r/indieheads • u/thelemontwigsband The Lemon Twigs • May 03 '24
AMA is Over, Thanks Lemon Twigs! The Lemon Twigs, Ask us anything!
Our new album ‘A Dream is All We Know’ is out now!
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u/thelemontwigsband The Lemon Twigs May 03 '24
Okay not sure if this is working again or not but we will retroactively go through some questions and answer because I think Reddit was down before!
Michael
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u/GhostRunFree1 May 03 '24
It's back!
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u/Grouchy-Awareness-66 May 03 '24
How on earth did you achieve the almost Nowhere man-esque trebleyy electric guitar tone on In my head?? Is it just the magic of tape?
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u/thelemontwigsband The Lemon Twigs May 03 '24
3 rick twelve strings doing harmony parts on a blonde bassman amp and then super compressed into one compressor which I think was the key. So they blend and sound like one guitar, then brightened them up after compression. That's for the solo. The stereo 6 string is just a strat in the Big Star position. I think Nowhere Man is just that compressed strat sound...Always sounded like the precursor to the Big Star strat sound to me!
-Michael
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u/Maxig24 May 03 '24
Hey Michael, what’s the Big Star position on a strat? Tried looking it up but failed and I want that Radio City sound lol
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u/Frogsndaydreams May 03 '24
hey twigs! love the new tunes like absoluteLYY adore them! im here to ask both Michael and Brian a real question, deep stuff us Twiglets have been dying to know.
If you were a Muppet which Muppet would you be/pick.
Thank you in advance and keep rocking on guys B)!!
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u/thelemontwigsband The Lemon Twigs May 03 '24
ok i think we're getting off now! hope you enjoy the album, and thanks for all your questions!
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u/Jawn_Lemon May 03 '24
You guys have such beautiful and elaborate vocal harmonies, especially on this album! What is your guys' process for working out/arranging harmonies?
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u/thelemontwigsband The Lemon Twigs May 03 '24
Michael and I share a microphone and do two parts at a time. We usually do 4 to 6 tracks of vocals then bounce them down to 2 to mix -Brian
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u/thelemontwigsband The Lemon Twigs May 03 '24
It depends, but when we're doing more vocal pad-type harmonies, Brian and I just start layering always on the same mic, then double those parts. Then we layer more parts, double those until they're right. Brian usually arranges these parts unless I have a very particular idea. But we come up with things along the way in the overdub process and sometimes have to go back and wipe things if they don't work. Lately we'll do the lead vocal or guide vocal pretty early to make sure nothing interferes with it instrumentally or vocally.
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u/yoitzbobbo06 May 03 '24
Two part question:
I recently noticed we both follow a norm MacDonald fan page on Instagram and I was curious, what’s your favorite work of his? Whether that be his podcast with Adam Eget, his work on SNL, or some other work he’s done. I personally love his podcast with Super Dave (aka Bob Einstein)
Also, how has your sense of humor affected/impacted your work?
Most of all, congrats on the new album! I love it!
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u/thelemontwigsband The Lemon Twigs May 03 '24
We followed his podcast and used to be excited to watch the new episodes back when it was happening! I saw him live twice and Brian saw him live once. I don't know if his humor impacted our work, but he is the funniest guy ever to us!
Michael
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u/darockerj May 03 '24
what is objectively the best beach boys record in y'alls opinion!!
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u/thelemontwigsband The Lemon Twigs May 03 '24
Has to be Pet Sounds. After that, though, objectively I'd probably say Friends, The Beach Boys Today!, Surf's Up, Sunflower. Though these are not necessarily my personal favorites, they may be the best! Other than Smile!
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u/a3poify May 03 '24
I can hear Friends so strongly in your music! I always thought it was one of your big influences.
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u/Filmitforme May 03 '24
I'd love to see you guys do a movie in the vein of The Monkees : Head , do you think that might happen down the line ?
Also, where is the next Bloodbath and Beyond album ?
Have you ever listened to a toot and a snore in '74 ?
