Where did the band name come from?
We spent a long time thinking of band names that would not only suit the type of music that we had been writing, but also vibed with the three of us as members of a group. As soon as “Lights Resolve” came up we knew we had something special that had a ring to it and also, in some strange way, described us as individuals and our collective mentality as a band.
How did the band form?
Playing together for eight years in our prior band and also having an additional side project on top of that band, it is safe to say that Neal and I know eachother inside and out. We met freshman year of high school and have been playing music ever since. Sherman joined our old group about four years ago when our old bass player had left the band. I knew him through his old band who we often shared a stage with locally. Ironically I suggested him to a bunch of my other friends’ bands...he eventually ended up in mine!
How long has the band been together?
Lights Resolve formed in March of 2006.
Any influences?
Absolute influences for this band and for every band for that matter. No one has an original idea! Here are some of the direct ones: the recognition of innocence in U2’s “Boy,” the arrogance and wit of The Who’s “Who’s Next,” the calculated yet organic gem that is Radiohead’s “OK Computer,” Joy Division’s brooding soundscape, Rachmaninoff’s extreme emotions, Jimmy Gnecco’s insane vocals and moody sonic landscapes, Phantom Planet’s feel-good musical jams, Bob Marley & The Wailers soul and groove, the catchiness of The Police’s “Synchronicity,” the heavy moving quality of Muse, etc.
You recently released an EP titled “Prelude”. How does it feel to finally have your music out there?
It took us a while to start the recording process because we wanted to try out all of the songs live before we hit a “record” button. The name we chose, “Prelude,” is very fitting because we already have new material that we are dying to record. We saw this first recording as the birth of something special that would be a precursor to the storm yet to come.
Where can people buy this EP?
It is now available on iTunes (US and International), Merchdirect.com, Napster, eMusic, Rhapsody, Sony Connect, and Musicnet. The best place to buy it is at a show when we come through your town.
Who writes the lyrics for the band, and what is the writing process like?
The creative process is very collaborative. Nobody is interested in taking a back seat in this band. I would say our best material comes out of improvizations where we all vibe with each other in our rehearsal space. Sometimes we each bring in different song ideas that everybody toys with till we get it right. Lyrically, on this record, I wrote about finding your own place in the world we live in, being analytical about yourself and the universe around you, and flirting with God on the other side of the universe.
What sets Lights Resolve apart from other bands out there?
Our ability to be comfortable in our own skin and our need to put on a show for people. Nobody will leave a Lights Resolve show and not have a reaction. When Kurt Cobain said “Here we are now, entertain us” we were listening with open ears. Most bands these days turn their back on the audience and try to be super cool and deep. We avoid “hipness” at all costs because there is a paradox of hip. I have no interest in being in a novelty band. We’re in this for the long haul, for better or worse.
Who would be your dream band to play with?
I don’t know what the rest of the guys would say but my obvious answer would be U2. Honestly the most exciting show I’ve ever seen in my life. They just have the intangible “thing” that lifts you off the ground and takes you to new heights. I would die happy if I shared a stage with them. Boy, I wish I could pick their brains.
Anything funny that’s happened to you while playing a show?
At our last NYC show the opening band, Jay Breaker House, started covering “The Angel Sings” before we went on...and of course we all turned red. Our fans completely dug it though.
What is your ultimate goal as a band?
Besides world domination? Just kidding...I think we need to create goals in logical steps. Our first goal is to have a killer live show that goes beyond just playing music that will kick the audience’s ass. We’ve recently experimented with some mixed media elements and they came off particularly well. We’re always learning and looking to do the best that we can. In addition to our show, or should I say in conjunction with our show, will be new music that completely suits a live performance. Not many people realize, but back before Edison invented the phonograph, we did not have recorded sound. Every time people heard music it was being played live...so the visual aspect was just as, if not more, important than the aural aspect. Actually, better said, there was no difference...the music and the visual were one entity. We’re looking to bring that fundamental idea back to the world of music and entertainment.
Describe your music in one word.
If I answered this seriously, I would have to put “egotistical” because you can’t describe your own music without coming across as a dick.
Thoughts on the current music industry?
“The best and the worst of times.” Some of the new music coming out is actually half decent while other stuff is just recycled garbage from yesterday. If you’re going to steal, do it with class from artists that put out records twenty years ago. That’s my lame philosophy anyway. I see potential in the “trench” online marketing of artists triumphing while I see little potential in the current major record conglomerate staying alive. This industry is unpredictable though, so it’s a crap shoot. Neal is the gambling man in this band so ask him.
What’s next for Lights Resolve?
Staying alive and promoting our latest effort, Prelude, on the road for the next year. With any luck we will be back in the studio as soon as we can afford to do that. We can’t wait for everybody to hear the new music and to see the live show. So haul yourself out there!
Any last words?
I’ve already chatted your ear off, but please take the time to check out our band. We are very good with writing e-mails back so hit us up on MySpace or e-mail: . We would love to meet you at a show and would love to get your feedback on what we are doing. Much love to all of you!
Check them out!
http://www.myspace.com/lightsresolve
http://www.lightsresolve.com
Upcoming Lights Resolve shows:
June 16, 2007: The Middle East Cambridge, MA
June 26th, 2007: Grape Street Philadelphia, PA
June 29th, 2007: Paradise Lounge Boston, MA
Awesome.. just checked yall out.
Really respectable music! Keep rockin.
Kelly, CA.