What's Up! Magazine

By: Hunter Motto

Could you give us a brief timeline of events up to recording the new record (including how you started, how old you were when Helium was recorded, when The Trucks were active, etc)?

The time leading up to this album has been a Tsunami rollercoaster ride. I was 22 when Rich (Canut) and I recorded Helium, which was my first venture into music outside of my family. The Trucks started playing in 2003, after which, one of our band mates died, we became a new band, recorded, had a blast, struggled through relationships, more deaths, and touring together. The band broke up in 2009, I moved to New York, and now I’m back in Bellingham.

What was your experience in New York?

New York was the perfect place for me to become grounded again. I needed to take that time for myself to reflect on everything that had happened, and rediscover what was important to me, and what I needed in order to move forward in my life.

Family weighs in as an important part of The Atlas. It’s woven into your songwriting and your dad sings in the choir for “Pushups”. You’ve recorded an album with your sister. How has being in a musical family shaped your music (both in conjunction and in opposition to your folk heritage)?

I am always surprised when my family is described as musical. Growing up, I just assumed that everyone sang and played music together. In our little folk community, music was how we would celebrate, remember stories, and grieve. I guess I try to share that experience as much as I can when I play.

What’s your songwriting method? Late nights and coffee? Singing in the bathroom? Writing on the bus?

It really depends on the song. The main thing is finding a place that feels safe and supportive. Singing in the car or the bathroom is always fun. Also, lots of coffee and tape recorders help. I tend to forget songs if I don’t record them right away.

Are there any artists that inspire your vocal melodies/style?

I like to pretend that I am Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, or Donald O’Connor in Singing in the Rain. I am also constantly surprised and delighted to find that some of the most inspiring artists that I’ve come across are here in Bellingham. I have no idea which artists come out in my music. Anna Arvan? Joe Metzger? Linda Allen? Robert Blake? There is a lot of Tom Hunter these days.

How have you changed between recording this record and past releases?

I’m much better at letting go.

Has the recording process changed?

I used to give every song its own little world to live in, now I try to find a place where the whole album can exist together.

Where was the album recorded?

A few places over the years – Bayside Recording here in Bellingham, Wax Poetic on Bainbridge Island, and The Bookhouse which is also in Bellingham.

Are there any songs that didn’t make the cut?

Yes. There are about 14 other songs that didn’t make it.  Hopefully we can find a place for all of them to come out.

Who shot the cover art?

Jenny Riffle. I was lucky to catch her this year in New York, where she lives now.

Do you still believe music can be a day job?

Yes. I know lots of people who make it happen. It takes a lot of sacrifice, but so does kissing ass for 8.50/hour.

You recognize a few important friends and folks in the Bellingham music that passed away. Is this album in part for them?

It’s hard to know how to process that kind of loss. I would say that the album is for the community that surrounded them; for their mothers, friends, and for myself.