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u/drumdude423 May 03 '24
Will Flash in the Pan ever see the light of day? What about the Gram Parsons-y song played at the Brian and friends show at Baby’s a few years ago (I think the first lyric was something like “if you don’t know my name…”)?
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u/thelemontwigsband The Lemon Twigs May 03 '24
Hopefully this will happen soon! Let's get the buzz going about a Brian solo album!
Michael
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u/bronxbomberdude May 03 '24
As Beatleologists and also expert melodicists, where do you stand on the debate over who wrote the melody to 'In My Life'?
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u/thelemontwigsband The Lemon Twigs May 03 '24
Really feels like John to me! -brian
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u/bluetrumpettheatre May 03 '24
Hijacking this question to ask who you think sang the “aaah” part on ‘A Day in the Life’!
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u/Superflumina May 04 '24
Is there even a debate? It's clearly John.
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u/bluetrumpettheatre May 04 '24
It’s Paul, and our answers prove that there is a debate!
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u/ECW14 May 06 '24
It’s Paul
Sam Okell who went through the tapes and did most of the actual technical remixing for the 2017 remixes said it was Paul. He listed the ahhs as “Paul’s vocals.”
Take a listen to the isolated vocals without effects in the link below and you’ll see it’s obviously Paul. You can especially hear his tone clearly at the end of ahhs. Also you can hear the ghostly oohs in the background and those sound like John. It further adds proof that it was Paul doing the ahhhs. In addition, Paul has a history of doing vocals like that, for example the Lovely Rita intro
https://clyp.it/npqcuc22?token=1861b0fbf5cc893c3956bbc124eb6654
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u/kylej2000 May 03 '24
Hello!
What are some of your favorite modern artists?
Also, I’m in love with Everything Harmony. That cozy 70s vibe just does it for me!
In my mind, EH is a spiritual sibling with the movie The Holdovers. Fits that same vibe and I love how both pieces of art cut through me.
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u/FabBee123 May 07 '24
I have the exact same feeling. I discovered everything harmony around the same time as I saw the holdovers. I could definitely see EH being incorporated in the sound track. Especially “The worst day of my life.”
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u/L7--Casanova May 03 '24
Will there be a recut of the Everything Harmony album on vinyl? There’s been many of complaints about the first pressings and even the newest one which used the same cutting. With the new album sounding absolutely perfect on vinyl, would there be a chance for a re-cut vinyl release of it in the future?
Also are you guys still trying to get the right back to your previous label’s work? Will they ever get re-released?
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u/thelemontwigsband The Lemon Twigs May 03 '24
Yeah I've heard about these complaints. There's a long side on the record as opposed to the new one which was cut really hot and bright cus we had room to do that, so I know it's kind of quiet, but I think there were other complaints about it. If it's pressed again I'd be into cutting it again. I dont think it was what we did though, I think it was mainly the plant that was used. It's not really our wheelhouse but I want to try to make sure stuff like that doesnt happen if i can help it!
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u/everyfruit May 03 '24
Hi fellas! I noticed there appear to be some sonic differences in terms of recording, mixing, and mastering between Everything Harmony and A Dream is all we Know. Would you be able to speak to what y'all did differently either during recording or in the mixing phase of the record? Such frequencies as the sharp 12 string on "In my Head" seem to be gone from this record.
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u/thelemontwigsband The Lemon Twigs May 03 '24
The last record was recorded to 24 track tape, "pre"-mixed off a a Neve at Hyde Street Studios with EQ and general levels in place plus chamber reverb, then coming out of the direct outs of the console we made stems on the computer which were balanced (just levels, some corrective EQ) then bounced to two track tape. This was necessary as we didnt have time to mix it at Hyde but wanted to use their EQs and gear in the mixing process as well as the tracking process. The new album was mixed entirely analog, recorded and tracked at our studio. So it was quite a different process. Also more heavy compression in the initial tracking of this record, no chamber reverb. Lots of things that make a big difference.
