Jonny Pierce is one of the greatest indie artists of our time as he’s spent the last 8 years cultivating The Drums into the magical musical unicorn it is today. With hits such as “Let’s Go Surfing” and “Money” under his belt, this one-of-a-kind artist is ready to release his latest album, “Absymal Thoughts,” absolutely solo— and he couldn’t be happier. It’s been a wild ride following the progression of The Drums over the years, so we were eager to chat with Jonny about his thoughts on changing the course of the band, as well as the events that really steered and molded his new album. Read more after the jump...
Tell us a little bit about The Drums. How did it all begin, and what got you into music in the first place?
Oh god, I mean it’s been 8 years since I started the band. We’ve put out 3 albums and one mini-album. The band started as a four piece, and with each album we have seen at least one member depart— leaving only me as the sole member for the new album, Abysmal Thoughts. Eight years ago I was writing songs that were almost purely whimsical and escapist and now the songs will still make you dance, but have a very heavy subject matter based on my own personal reality.
With your new album Absymal Thoughts dropping, how do you feel your sound has changed since releasing Summertime?
I don’t really think much has changed musically. I still write and record pretty much everything you hear. I think where the real change is happening is in the content. Lyrics are totally vulnerable and honest now. The artwork is exactly what I want, and the live show is not compromised any longer. With the departure of Jacob after Encyclopedia, I was given total freedom (by default) to do exactly what I wanted. Historically, I’ve always done the lion’s share of songwriting and recording, so songs still sound like The Drums, but I always felt like I had more people to represent than just me. I had to consider their various artistic visions, which meant sometimes compromised product. I don’t have to consider anyone anymore. I only consider myself. Don’t get me wrong, I feel grateful for contributions of past members but am nothing but thrilled to have The Drums be my baby again.
Which is your favorite song from the album and why?
I really like “Are U Fucked?.” I introduced a few new elements to the world of The Drums in the form of percussion and brass which continue in other songs on the album, like “Your Tenderness” and the title track and album closer, “Abysmal Thoughts.” This track sort of embodies my new found freedom. Cussing in a song, using bongos and woodblocks, and a muted sax. I don’t think these things would have flown if Jacob was around and I had been sitting on these ideas for literally years. It might be a small change for most people, but for me, It’s a true rebirth.
When you first began writing this album, was there a particular emotion or thought process you wanted your fans to experience?
When I recorded this album, all of the writing was coming from a very lonely and confused headspace. I had just gone through the most significant breakup of my life and I was living in an unfamiliar city and feeling like total garbage. I felt used and worthless, and I guess I wanted my fans to feel that with the new record. So I made a decision to be fully open about where I was in my life emotionally. It’s an exciting album to listen to because it was really like going to a therapist every time I went to record a new song. I just vomit out all my thoughts and the songs would just form around them very organically. In that sense it was an easy album to make. Good art demands to exist.
What (or who) were some key influences in the album’s sound?
I really just try to shut everything out when I am recording a new album. I mean, I think the only music I listened to that whole time was top 40 Radio, and that was just because I heard it in every Uber I got into in LA. I really just listen to nothing or sometimes I’ll listen to my own work from the past. It’s too easy to care what other people are doing once you start to care. So, I’d rather never start caring in the first place. I’m an artist, not a phone app. I don’t need to be constantly updating.
What is something most people don’t know about this album?
That I barely remember making it. At the time, I was punishing myself for letting an important relationship fall apart, so I was doing lots of bad drugs and getting into a lot of trouble. I was seeing a shrink, but I think I was hungover almost every time I went in to see her, so I didn’t really learn much. I missed a lot of sessions and I cried all the time... and suddenly the album was finished and I was like whoa that album really wanted to be made because I had to do the whole thing myself.
Did you encounter any challenges as things progressed when writing Absymal Thoughts? If so, what were they?
My whole life is a challenge, but it makes for great art. I think I’ve always welcomed whatever came my way because it makes life more colorful and I live for art, so to not honor everything that happens would be to not be a good artist.
Is there anyone making music these days that you’re particularly excited about?
Whenever I get asked this question, I automatically start making a list of all the bands and artists that I loathe, but that isn’t the question that you asked! I’m enjoying Snail Mail’s new EP. She has a voice that you shouldn’t and wouldn’t ignore, and then there’s this African-percussive-dance stuff by a group called Xanga. My favorite track from them right now is called “This Is How It Starts” or “This is How It Begins.” It’s really incredible. My favorite track right now.
What’s your free time like when you’re not writing or touring the globe?
I spend time pretty much staying in my apartment in the LES, New York trying to pretend I’m a real person— or else I’m up at my lake cabin gardening, trying to pretend I’m a real person. Both activities almost always include my boyfriend, Keon. He calms me and makes me want to do everything to the best of my ability. He’s helped change me into a better person, I think. I have this other friend, Bob. Bob is in his 70’s and he’s my mother and father, sister and brother, grandparent and mentor, and son and daughter. He is quite literally everything to me. He is part of my chosen family.
Got any good tour stories?
Uh yeah— for the first time in my life, no one is on tour with me who doesn’t want to be there! How’s that for refreshing?!
With Absymal Thoughts releasing, what do you want to get out of this album? Who do you want to tour with, and where?
I just want people to be touched by the vulnerable nature of the album. I get emails and messages every day from people who cling to my music because they find comfort in it. Lots of them tell me they are extremely lonely. Some of them are suicidal. Some of them are considering coming out. This is what matters to me most. Who I tour with and all that is very secondary. I want to keep making more music, and beyond that who cares really.
