Based in San Francisco, The Bobbleheads, have kept true to their sound of pop-rock with infectious songwriting. The guys that make up The Bobbleheads are fully of joy and love, which radiates through their music and each of their own personas. Since they put out their first record, Automatic Fun, The Bobbleheads have continued their quest to write, create and perform music that their fans will enjoy, and they’re doing a fab job in doing so. The quartet also write and sing about important matters, which is prevalent on their new album, Myths & Fables, out now. The album still contains their fun and catchy songs, but they also focus on the mature matters, exemplified in their latest single and music video for “I Really See You.” The single tackles hope, yet acknowledges the communication problems that all people in relationships face.
The Bobbleheads’ music video for their single “I Really See You” features the band’s hometown of San Francisco, and features a young couple on a date, although there is a mysterious quality to the both of them, especially with the man’s face covered in gauze. Watch the music video below to find out why!
You guys have been creating music since 2003. How do you all keep the creativity and passion for your music flowing?
John Ashfield: Music is fun, and there are always new things to try! New sounds, new chords, new newness. The latest lineup of the band has been totally inspirational as well! Everyone in the band likes a lot of different music, so things can run in a bunch of directions. The thing to remember is that while you sometimes have to work on music, you “play” music. Keeping the process playful is important.
Your latest album, Myths & Fables, features the signature sound and writing of The Bobbleheads, while also dealing with real issues like communication between individuals. What was the writing and recording process like for this album?
John: The writing process happened a few different ways. Some songs I brought in fully formed, some were only half formed, and some came out of jam sessions with the guys in the band. The recording process was with Doug Hilsinger and he usually would have us run down the song live, then start one by one layering up the parts. So… this way you get a live feel, but you can work on a lot of detailed parts as well.
The music video for “I Really See You” is visually engaging and quite interesting and mysterious. How involved with the conception and direction of the video were you all?
John: Fred Gebhardt directed that video and came up with the concept. One of the ideas was that you see the band in a given scene because the main character has his headphones on! The Bobbleheads go with you!
What’s next for the remainder of the year?
John: Gigs, rehearsals, new songs for the next album! More fun and grooviness!
Fun Questions
Who was your first concert, and who has been your favorite thus far?
John: Barry Manilow at the garden state arts center in NJ!! I have been lucky to see a bunch of awesome shows, so I’ll say the last one was the best, Smokey Robinson! He was mind blowing and everyone should see him.
What was your first album on cassette, CD and/or vinyl?
John: My first album on cassette was Up to Date by The Partridge Family. It was funny looking compared to how cassettes were eventually sold. It had a plastic case that opened up quite different from the standard tapes and it had paper glued onto the outside of the case with the cover art and the track listing. My first CD when I got a CD player in 1986 was The Police Greatest Hits which had that atrocious “Don’t Stand So Close To Me‘86”. The original of that song is a classic but the remake they did? My first vinyl that I bought (and wasn’t given) was Bobby Sherman’s Greatest Hits Vol. 1. It was for 99 cents in the checkout lane of the supermarket. I was a very little kid then! Now I know it was a “cut out” but then I just thought it was the coolest thing ever!
Which five albums and/or artists would you not want to live without?
John: Beatles, Beach Boys, Per Gessle, Lindsey Buckingham, and Carole King. This is a tough one, so many great artists, and so many great albums!! I mean, R.E.M., The Cure, and The Smiths should be in this list too! I can’t decide! I keep having albums and artists introduced to me that are great too…there is so much music from all over.
Do you have a guilty music and/or entertainment pleasure?
John: Well everyone does! “Hot Girls in Love” by Loverboy? “Hold On Loosely” by .38 Special? Old episodes of Hawaii Five-O? I don’t know if anyone needs to feel guilty per se about anything that you enjoy listening to or experiencing! Just enjoy it!
Related posts:
