I don’t typically like to go see bands I haven’t heard before… so prior to my first Snailhouse show I asked a few friends what album I should pick up. My friend Jeff Pineau suggested “The Opposite is Also True“. Twenty-One Years (click to listen) has been on repeat since.
It was music to my ears when a few New Brunswickers started playing with Mike. Kyle Cunjak, Nick Cobham and Mike Belyea joined the band a few albums ago. Local musicians means local tour dates. I couldn’t be happier.
Enjoy the interview below with Mike Feuerstack (Snailhouse).
{ Photo by Anneke Hymmen }
Hi Mike! Tell me about yourself and what you do!
I am Michael Feuerstack and I am a singer, a songer, a guitarer and a producist.
Where did the name Snailhouse come from?
Snailhouse is just something I made up. Sounds poetic. Make of it whatever you like! That’s what I say.
Tell me about your newest album, Sentimental Gentleman.
It’s a sprawling tragicomedy which features a boat load of New Brunswickers telling sad jokes through music.
Where does your songwriting inspiration come from? Books? Real life?
I don’t really know. I try to just let it fly without asking too many questions. There is a certain amount of craft in making the songs presentable of course, but when it comes to their origins I try just to remain open and available for ideas and sounds to come. Obviously, real life is an inspiration – you can’t really escape that. But also, I love books, comics, art of all kinds, movies and even TV. Anything that makes you think or feel is bound to make its way into your creative efforts.
Tell me why you’re excited to be playing during the Shivering Songs festival.
Why do yo assume that I’m excited? It’s all for the money! Seriously though, why wouldn’t I be stoked? Mid winter sucks and songs rule. You have to get through it somehow. It is a great and varied festival put on by cool people who just want to make cool stuff happen. There’s nothing not to like. I can’t wait.
What are your three favourite songs right now?
Right now?
“Tenderness” by General Public
“New Morning” by Bob Dylan
“Two Winters Long” by Irma Thomas
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Here are a few videos of Snailhouse done by Mitch Fillion of Southern Souls. I interviewed Mitch, too. That will be up tomorrow.
SNAILHOUSE – Great Storytellers from Mitch Fillion (southernsouls.ca) on Vimeo.
Download the audio for “Great Storytellers” by clicking here.
SNAILHOUSE – Clean Water from Mitch Fillion (southernsouls.ca) on Vimeo.
Download the audio for “Clean Water” by clicking here.
Snailhouse plays Saturday night at the Capital. Cover is $6.
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Last year at the songwriters’ circle (with you, B!) was my first Snailhouse listen, and I agree: excellent stuff!