into my head; words, melodies, etc.… The process is ongoing and ever-present. Of course, ideas come in the car, taking the dog out, on the treadmill, etc., so I can’t ever be without the trusty smartphone. Of course, it sounds cliche, but writing songs can be very cathartic and a form of therapy, if you will.

You can pick three co-writers to write new songs with. Who? … and Why?

DAVE:

Gerard Love (Teenage Fanclub) – Such a keen sense of melody and masterful ability to turn a hook.

Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne, Ivy, etc.) – Gone way, way too soon. A true genius with words and melodies. Irreplaceable.

Gary Lightbody (Snow Patrol) – Such a vivid lyricist, creates atmosphere and mood on tunes so perfectly.

BOZ:

I love how each of these artists write. The lyrics mean a lot to me too. To be able to play or collaborate musically would be great.

Mark Hollis (Talk Talk)

Richard Ashcroft

Tommy O’ Dell (DMAs)

What’s the gig you will never forget? And why? 

DAVE:

Both of these bands and gigs speak for themselves – seminal artists in their prime. No substitutes!

Oasis – Definitely Maybe tour 1995 Memphis

REM – Life’s Rich Pageant tour 1986 Memphis

BOZ:

Oasis, February, 95 at The New Daisy, Memphis, TN. I’d been into them already and couldn’t believe I was going to see them in a small club in Memphis. They still felt like one of those bands that only a few of us knew about. Of course, they were huge in England.

The other is when our band Crash Into June had our record release party for our first album back in ‘99 at a club here called Newby’s. The place was packed, and I’d never played in front of that many people. It was electric and epic. I’ll never forget that.

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

DAVE: I always felt great about “This Charade” when working it out on the acoustic guitar many months back. And the touches Neilson and Will brought to it just elevated it even more. So after we put it all together in the session, I was highly pleased with how it came out. I felt the same way about the song “Breakthrough” from our band Crash Into June as well. 

Is recording a record easier than getting it heard nowadays?

DAVE: Absolutely, yes. Getting your stuff heard, especially promoting on your own, is a real challenge and requires hard work and a bit of luck.

Cassettes are back. Which 5 five songs would make your first mixtape? 

DAVE:

Such a hard call, but I’ll go with these:

Sparky’s Dream – Teenage Fanclub

Bye Bye Badman – The Stone Roses

She Came On – Super Deluxe

The Big Lie – Gigolo Aunts

Slide Away – Oasis

Recording music. What’s all the fun about? 

DAVE: Of course, bringing the demos you have made to life is so satisfying. I think the best and most fun parts are the surprises, the parts you didn’t plan that really bring a song together. 

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

DAVE: Just the feeling and vibe you get hearing your tunes rocked out. The positive feedback from the audience and that validation can be a rush too, no doubt.