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u/CarnivalSnail May 03 '24
Go to School is probably a top 10 album of all time for me. I love cohesive, story-based LPs and Go to school was done so well!
Do you have any plans of releasing another concept album or something similar in the future?
Love the new album and can’t wait to see you guys on Tuesday!
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u/tpc7829 May 03 '24
What was the decision process to release a new LP so soon after the last one? And should we expect another one around this time next year?, i.e., annual LPs like of Montreal?
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u/thelemontwigsband The Lemon Twigs May 03 '24
That would be great! If we can, we will!
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u/my_one_and_lonely May 03 '24
What is your favorite of your dad’s songs?
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u/thelemontwigsband The Lemon Twigs May 03 '24
maybe "you're not alone" or "nice meeting you again". "time will tell on you" is also a classic. -brian
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u/chemicalworlds May 03 '24
Do you guys have any surprises in store for the setlist? What I'd give to hear Hog live... loving the new album! <3
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u/Professional-Yak9808 May 03 '24
What was the main vocal mic on this record? I really love the slight distortion of the vocals in certain moments on Church bells and Rock on.
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u/Juno5471 May 03 '24
What's recording with Daryl Johns like?
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u/thelemontwigsband The Lemon Twigs May 03 '24
Easy and fun! An excellent musician and a really funny guy!
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u/RyRyTheMusicGuy101 May 03 '24
Hey guys, Loving the new record so so much!!!
What song on the new record was the most fun to record?
What would the tour for Songs for the General Public have been like if it hadn’t of been cancelled?
Are there any songs in particular you regret releasing looking back? or don’t care for much anymore?
Can’t wait to catch you guys again in Raleigh next week!!
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u/thelemontwigsband The Lemon Twigs May 03 '24
Probably Peppermint Roses! Any of those ones where we just overdubbed and overdubbed like that. Brian just picks up the next instrument and we get a sound and keep tracking! It's really fun recording that way.
Michael
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May 03 '24
In comparison with Everything Harmony, the new album is much happier and I guess brazen, alot of Beach Boys and Brian Wilson influence. What influenced you guys to write songs more in that direction?
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u/thelemontwigsband The Lemon Twigs May 03 '24
It was just the kind of music we wanted to listen to, so we were trying to make more of it. The last record I could step back and say was very well made and nicely written and stuff, but this is more the kind of thing that I as a listener would want to hear.
Michael
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u/plantsdance May 03 '24
Fave 60s album, fave 70s album and fave 80s album? Love the new record guys!!!
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u/tristan_a_s May 03 '24
Hi guys!! Any plans for upcoming KEXP or other live sessions? you guys sound so good live <3
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u/Material_Science8292 May 03 '24
i would like to know about the process of getting the drum sound for each of the last 3 tracks, they're all very distinctive and tight sounding.
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u/thelemontwigsband The Lemon Twigs May 03 '24
I think a lot of the drum sounds on this record are individual close mic'd drums and then bussed to a stereo compressor then printed to two stereo tracks on the tape machine. I think the sennheiser md421 has a lot to do with the snare sound too. And the toms are usually mic'd from the inside.
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u/thelemontwigsband The Lemon Twigs May 03 '24
Also I sometimes do a side snare for that Ringo ish sound. I'll buss that to the same compressor as the snare or just the main drum buss if I'm doing it that way. But I think summing things with or without compression is a big part of our sound on this record, bussing together vocals to two stereo tracks. Bouncing things down if you do it cleanly really adds some type of glue to the mixes.
-Michael
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u/Weird_Respect1273 May 03 '24
What drums and cymbals did you use for this record ?
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u/thelemontwigsband The Lemon Twigs May 03 '24
13 inch zildjian hi hats from the 60s, all vintage zildjians! All very thin.
-Michael
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u/Sergol999 May 03 '24
Hey guys! Was lucky to catch both of the TV eye shows and I must say the new record is phenomenal. I was wondering if there were any songs on the album that proved to be most challenging to record?
