With the completion of our ‘”Uncovered’ Uncovered” discussion–concerning the piano/vocal “undressing” of October Project songs—it is time to open up the musical wardrobe and play dress-up. Over the next few weeks, we will feature interviews with artists from the “October Project: Covered” album, on which some of OP’s favorite artists and dearest friends custom tailored their own take on an October Project song.
This week, we feature Julian Coryell, who is currently co-producing OP’s upcoming album … in between touring Europe with Alanis Morissette!
–J.W. Harvey
Covered Spotlight: Julian Coryell
Why did you choose the song that you covered? What does it mean to you?
I joined the OP touring band in support of “Falling Farther In” back in ’95. When I was learning the songs, “Adam and Eve” always stuck out as an exceptionally beautiful composition. The way the harmony is devised is a prime example of what makes Emil’s writing so special. It’s so satisfying to play and hear, especially the opening chords. I was messing around on piano years later and remembered how much I’d always loved that song. Great songs stay with you. The lyrics are so haunting and powerful. As a writer myself, I can tell you it’s very hard to strike just the right balance of spiritual and sensual. This is one of Julie’s gifts as a lyricist. And to sing those words over such beautiful harmony is simply very, very pleasurable. So I guess it was for selfish reasons I re-cut the song.
How did you arrange the song to make it your own, fresh song?
As far as the production, sometimes you cover a song to re-invent it. However in this case, I really just wanted to inhabit the world they’d created, much in the way you want to wear the clothes of someone you admire to experience what that feels like. I didn’t change it really, but I did put it through my own dreamy little filter. I wanted it to have a water color quality, if that makes any sense.
What are you doing now?
Mostly writing with and producing other artists, and playing guitar for artists such as Alanis Morissette from time to time.
Who or what are your current inspirations?
I’m happy to report music is starting to get interesting again after what seemed liked years of being awful. I’m not bananas over any one person in particular, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by youtube bands like District 97 and Louis Cole and Genevieve Artadi. It seems like music for music’s sake is starting to matter to younger people again. And as clichè as it may sound, a lot of my current inspiration comes from spending time with my nine- month old son.
Who would play you in the ideal movie version of your life, and what would the title of that movie be?
I think I would play myself, ‘cause a gig’s a gig, right? Seriously though, I don’t think the actor to play me has been born yet, as my story is still being told and God I hope all the major highlights haven’t already happened!
The movie would be called “Here lies David St. Hubbins… and why not?”
More information on Julian Coryell: Julian Coryell Homepage
—
Follow the October Process blog for more interviews with featured Covered artists!
Learn more about Covered: OP Merchandise Store
OP on FaceBook: facebook.com/octoberproject
OP on Twitter: twitter.com/october_project
J.W. Harvey on Twitter: twitter.com/xjwharvey
Contact J.W. Harvey: James@OctoberProjectMusic.com