Stereoboard Speaks To Heath Hospodarsky & James Lyle Of Giants To Talk About The New EP (Interview)
Thursday, 21 April 2011
Written by Patrick Gormley
Initially formed in 2005 in Americas mid west, post rock outfit Giants have never relented in doing things their way. Their self titled first EP recorded on a shoestring in Cedar Falls, Iowa was originally intended to have vocals, but when the band heard the instrumental tracks they felt their music was strong enough on its own merit and left the vocals out. The band hand burned three hundred CD-R’s of the EP and sold out of them after just their first two shows. This was the end of the EP until now.
Five years on and after two full length albums, a split 7” with label mates Beware of Safety, Giants have gone back into the studio to re-record the first EP for its official release for label Mylene Sheath. Stereoboard caught up with guitarists Heath Hospodarsky and James Lyle to find out more.
I suppose we should begin at the beginning, so when and why did you start Giants?
Heath - We started in the summer of 2005, I was getting a little worn out of the typical scene back home and we wanted to start something that was different than what was coming out of the Cedar Valley. We started out as a three piece and then added James in after a jam session we had.
James - When we started as a band we actually planned on adding a vocalist. Because of that, the structures of the songs and the overall feel of our first EP are different than the rest of our stuff.
What kind of music did the band listen to growing up and what influence does it have on your music?
Heath - I personally listened to a lot of American Football, Anathallo and Appleseed cast. I think it really was apparent in our 2005 EP.
James - Our collective musical tastes definitely cover a lot of ground. My first tape I remember buying was Dookie in 2nd grade or so. I don't think we sound like Green Day really. Although some lady told us we sounded like System of a Down once. So...that was weird.
There seems to be something of a naval theme with some of the song titles on 'Old Stories', is there a reason for this or is it just coincidence?
Heath - We named the songs after we saw the artwork, thought it would work well with the theme if we named the songs accordingly.
Can you tell us a bit about the recording process for Old Stories and will you be doing anything different in this regard for the next album?
Heath - The recording process for this is slow typically, we are all located in different areas of the Midwest, so getting together to record can pose a challenge, especially recording different songs at different times, it can be difficult to match tones, but we try our best. I think we are going to try to record everything for the next record in a few days so we can keep things consistent.
And what is the word on the new album?
Heath - We have a few new tracks finished up and we will hopefully have more within the next month.
James - Yeah, basically we are finally writing again for the first time in more than a year and we are all excited to be going through that process. We don't really have any info on any themes or how the album is going to differ from other giants stuff because we are still in the early stages of writing.
What are Giants up to at the moment?
Heath - Basically we are trying to write music we actually enjoy and are happy with. We are going to be going into the studio to demo some new music soon that helps to listen to it over and over and decide if we really like what we have done or if we shall start from scratch again. We are also trying to get into play some shows again.
How did the split 7” with Beware of Safety come into existence?
Heath - This is a long story. We were originally supposed to do the track with a band called Lvngs (lungs) but that fell through. After that it was going to be with Lavina, but once all their new tracks fit onto their record we were back at square one. I got a hold of Steve (Beware of Safety) and asked if they had a track that would work on the 7" and they did, we clarified it with Mylene Sheath and the rest is history. I think the tracks compliment each other.
James - We have been lucky enough to spend time with and play several shows with Beware of Safety so we were all very happy that we were able to do a split together.
Who else in music would you most like to work with?
Heath - I can’t think of anyone off the top of my head. We have got to work with people who I would call close friends and I can’t ask for much more than that.
How do you feel about genre classification in music?
James - I kind of consider it a double-edged sword. Someone might choose to or choose not to listen to a band solely on someone saying "they sound like this band." However, I think you usually need more of an explanation than "listen to this band" before you take the time to listen.
What were some of your favourite albums of 2010?
Heath - I don’t really think I even got a new CD in 2010? That’s sad I know.
James - I buy stuff after it's been out for a while a lot of the time. There are a lot of bands on my "need to listen to" list. I know Heath and I were both excited about the Owls s/t vinyl re-release this year. That doesn't really count but whatever.
Who was the last band you saw live?
Heath - We played with Appleseed Cast last Thursday so I guess they qualify for the last band I saw live.
James - Our bassist Dave got to check out one of David Bazans house shows last month and said it was amazing. Earlier this year I had the opportunity to see The Tallest Man on Earth and it was one of the best shows I've ever been to. So go see him.
What’s the best and worst thing about touring?
Heath - Best: a couple weeks ago James and I spent like three hours reliving the days of touring, that is always really fun to get to hear other peoples perspectives. Its fun to be able to get out and play music with your best friends. Worst: Trying to sleep. I’m kind of a diva.
James - Best: What Heath said. Retelling all the random tour stories is always amazing. Also, trying to invent stupid things to do to waste time the twenty three hours of the day that you aren't play a show. Worst: The worst thing is how much my hand hurts from signing so many autographs. Obviously joking with that one.
Any plans to tour Europe?
Heath – There have always been talks, but its making it work with our lives that’s the real kicker.
James- Hopefully someday. It's always been a dream of ours.
What inspires Giants to keep making music?
Heath - I think it’s our love for music and our friendship with each other.
Any last words?
James - Hi to all my family the UK, I have relatives scattered all over there and have been lucky enough to come visit a couple of times. Hopefully Giants can do the same soon.
Thanks guys!
The re-recorded EP is now available on iTunes, but will be officially released as a limited edition vinyl 7" on June 14th, 2011 to celebrate Giants first four recorded songs on the eve of their 6th anniversary as a band.
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