A solo artist that sounds like a full jazz band, I mean orchestra, I mean rock band? We caught up with KreaturKomforts to get it right.
KreaturKomforts is the project of Bay Area multi-instrumentalist J. Maddox. The project’s debut album released on December 7th, 2018.
First off, what’s the story behind the name?
- Well, I took the name KreaturKomforts because, as a solo project, this was just something fun that I would work on every now and then. Creature Comforts is an expression that isn’t used much anymore but describes the pleasant amenities of your home, material things we all gather so we can escape from how crazy our world is sometimes. So I suppose it’s used ironically, especially since some of my songs are how messed up things are out there.
How would you describe the band’s sound?
- KK has a sound
that I describe to others as “all over the place” haha. The recently released
record goes from rock to trad jazz to Echo and the Bunnymen at pretty
tasteless, break-neck speeds.
I think that’s fine because that really describes my brain and what inspires me. I don’t think it’s necessarily a good thing for an album to have a core sound, especially if it’s “rock,” like songs shouldn’t be thrown away just because one doesn’t fit. The entertainment industry has become so risk-averse so they can make more money, which isn’t a recipe to create entertaining or meaningful art.
Which bands had the biggest influence on the band’s sound?
- Since the record spans a few styles, I wanted to make sure that I was creating a record that contributed and paid homage to specific artists. The first that comes to mind was It Was You, which I tried my best to make it sound like old 1920’s singers, especially Eddie Cantor. For Anxiety, I aimed to make a Queen-inspired love song, an ode, to my anxiety. Creatures is inspired by the music of Twin Peaks and the composer for that show the fabulous Angelo Badalamenti. I am also inspired by some artists who have made a major impact on my life; Arcade Fire, Weezer, the Beatles, etc.
What’s the last song you listened to?
- Flyin’ High (in the Friendly Sky) by Marvin Gaye. What’s Going On is such an amazing record that he wrote and produced pretty much by himself. This dude had all of the hit-making power of Motown Records in the palm of his hand, and he has the gumption to say “No, I’m gonna do my own thing.” Pretty amazing stuff.
What’s your source for hearing new music?
- Like most people, I discover a lot of music through streaming services, Spotify, YouTube, etc. Not great, but it is a useful tool, especially on the go. I hear a lot of new artists collaborating with other musicians, especially in shows put on by the awesome team at Undercover Presents. Undercover is a Bay Area Collective that records tribute albums and puts on shows commemorating important records. The last Undercover show was in honor of A Tribe Called Quest’s Midnight Marauders, and there was a whole slew of awesome local talent on that bill. Other than that, performing a lot (not with KK but with other groups) and doing lots of networking helps!
What led you to music and what motivates you to keep making it?
- I first started music playing trumpet in band in 6th grade and have kept playing through the years. I make music as KK, but I also play in Jazz bands, orchestras, and sing in a barbershop quartet. Not tooting my own horn here, pun not intended, but it shows how I explore making music in new forms. I had a teacher once who compared making music and diversifying yourself as a musician is like the spokes on a wheel; each spoke strengthens the wheel and makes it better. I don’t think it’s a motivation thing necessarily; it’s just a part of who I am, I suppose we are all creatures of habit to an extent.
Tell us about the songwriting process. How does it all come together?
- I try to put the cart in front of the horse and have the concept for the song inform the melody and harmony and character for a song. An example in Anxiety, if you listen carefully, you’ll hear a note rising up chromatically higher and higher, without skipping any other notes. I tried to illustrate what it’s like to live with strong anxiety, and how your levels of discomfort can rise slowly until it almost becomes too much to bear. Once I had that concept the rest of the song fell into place. Another technique is what I call WAYS, which stands for What/Why Are You Saying? I think it’s important to ask yourself as a songwriter why you’re doing it, and if your aim is to make something meaningful or artful, there needs to be a good answer to that question. I also think the writing process should continue as you track a song, and your preconceptions shouldn’t be concrete. Sometimes something that sounds cool in your head doesn’t pan out, so you have to be adaptable. Jeff Tweedy has a thing about “discovery” when you track a song, how you need to be open to possibilities until the song is done, I try to follow that rule whenever possible
If you could write one more song, what would it be about?
- I am hoping to one day write a concept album about Versailles
What’s the one story you want to tell the world through song that you haven’t yet?
- How, and why, we are connected to everything and nothing
How do you connect with your audience? What is the easiest way for them to connect with you?
- You can visit www.kreatur-komforts.com, find me on facebook, on twitter @kreaturkomforts, or on Instagram @kreatur_komforts
What’s next for the band?
- I’m hard at work at the next record, which will step away from rock for the most part and explore vintage synths, drum machines, and some sampling.
Anything else you’d like to add or let us know about?
- My favorite number is Eleven!
KreaturKomforts sounds like it was a team process. Want to tell us a bit about how all the players came to find their spot on the record?
- KreaturKomforts is actually a Solo project, but lots of help came from Pato Milo, a North Bay musician who helped with post-production. The record has a lot of guest musicians, many of whom were college buddies or co-members of the Awesome Orchestra Collective. Big props to AOC founder David Möschler who helped me get the awesome string players on the track. The complete list of guest musicians is on my website, www.kreatur-komforts.com
What did you play and what was played by other musicians?
- I played everything except for strings, clarinet, trumpet, flute, and string bass
Which song is the band’s favorite on the album?
- My favorite song on the record? Toss-up between Anxiety and Wait
Where was this album recorded and how long did this project take?
- I recorded everything at my home, in my garage or second bedroom. My Wife Bonnie is super supportive in letting me create a huge racket, so mega props to her!
The most important questions: Whose dog is that in the picture and what is that adorable dog’s name?
- That’s my pug dog, the incomparable Dezi! You should follow me on Instagram @kreatur_komforts if for no other reason than to see more pictures of my pug-tato 😉 the 3rd song on the record, It Was You was written for her
Review: KreaturKomforts will indeed comfort the creature inside you with chill melodies and trad jazz mixed with soft rock. Then suddenly, they’ll throw some tasteful guitar solos in one song, a chamber orchestra in another, a keyboard solo in a different song, and a brass choir in yet another. That is by no means a comprehensive list of diverse instruments and techniques in their pieces used to pique your interest. Each song on the album sounds like it’s by KreaturKomforts, but they’re certainly each their own beast with their own personality. If you enjoy boundless creativity, variety, and consistency, you need to add KreaturKomforts to your playlist right now!