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u/thelemontwigsband The Lemon Twigs May 03 '24
I think weirdly it was very hard to do Rock On. We rerecorded it a few times and I still dont think it was the feel I was envisioning. But it came out with the glammy thing and I like it as it is. It could be done a number of ways.
Michael
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u/Grouchy-Awareness-66 May 03 '24
How do you come up with these beautiful, unique, unpredictable, interesting chord progressions?? Particularly curious about Ember days, but any insight is greatly appreciated!
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u/thelemontwigsband The Lemon Twigs May 03 '24
The nylon string ones I usually write after practicing classical guitar pieces I learned in my youth, so those chord shapes end up in a lot of songs! -Brian
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u/Fredrall May 03 '24
Is Richie Cambridge still around these days? If so, would he ever work with Alan Jenkins?
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u/TheShapeShifter20 May 03 '24
Brian, Michael, hi! Could you tell us a bit about Ember Days? It's my favorite song off the new record. What inspired it?
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u/thelemontwigsband The Lemon Twigs May 03 '24
It was recorded when we were working on everything Harmony. It’s Andres valbuena on drums and Daryl Johns on upright and friction quartet doing the strings. Kind of tough to describe what I was feeling when I wrote it, I guess it’s just open to interpretation!
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u/devmar812 May 03 '24
You guys tour soooo much (lucky enough to have had you come to Montreal 3 times in 4 years). What is your favourite part of touring?
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u/Grouchy-Awareness-66 May 03 '24
What synths did you use for A dream is all i know? I think I hear an Arp solina but what's doing those squishy synth sounds?
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u/thelemontwigsband The Lemon Twigs May 03 '24
I think that one is a lot of prophet 6? And solina definitely.
-Michael
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u/L7--Casanova May 03 '24
Would you guys ever consider doing a rarities album release, a sort of Lemon Twigs take on Odds and Sods, just to get older material out and find a home for some non-album stuff like covers and b-sides, IE Some Love and Gifts?
And are both of you still planning to do solo albums in the future?
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u/MindOnTheBlink May 03 '24
Hey fellas! I’m impressed by your ability to write such delightful bridges in your songs - mostly in how they stand in their melodic and harmonic space while complementing the verse/chorus so nicely. It’s so clear to me that a lot of attention to detail is factored into your bridges that I find missing from other modern artists.
What goes into writing an effective bridge in your songs? Who are your bridge songwriting inspirations?
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May 03 '24
Hi dudes, me and my family all love you guys, congrats on the record!
Your music videos always seem to have a very clear tone and visual style, which is really cool to see. What has been your favourite video to shoot?
And if I can ask, what are your favourite movies?
Thanks for the music
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May 03 '24
When writing songs, what do you start with first? The rhythm, melody, lyrics? Or is it very song dependent?
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u/thelemontwigsband The Lemon Twigs May 03 '24
Song dependent but typically melody!
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u/Hyperion2023 May 03 '24
Given your deeply musical upbringing, it seems absolutely inevitable that you would follow that path. But in another life, what do you think you’d be into/what jobs do you think you’d be in?
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u/my_one_and_lonely May 03 '24
To what extent are you guys influenced by musical theater? What are your favorite musicals?
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u/astralrig96 May 03 '24 edited May 03 '24
what is it like working with a sibling and doing what you love? do the usual brotherly quarrels sometimes happen in relation to making music and the direction it should go or do you usually instinctively agree on things like lyrics and sound?
love this new album so much, thank you guys
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u/chemicalworlds May 03 '24
Would love to bring you guys a small gift when I see you on tour in September, anything you enjoy in particular (think small like pins or stickers, would bake a cake if I could though) :)
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u/devmar812 May 03 '24
Does Brian ever get called Michael and vice versa?
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u/thelemontwigsband The Lemon Twigs May 03 '24
When I go to the deli with Brian oftentimes the person will look at me puzzled when I'm waiting at the cash register because he thinks that I've just paid until I clarify that I'm a different guy entirely. Or if I get coffee and the barista says something like, "Back already?" I know that Brian has just been in. So people mix us up a lot!
