David Lowery is the singer, and songwriter for the bands Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven. Over his thirty year career in the music business, he also has many production credits to his name including albums by Counting Crows, Lucero, Sons of Bill, and Sparklehorse.
In the last few years, Lowery has also become a strong advocate for artist’s rights in online world of streaming music. http://thetrichordist.com/
- You buy a new album, describe your routine/experience of its first listening.
I generally listen to new music in the car. I have a lot of opportunity to do so because I do so much traveling as a professional musician. But even when I’m not traveling I prefer to listen in the car. I will either take a long route from the shop to my house. Or if I download it I will go out to my car and drive around to listen to it.
- On subsequent listens to that same record, which aspects of the music do you focus your listening on. does this change over time? how?
Generally I focus on the lyrics first and then major melody. After repeated listenings I begin to focus on drums and countermelodies in the other instruments.
- If you could choose your favorite listening environment, what would it be? What draws you to that place to hear the music you’re listening too?
I’ve got to say a vehicle. I feel i can concentrate without distraction this way. Also I am able to play it at whatever volume I like. It’s the privacy of the experience.
- How does one make their listening listened to? What is the best avenue to communicate your listening experience to others?
For nearly 35 years I made mix tapes and cds for my friends. In the late 1980s through mid 1990s I belonged to an informal private club that produced a mix tape each month. Each month one of the 6 -8 members would make a mix and distribute the mixtape to other members. We eventually shifted to just emailing each other a list of songs when it became easy to access online. I suppose now I just occasionally share stuff on social media.
Steve Ashby 