The Schisms
In this interview, The Schisms explore the creative journey behind their EP Tejas, discussing its evolution from solitary songwriting in the Colorado mountains to collaborative studio sessions, their diverse musical influences, longstanding friendships, and the uplifting spirit that shapes their music.
1. “All the Good Things” was written as a plea to keep going during difficult times, and you described the finished song as “bruised and beaten, but with its head up high.” What did you want the music itself to communicate that the lyrics couldn’t?
“All the Good Things” was written as a plea to keep going during difficult times, and you described the finished song as “bruised and beaten, but with its head up high.” What did you want the music itself to communicate that the lyrics couldn’t? – The music and lyrics to me are fused as one object, so I can’t separate their communication efforts.
2. You wrote part of Tejas alone in a one-bedroom cabin in the Colorado mountains, while other parts came together in the studio with Stuart Sikes. How did those two very different environments shape the songs and the overall emotional direction of the EP?
You wrote part of Tejas alone in a one-bedroom cabin in the Colorado mountains, while other parts came together in the studio with Stuart Sikes. How did those two very different environments shape the songs and the overall emotional direction of the EP? – Most of the stuff I wrote in Colorado was just riffs and ideas. Aside from All The Good Things, it hadn’t crystallized yet. I think being snowed in for weeks made it difficult to formulate things. Once I got in the studio with Stuart, the structures, lyrics, and such started falling into place.
3. For the first time, you recorded every instrumental part yourself before bringing the material to Goose and Michael. What was it like handing those songs over to your bandmates, and how did their input change what you had originally imagined?
For the first time, you recorded every instrumental part yourself before bringing the material to Goose and Michael. What was it like handing those songs over to your bandmates, and how did their input change what you had originally imagined? At first I thought, “Are they gonna like this?” because it’s very different from our earlier stuff. They loved all of songs though, so it gave me the confidence to keep moving forward.
4. The Schisms combine psych, goth, punk and early rock ’n’ roll, while also drawing inspiration from artists and worlds as different as David Lynch, Jodorowsky, Hall & Oates and Ace of Base. How do you decide which seemingly opposite influences belong together in a Schisms song?
The Schisms combine psych, goth, punk and early rock ’n’ roll, while also drawing inspiration from artists and worlds as different as David Lynch, Jodorowsky, Hall & Oates and Ace of Base. How do you decide which seemingly opposite influences belong together in a Schisms song? I think the music ultimately decides for itself where to go. I plant the seed, water it, and pay attention to what it needs.
5. All three of you grew up in the same Texas town and knew each other for years, yet only came together as a band much later. What do you think made the timing right for The Schisms to finally happen, and how has that shared history influenced the band’s chemistry?
All three of you grew up in the same Texas town and knew each other for years, yet only came together as a band much later. What do you think made the timing right for The Schisms to finally happen, and how has that shared history influenced the band’s chemistry? – It felt very comfortable because we have all known each other for a longtime. The universe just played the cards that way – Michael needed someone to watch his house for a month so I moved in. Goose didn’t have any music projects at the time, and he’s filled in with The Schisms before so it all just came together very smoothly.
6. The title Tejas reflects both your Texas roots and the friendship at the heart of the record. After moving away from some of the darkness of Moon toward something more uplifting and punchy, what do you hope listeners carry with them when they reach the end of the EP?
The title Tejas reflects both your Texas roots and the friendship at the heart of the record. After moving away from some of the darkness of Moon toward something more uplifting and punchy, what do you hope listeners carry with them when they reach the end of the EP? – I hope they interpret the music any way they like, and take with them whatever they need.