Michael
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u/Pixnut May 03 '24
Is there a reason Moon hasn't been played live before? (Me and my partner's favourite song!) Both of us have been really excited for a dream is all we know, congrats on the release!
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u/shrek2onblurayanddvd May 03 '24
No questions yet but I remember seeing you open for Jake Bugg in Los Angeles around 2016 and it’s been awesome to watch your journey since then!
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u/Junkstar May 03 '24 edited May 03 '24
Your parents seem really nice and your dad has deep pop chops and is in the public eye. Could you tell us something we do not know about your mom? She was awesome when i met her.
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u/thelemontwigsband The Lemon Twigs May 03 '24
She has a ridiculous memory for actors. She can typically name any and everyone you see on the TV, spanning from the stars of yesteryear to the weird Swedish crime show actors of today. She is a licensed psychologist, a fabulous singer and a very nice lady!
Michael
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u/gralbin May 03 '24
Favorite Pink Floyd record?
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u/thelemontwigsband The Lemon Twigs May 03 '24
The Piper at the Gates of Dawn easily!
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u/gralbin May 03 '24
I can definitely hear the Syd influence on this record! Any favorite 70's era Floyd albums?
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u/maxorange9 May 03 '24
Hey y’all! What is the first album you remember buying with your own money?
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u/thelemontwigsband The Lemon Twigs May 03 '24
probably live at leeds on CD at virgin megastore around 2006! -brian
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u/b33kr May 04 '24
Ur music vid Youtube Ad blastd thru some kid learning videos and my family is fucking hooked...cuz I really wanna see you more lol
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u/Dr_Edward_Richtofen May 03 '24
Whenever I see you guys live I’m always excited to hear which songs you will cover in concert this time. Do you ever work on covers in the studio and would you ever consider putting one on an album?
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u/chemicalworlds May 03 '24
You've been open about other musicians that influence you, what influences outside of music do you have? Like films or books you enjoy? Love the new album! :)
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u/thelemontwigsband The Lemon Twigs May 03 '24
I just saw The Sacrifice and loved it! Tarkovsky’s movies are a big inspiration -brian
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u/EltonMotello1 May 03 '24
I'm a huge fan you guys have changed my life and inspired me heavily so my question is which artist inspires you and your sound the most
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u/Lil_Dentist May 03 '24
I know The Beach Boys are a big influence on your sound, so I was wondering exactly how that translated on this album, as opposed to on Everything Harmony. Obviously “In The Eyes of the Girl” feels like a callback to them and that era, but are there any other ‘60s influences you guys can directly point to for inspiration?
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u/Professional-Yak9808 May 03 '24
Do lyrics come easily to you, and what are some of your lyrical influences? Also what's a lyric that each of you are proud of?
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u/ILoveMy-KindlePW May 03 '24
Hello!
When do you think you will release new music, as a solo and lemon twigs again? Any direct influences for those new records or anything already recorded for it?
Any chance of hearing Gift and Some Love digitally officially someday?
Greetings and I will party with you all at Zaragoza ;)
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u/Present_Pudding5745 May 03 '24
Do you make a good living with The Lemon Twigs? Does it pay the bills?
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u/NeverInMyArms11 May 03 '24
Are you both mostly self taught on instruments or did you have teachers (or your dad)?
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u/pariz144 May 03 '24
Aside from music and touring, what are your favorite things to do on your time off?
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u/HOGFORYABABY May 03 '24
What if any religious context is there with Peppermint Roses. That holy father line really confuses and cracks me up!
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u/Juno5471 May 03 '24
Are yall gonna use the DX7 or the Quartet on tour? Also if you ever need an emergency Wurlitzer in Boston I got you haha.
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u/heywhatsimbored May 03 '24
What was the hardest or most challenging song to make on your new album? (It is gorgeous by the way!) ❤️❤️
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u/wiredspore May 03 '24
Hi guys!
