RETT is the recording project of singer-songwriter, guitarist Garrett Smith. Receiving fan and critical praise for his summer shows at venues in Los Angeles, including the famous Viper Room, House of Blues on Sunset and Molly Malone's. RETT is currently recording his debut album with 9-time Grammy winner Joe Nicolo (Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, The Fugees, Billy Joel, James Taylor). As you can see RETT is the one to have discussed his debut album and future plans.
1. Can I get a backstory on the band/ band biography?
Rett: The short version of the story is that I'm a Texas kid that moved to the mountains of the southwest early on in life. My mom and dad made sure great, old music was instilled in me from the beginning. Travelled the world in lots of different capacities and ended up in Los Angeles where I started performing my own songs. Things have taken off from there and now I'm in New York City.
2. How did you guys come up with your band name?
Rett: I go by my real name so you can thank my momma.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
Rett: I'm based in New York City. I try to avoid any "scene", but a band i'm really digging is a 3 piece called BOYTOY. Also, a friend of mine named Justin Dean Thomas is great.
4. What lyrical theme do you guys use in your music? What message do you want to send?
Rett: Honesty. The message can be whatever the listener discovers from it. Everyone finds their own truth or inspirations from art.
5. What bands have influenced your band and its sound?
Rett: Hank Williams, Robert Johnson and Townes Van Zandt are always the first three that come to mind. Leon Russell is a big influence. Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page/Zep are always on. I'm a huge Willie Nelson fan along with more of the old bluesman like Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Son House, Blind Willie McTell...The list could go on and on.
6. What was the recording process like this time around? Was there anything different that happened or was it the same old studio thing?
Rett: Well getting to work with Joe Nicolo is a dream come true. He's worked with everyone from The Rolling Stones to Bob Dylan so its pretty incredible what he's capable of producing and how inspiring of a human being he is. It was such a rad experience making this record and the fun we had while busting our asses will always be ingrained in me.
7. Can you tell us how this album differs from the previous ones? What can we expect and what is the message behind it?
Rett: This is the debut LP so I'm really excited to get it out there and share it with everyone. You can expect to pick up your friends, roll down the windows and turn it on up.
8. Have you decided on an title and whether or not this will be a concept release?
Rett: "One to Blame".
9. When can we expect this to be released?
Rett: Fall 2014.
10. Why did you want "I Swear" as a single and video choice and will there be anymore video releases?
Rett: I feel like "I Swear" is a great introduction to who I am as a musician and songwriter. It has my guitar style, the story telling and the rawness that I feel really defines who I am. We've already shot the next video and that will be dropping in the next couple weeks. Lots of new music is going to be coming out back to back.
11. What are your upcoming touring/show plans?
Rett: I'm going to be touring all Fall with the full band. We're also playing some shows coming up in New York and all over the east coast beginning the end of July. Be sure to check my website for all the dates.
12. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Rett: You can follow me on Twitter and Instagram @rett_music and my website www.rettmusic.com.
13. What is it you'd like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
Rett: I want to stir up your emotions. I want to make something happen inside you. The good, the bad and the ugly.
14. What can the fans expect to see from you in the future?
Rett: I'd like to keep making honest records and tour as much as possible. Playing live is where my heart is so we'll be playing all over.
15. Any final words of wisdom?
Rett: Keep it real, play in tune and give it hell.
Post a Comment