Although Undun is a little bit different
for the Roots—it’s your first concept
album—what’s the songwriting process
usually like for you guys?
The way the Roots operates in the studio
and in a live format is completely different. We stretch out more, live—we’re putting on a show. The album is a more cerebral experience. The studio itself is a member of the band. We’ve gotten more collaborative as a result of doing The Jimmy
Fallon Show, and that’s made us more of a
cohesive band and created an opportunity
for real-time interaction to make its way
onto the record. But still, at the end of the
day, to put together a cerebral experience
for the listener, the studio itself is more of
a member of the band.
So are you saying that being able to create a vibe with various studio treatments
is just as important as the instrumentation? For instance, Undun is very atmospheric, with lots of piano and strings.
Yeah, I mean, it’s whatever suits the song.
The guitar is very sparse on this album, but
FEATURE > KIRK DOUGLAS The Captain makes his custom Les Paul sing at he Fox Theatre in St. Louis. Photo by Todd Owyoung
the Straight Truth About Pickups by Jason Lollar
Yes, we’re still chasing the dragon. It’s been on my list of
“great pickups I’ve always wanted to build” forever, and
took several years to design — my new Lollar “Regal”
humbucker.
Based on the classic “wide range” (but with a few twists
of my own), it’s fat and clear, with a nice top end sparkle.
Great note bloom and a vocal midrange that never
sacrifices note definition. Same size as the original —
drop it in and turn it up.
I personally design and wind over a hundred different
pickup models including most of the vintage classics,
obscure works of art from steel guitars to clavinets,
and even a few of my own designs that have never
existed in the past.
I invite you to visit our website for sound clips, videos and
current product information or feel free to give us a call.