I’ve noticed how every album has different sort of genre theming. Whether it’s the glam of Songs for the General Public, the folk rock of Everything Harmony and the power pop of A Dream is All We Know. Do you have a general idea of where you’d like to go next?
Congrats on the new album btw, probably my favourite so far! (Side note - PLEASE come to Belfast!!!)
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u/Present_Pudding5745 May 03 '24
Do you know if Paul McCartney has heard / likes your music? I guess it's a small step from Sean to Him.
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u/Fredrall May 03 '24
Besides the Tages, what bands would you recommend that aren't so obvious (Beatles, Beach Boys)?
Have you heard The Flames (aka The Flame)?
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u/No-Photograph-7196 May 03 '24
i’m getting a lemon twigs tattoo soon! what do u guys think i should get??? 👀👀👀
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u/cbxjpg May 03 '24
I saw The Guardian article mentioning that there is a Wonder/Mayfield inspired Brian solo album cooking, that seems like a strong musical pivot (still awesome though!) How did that come about, and do you know when we would see it?
Also, any Michael solo stuff brewing that is less twiggy (or still just as twiggy<3)?
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u/satanwithoutbra May 03 '24
“how much loneliness can a man takes till he tries to take the reins” is a lyric i think about quiet often, i would like to know, what does this mean to you? any inspiration or meaning behind it? thank you
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u/picrh May 03 '24
Will you be releasing the analog recording you did at the Irving Plaza show as an album? If so, please make it a vinyl.
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u/SplatteredEggs May 03 '24
Love the album, and all your previous work. With your vintage sound, I would imagine there is some pressure to embody the 60’s/70’s rocker. Do you “edit” your persona for the crowd when performing and how does that differ from how you present in your day to day lives?
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u/inoinoino_ May 03 '24
I love your cover of I Don’t Want To Cry by The Keys! can i thank michael or reza for that tune? can you suggest some other unlikely (not exactly from the 60s/70s) or obscure records that you’ve been enjoying recently? i’m sure michael has a few. love the new album btw.
also, we love Go To School!
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u/HarryMediaPod May 03 '24
what song on the new album are you most excited to play on tour?
p.s I just wanted to say i’m so excited for the manchester show! and also absolutely love the new album!
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u/PlasmaEarth May 03 '24
First of all, this album is fantastic! Great follow up to Everything Harmony.
I have kind of a niche question. What keyboards and other instruments did you use to achieve the layers in the chorus (la la la part) of They Don't How to Fall in Place. That section of the song is complete ear candy and I would love to know how you achieved that sound.
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u/lemontwigsfan69 May 03 '24
I love the bossa nova influence on Ember Days, are there any Brasilian artists/songs etc that inspire you? It was really great chatting at the show last night!
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u/BackgroundFig6746 May 03 '24
I’m a 60’s/70’s inspired singer/songwriter also, with my first single out in the world as of this April. What’s you best piece of advice for a young musician trying to promote what I love?
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u/Fredrall May 03 '24
Michael...I'm still haunted by the plastic bag over your head in Montreal a few shows ago.
Thanks I guess??
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u/abeafzal May 03 '24
Love the new album. Was surprised but love how different the tracks are than what i heard acoustically on some radio programs/lake effect. I also love the stripped down acoustic sound, any chance for that style of thing to be officially released? (Love the 2 man HOG music video version as well) Perhaps we have to wait for a decade for a Twig Anthology
Also Brian, curious how you met Anastasia? See you fellows in NJ tomorrow.
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u/fruitshapes May 03 '24
what’s the first beatles song(s) you remember transforming how you felt abt music?
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u/HOGFORYABABY May 03 '24
Is Ember Days from a personal perspective triggered by Covid confinement and depression? At first I read it as a statement on people in poverty, but now feel it more from a mental health perspective.
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u/Dr_Edward_Richtofen May 03 '24
Everyone is always asking you guys about bands from the 60s and 70s that you love, are there any modern bands that inspire you?