Quiet Color

by alyssa coluccio

I love the phrase “Mellow-‘delic”.  Just the idea of something so smooth and dreamy packing such an unexpected punch can’t help but secretly thrill a person. It’s like eating nachos with spicy salsa, or drinking coffee with an extra shot of espresso, or listening to folk music that segues to psychedelic within the same track. Such is the sound of Perhapst, as deemed by front man John Moen, who was kind enough to answer some questions via e-mail.  Here, John talks about his past experiences with several well-respected bands, how Perhapst came to be, and his successful foray from drummer to front man.

Artist: Perhapst Song: Hyper Planets

…
Quiet Color: You’ve had such success with The Decemberists and your
 former projects (Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks, The Maroons, etc.).  Was a
 solo album something you’ve always toyed with the idea of but never had the time to pursue?  Or was it 
a recent decision to go forth
 with it?

John Moen: I have been toying with song writing for many years and even had a band, 
previously, in which I sang and played guitar. We were called the Maroons. 
This is more of a “solo” album than the Maroons records were, in that I
 played most of the instruments myself this time. I had a window to finish
 recording this album between leaving the Jicks and joining the 
Decemberists.

QC: Similarly, what was the deciding factor in actually going 
ahead with the side project?

JM: A pig headed vanity, I suppose.

QC: Is there any significance behind the name of the band?

JM: No, I thought it was a cool sounding name. I think I made it up; but would 
not be surprised to find out I am being sued. It gets harder and harder to 
think of something original.

QC: I also love the album’s cover art.  Who created it?

JM: Geez, thanks. It is also my own doing.

QC: On most of your other projects you’ve been highlighted as 
the drummer.  What was it like to
 finally set the drumsticks aside and step into the position of lead 
vocals and
 guitars?

JM: As stated earlier, I had been dabbling for quite some time. I do get
 extra nervous as a “front-man”, however. Frightening!

QC: You created this album while on break from touring?  How long did it take
 to see through 
(taking into consideration writing, recording, etc.)?

JM: I spent several years on the album; working sporadically.

QC: I love that the other members of the band consist of guys 
you’ve formerly worked with in some way! 
That must have created such a laid back, fun environment for recording
 and performing!  As you were 
starting Perhapst, did you have an idea that you wanted these people to fill the other positions in the band, or did it kind of just come together on its 
own?

JM: I did most of the record without a band. Eric Lovre did play a bunch of bass 
and there were a few cameos. The playing of shows after the release of the
 album was indeed made more fun and comfortable by the addition of 
Jonathan and Chris. We had a pretty good time together and have commenced 
the recording of another Perhapst record. This one will be a real band
 type-a-deal.

QC: Musically, this album showcases so many great genres: Folk,
 Americana, Indie-Rock, Blues- yet all these sounds come together so
 cohesively
 when you listen to the album from start to finish.  Did you intend to pay
 homage to so many different genres, or 
did it kind of come about organically in the writing process?

JM: I think the record reflects my personal tastes pretty well. My record 
collection is heavy on folk and I have a huge fondness for psychedelic 
rock as well.

QC: “Hyper Planets” is one of my favorites, and it’s also one of 
the trippiest, in an understated kind of way.  What was your thought
 process when creating it?

JM: I wanted it to be mellow-’delic. It is my take on Mellow-’Delic. I love
 finger pickin’ guitar, and that song is an open tuning– DADF#AD. So I 
guess I hoped it would feel like John Fahey at a Byrds session. I realize 
that I am not the guy (talent-wise) to actually achieve this end, but one
 must set ones sights somewhere.

QC: “Aren’t You Glowing” is a gorgeous piece-definitely one of the
 album’s highlights- and it’s such a nice transition coming out of “Bornless
 One.”  It makes for a perfect 
ending song.  Was this done on 
purpose?

JM: I don’t think I am very good at putting songs in order, but I have always 
liked a record that ended on a soft and pretty note, so that a person can 
put it on and go to sleep.

QC: So what’s next for you?  Are you looking into continuing Perhapst with 
possibly a 
tour or a second album?

JM: Indeedy. Second album for sure.

QC: One final question: You’ve worked with such an array of
 unique and talented artists. How did your experiences with them influence
 your own work?

JM: It has definitely influenced me. I have been exposed to some really 
talented folks. I would like to believe that I have absorbed some of their
 vibes without having turned into too much of a copycat of any of those
 folks.