Erik Roldan writesCHIRP + Coach House Sounds Present: Judson Claiborne

Judson Claiborne has two albums to its credit, and its understated folk rock has only gotten better. Mystical observations of the world co-mingle with warbly, weary vocals reminiscent of Tim Rutili (Califone, Red Red Meat) to leave a heart-shaped imprint in your ears. Judson Claiborne answered some questions for CHIRP in anticipation of their upcoming Coach House Sounds session, available at www.coachhousesounds.com on August 16th, 2011. Hear preview tracks all week on CHIPRadio.org and download the session next week!

1. What the dumbest thing you’ve ever done in a basement?

I tried to slow dance with a security guard in the basement of the Saint Louis Art Museum while on LSD. It was the Ancient Egypt exhibit maybe? I was wearing headphones, listening to Dead Can Dance’s Into the Labyrinth on the walkman. She was a good sport about it, I think.

*2. Can you tell me about one time when you realized this was YOUR city? *

While living in Seattle last fall and winter, trying to find a hot dog without cream cheese all over it. I’m serious.

3. Describe a scenario where Judson Claiborne could be someone’s life coach and the top 2 life lessons you’d teach them.

To quote one of my favorite bank robbers – “spirit ain’t spit without exercise”. You can’t expect to survive life’s gravity or steal a hundred thousand dollars without dancing around or riding your bike everyday. Also, it’s a real good idea to say hello and nod to people on the street. Get to know your neighbors and ask them to tell you their stories. I’d give this advice to anybody, any ol’ time.

4. Tell me about your CHS session—what did you like about it? Was there anything that surprised you or was spontaneous that came out in the recording?

It was nice running into The Eternals on the way out of their session. It was our first time recording with The Reverend Jacob F. Ross, our new guitar player, so that was some nice nervous excitement to play with. There are polaroids all over the place down there of bands who’ve done CHS sessions previously. I imagined these bands recording, then being blasted into outer space. “What will outer space feel like?”, I wondered. Am I in outer space?

5. What’s happening? What are your current/upcoming shows or releases?

My band and I are working on a new record. We’re doing a little bit of everything right now. Just spent two days out at Key Club Recording Company in Benton Harbor, MI with our Engineer Tim Iseler and his new life partner in crime, Marketa Irglova. She sang some amazing harmonies on a couple of songs we’re working on and made a mean home made Tomato Cream Soup. Still plenty of writing to do, we’re planning for a spring 2013 release. Been thinking / reading about successful bank robbers and whirling dervishes. In other news, I’m playing a really interesting music festival here in Chicago on Aug 13 called Found Sound . It’s a site specific series of performances in Ukrainian Village. You grab a map and bike around to experience shows in garages, backyards, or the Duk’s hot dog stand patio, which is where I’m playing. Also finishing up a residency at Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar in Bridgeport on Aug 14..