While driving downtown last night my friend Justin sent me a text message saying he was loving the new Kelley Stoltz album Circular Sounds. He went on to mention the track “Speak To The Girl” reminded him of The Lovin’ Spoonful. The previous night I asked Kelley to take part in our continuing 5 Questions with Muzzle of Bees feature, he obliged and I’m grateful. Kelley’s catalog is damn near bulletproof as far as I’m concerned. Pick up Circular Sounds and I’m sure you’ll be seeking out Below the Branches and Antique Glow soon after.

Could you lend some information on the recording process of Circular Sounds? Where and how was it recorded, and were there any lessons learned that you’ll apply towards future recording sessions?

It was recorded above a laundromat in the back room of my apartment in SF… its where I recorded the last one too – I use a mid 80’s 8 track recorder, as always, the trusty tascam 388 ¼’ tape reel – fill up the tracks and dump into computer for overdubs and mixing. I guess you always learn a couple lessons when you’re in an active role as musician and engineer – but they may be subconscious ones… I learned I don’t need caffeine all day long and that it often interferes with songwriting!

Looking back on 2007, do any albums stand out as favorites? How about upcoming releases you’re excited about?

I’m looking forward to a couple local sf records – the oh sees have a new album coming – there the best band in san francisco I’d have to say, bart davenport has a new one coming soon too, I helped him record side one of that so im looking forward to hearing more. Ive kinda lost touch with the new music scene elsewhere – I hate to say it.

What was the last show you went to see as a fan?

Went to the symphony – does that count…mozart, samuel barber…I guess other than local shows which I see once a week – allen toussaint, the black lips, big star.

The internet has dramatically altered the way artists can reach an audience. With things like blogs/myspace/etc, what are your thoughts on the power of the internet in terms of helping (or hurting) your music?

I think its fine – i’m amazed people have the interest level to seek out new bands through myspace and stuff – i’m usually in a hurry to check my messages and move on to looking on ebay for records..! I think its great that if you want there’s an endless chain of stuff to hear – if you have that inclination = on the other hand, you could turn off the power and make your own record. Like a lot of new technology it opens the door for more people to express themselves which hopefully will usher in a new global era of understanding and expression… but ya still got to separate the proverbial wheat from the chaff.

Will you be touring behind Circular Sounds? If so, when can we expect that to start up?

Yes will be on tour in old us of a with the dirtbombs – that’s from end of march – end of april – then off to uk and europe – its quite a busy next 5 months.

Myspace: Kelley Stoltz
MP3: Kelley Stoltz – “Your Reverie”

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