As we reviewed last week, Nick Goose’s first solo EP is a winner. The Los Angeles-based musician brings his brand of indie-alt-rock to the table, blending material from his earlier bands with his own personal flavor. Bestnewbands.com chatted with the singer/songwriter about the basis for his EP, the songwriting process and whether or not he is planning on touring this year.

Daniel Kohn: What was the impetus for the EP?

Nick Goose: About a year after my last band broke up, I started writing some songs on my own. I had no real plan to do anything with them, it was just happening. So after awhile, I needed a goal, or no song would actually be completely finished. An EP seemed like a reasonable goal.

 

DK: How did playing in other bands effect the writing? Were there traces of your former outfit on here or is it predominately stuff you’ve done?

NG: It definitely was a progression. In my first band, jibliminis, I was lead guitar and only wrote my guitar parts. In my second band, The Southland, I was involved in writing and producing the album. In that project, I learned a lot about songwriting, recording and the whole process but was not independently responsible for the music and lyrics.

 

DK: What was the writing and recording like? Did you find it daunting to write solo material?

NG: The writing was a natural process. I wrote at home and recorded the basic tracks in my own time. I pretty much had each song finished before I went to the studio. Then I worked with my friend, Jascha Ryneck, in his studio in Koreatown. Anything loud we redid there. He also has a better pro tools set-up, more plugins, and is a much better mixer. Bonus.

Was it daunting? I guess, but also liberating. Not to have to check with anyone about a part or a sound. Not to have to watch a label listen to it and pick it apart. I made it till I was happy… and maybe others would enjoy it later.

 

DK: When are you looking to put out your full-length?

NG: I was actually thinking of adding songs to this and making that an album. If I were responsible for creating a whole album at the rate I created this, who knows how long it would take.

 

DK: Are there going to be any shows?

NG: To be honest, I hadn’t really thought about it. Considering, I have only sang live in front of my girlfriend, it may take some convincing. Maybe that will be my new goal.

 

DK: What are your plans for the rest of 2011?

NG: Keep on doing what I am doing. Writing and recording at home and hopefully playing out by the end of the year. I am finding new inspiration everywhere and I’m looking forward to taking these goals and creating something tangible.

 

Nick Goose’s album is available on iTunes.