Indie Sound Board Spotlight
Save The Clocktower is a Chicago-based trio who released their second album "Carousel" in February. Their electronic-infused melodies set the landscape for a hazy dream-like sound that is infectous. Keyboardist Jimmy Shenk spent some time in Wisconsin attending UW-Madison and served on the WUD Music Committee. Jimmy, along with drummer Greg Newton and guitarist Sean Paras have been gigging on the Chicago club scene and have the potential with "Carousel" to expand their following throughout the Midwest and beyond. Check out the Save The Clocktower Bandcamp site.
Save The Clocktower - You Got Me
Save The Clocktower - Your Pain
We had a chance to speak with Save The Clocktower:
Let's start with a background on the band. How did Save The Clocktower get together?
STC: We all met each other by the time we were five or six, and over the years, played in different bands or projects, until we all went off to different universities. Greg went to the University of Colorado, Sean went to the University of Illinois, and Jimmy went to the University of Wisconsin - Madison. We would still collaborate when we were back home, or listen to each other's new projects. Leading up to Thanksgiving 2007, we had discussed the idea of recording an album together. We spent the week surrounding the holiday to write and record ideas for 8 songs, which eventually became our first album. We all thought we were on to something, so we decided to officially form the band in 2008.
How long has the band been playing out?
STC: We started playing out regularly in December of 2009. 2010 was an amazing year for us, and we were lucky enough to share the stage with DJ Yoda, Hudson Mohawke, Toro Y Moi, and Beats Antique as well as play big Chicago festivals Wicker Park Fest and North Coast Music Fest.
Take us through the recording process for the new album.
STC: The recording process changes from song to song, but usually we wrote most of the individual parts as we were recording it. Some songs were more composed and put together by individual members, then rest of us would add layers and melodies to compliment what the others were doing. Some songs started as a basic synth part that we would just build off of. Once we had the foundations for the songs, we spent months dialing in the effects and sounds we were using. We were going for a very expansive dreamy sound, so we paid very close attention to the synths and guitar effects we were using. We wanted to have a lot of different styles, while keeping an overall sound that represents continuity as a band.
What are your ties to Madison? Any plans to play a gig here?
STC: Jimmy went to college in Madison at the University of Wisconsin and considers it almost a home away from home. When he was living up there, he met a lot of great musicians (usually at The Paradise), including his good friends in Awesome Car Funmaker. He loved seeing shows at The Terrace and The High Noon Saloon. We have not played Madison yet, but it would be incredible to be able to!
What are your favorite Chicago bands at the moment?
STC: We really like Eleventh Dream Day and White Mystery. Eleventh Dream Day has been going strong in Chicago since he 80's, and we had the pleasure of seeing them recently at The Hideout. White Mystery is a throwback rock duo. Our friend, Alex White, rocks hard. We also really enjoy catching Cealed Kasket live when we can. Those shows are definitely a lot of fun.
You just did a record release party at the Hideout in Chicago. What's the plan after the record is out?
STC: We plan to keep promoting this album with shows. We're also in the process of writing a third album which we're very excited about. We are riding some great momentum, and we mainly just want to keep it going, and having fun while doing it.
