The Old Soul Breathes New Life

By: Static Multimedia

Tuesday May 08, 2007

Interview
Luca Maoloni, aka The Old Soul, wields a sorcerer-like power over melody and lyric, conjuring playful, engaging music in the process. Weaving disparate styles, genres and influences (American Southwest, indie rock, digital space rock as well as an excellent cover of The Beach Boys' "Vege-Tables"). His love of the late, great American indie rockers Grandaddy is apparent, but Maoloni has more up his sleeve than a simple act of hommage. His songs resonate beyond simple imitation, showing great heart and sly wit even while played as if everything could come crashing down at any moment.

All of these facets come into play in the following e-mail interview with Maoloni. If any of this sounds intriguing to you, Static Multimedia strongly urges you to check out The Old Soul's self-title debut album recently released on Friendly Fire Recordings. It's a breath of fresh air, taking you back to a time when songs got in, got out and left you wanting more, only this time Maoloni's The Old Soul gives it to you again and again and again. Enjoy!

Are there any current trends in music that excite or repulse you?

Luca Maoloni: I haven't been listening to too much stuff lately. Too many bands, such little talent.

How did the band form?

LM: It basically started out as a recording project/experiment by myself. After the self-titled album was finished I put together a bunch of guys who could really parlay the music properly. As unlucky they are to have a crazy man tell them what to do, I am lucky that they are the most talented musicians.

How did the name of the band come about?

LM: The name came out of truth. I've always been a step ahead of or behind things, people always telling me that I'm like a grandfather. I am a solo artist in the studio because they haven't developed a firewire cable from my head to other people's yet. So the only person who really understands what I'm doing is myself

I presume recording each album is a bit of a learning experience.

LM: Absolutely. Trial and error....the essence of living



What kinds of things did you take into recording that you'd done on other albums and what sorts of new approaches did you try?

LM: Good Question! I can honestly say that for me every recording, I try and to make it the exact opposite as another. Never the same, never a formula.

What would you do differently on the next album?

LM: My next record is finished. And is the antithesis of the self-titled album. It's like the same songwriting but recorded in the future.. It's fucking unbelievable

What were some of the challenges you encountered while making your latest album?

LM: Money! Trying to make a 20,000 dollar sounding record with 2,000 is a no no. Never again. The new record I saved quite a bit of money to make a 60,000 sounding record with 20,000 dollars. Confusing?

What are you most proud of about the album?

LM: The most proud thing of the self-titled album is that I personally think that it will remain timeless. The songs are too good to forget.

What is the best song on the new album and why?

LM: The best song on the record stylistically is "Boobie Trap" because of the constant beautiful sounds and changes. The best song pop wise is "Nectar of the Nitwitt." That songs still blows my mind...a complete accident!

Were there any songs that didn't make it to the final cut that you really wish had?

LM: Yes and no, as I usually record 7 to 10 extra songs per album. Before going in I know what the album will consist of. The 10 year anniversary will see a bonus disc.

What were your hopes for the album and how have things gone with it so far?

LM: My hopes are that people will get to hear it. It's to much of a nugget to be left out.

What direction do you see the band/yourself going in next?

LM: No specific direction, just gonna keep on trying to write good songs. The basis of pop music.

What plans do you/the band have for the near and distant future?

LM: Well I'm currently mixing another album. Which I'll probably sit on for a while. Then I'm gonna do a covers record later on in the year. Hopefully play your beautiful country a few hundred times too.

Do you think the MySpace phenomenon has helped or hurt you/your band at all?

LM: Neither. I'm not much of a computer dude. I would rather spend time making music or cooking. If everybody thought this way there would be way better shit out musically!

What upcoming albums by other artists are you really psyched to hear?

LM: I'm excited to hear The new Radar Bros. stuff. I absolutely love that band. Also would like to see what Jason Lytle from Grandaddy does next, he's also my fave.

Is there any particular band or artist you'd really love to work and/or tour with?

LM: Not really. Maybe Jeff Lynne from E.L.O. Or Jason Lytle.

While most artists want to be known for doing something original, every musician has likely been influenced by another band or artist. Who has been your biggest influence or what band/musician do you most admire?

LM: My biggest influence has to be Burt Bacharach musically. He's a real genius. Not a sandbox playing genius. Vocal wise it would have to be Paul McCartney

What do you like best and least about the tour grind?

LM: Good is the debauchery. Bad is the debauchery.

What was the last song you heard that made you want to hurt another person?

LM: "Kick It," a song ffom my last record She's Got Party Davis Eyes. It's actually about hurting somebody.

Have you ever had a dream where you wrote a song that you were sure was the best ever written, but upon waking up, you couldn't remember anything about it? If you did remember the song, was it as amazing as the dream made it out to be?

LM: I do that all the time. "All My Godz" was written and arranged in a dream. Woke up and recorded it in an hour.

If you were a Saved By the Bell character, which one would you be? (If you have never watched Saved by the Bell, substitute your favorite show).

LM: Definitely Super Dave Osbourne

What inspires you during the lyric writing/creating stage?

LM: Relationships with women, Mexico, relationships with women in Mexico.

Now that the album is out, is there anything that you would change or do differently and why?

LM: Not really. That was a certain time in my life that I have to accept. You can't change time.

Describe any life experiences show up in any particular song(s)?

LM: Every single song is. Especially "All my Godz," it's about me pretty messed up falling off of a bridge that was 20 feet high. Supposedly I turned my body at the last second so that my head wouldn't hit the pavement. I was told this because I passed out on the bridge.

Do you plan on doing any collaborating in the near future or for your next release?

LM: Absolutely. Kid Koala is screwing around with one of my songs. Also a band from Toronto called The Bicyles sang on a couple songs as did a friend named Andre Eiher. He sang on a cover of a John Cale tune.

Who is your favorite songwriter or artist and why?

LM: Myself. One of the only people I can't get bored of!

How has your life changed since the last album was released?

LM: I've always said I wanted a Randy Newman career. Lots of recognition later on in my life.

Do you plan to stay in this particular genre or do you wish to branch your sound out?

LM: Fortunately I skip genres as much as I used to high school classes. Maybe one day I'll stick to one thing only.