Writer of the Week: Netherfriends

For the release of his debut album, Barry and Sherry, Shawn Rosenblatt of Chicago band Netherfriends cooked up a novel promotional campaign. He’d leave his home and day job behind, and travel the country, playing gigs and writing a song about each state. Sufjan Stevens once had a similar idea; he gave up. We talk to Rosenblatt about the whole crazy scheme, which so far, seems to be working.

Tell us about the “50 songs for 50 states” project. Where are you at with it now? Are you employing any particular strategies, songwriting wise?

I got sick of just touring with no other plans. I decided to kill two birds with one stone and write and record a song and perform in each state for the next year. So many small bands spend months and months writing and recording a shitty album that only a handful of people will hear because they never get on the road. I like to find the middle ground. I started the project in April and I have written and recorded a song and performed in 33 states so far. The songs sometimes start as a melody that I will hum in the van (when we get into the state) or I will construct some chords and go from there. I come from the idea of writing the song as quick as possible and then composing from there.

How has the wandering minstrel lifestyle been going? Are you still without a home?

It has been amazing! New people every night. I really enjoy not having ahome, although a little worried about what will happen when Thanksgiving and Christmas roll by. I don’t really celebrate either and won’t be near my family on the east coast…so hoping I can hang out somewhere fun.

Tell us about the song “Bret Easton Ellis Novel.”

It’s a song about a handful of friends/acquaintances that I had in Chicago that were doing a lot silly things… like popping pills and snorting illegal substances. I felt like I was living a Bret Easton Ellis novel. Ellis actually posted the video on his Facebook and his fans trashed the song and the video. It was NICE!

Bret Easton Ellis Novel from Shawn Rosenblatt on Vimeo.

What’s a song on your new album you really want people to hear, and why?

Not too sure. I want people to listen to the entire album. I feel like our generation doesn’t listen to whole albums anymore.

What’s a lyric you’re particularly proud of on the album?
Writing a line about students at the College I went to:

Columbia, is just black rim, glasses, cigarettes, and plaid.
Everyone looks like a rock star and it’s pathetic and it’s equally sad.

Are their any words you love, or hate?

No.

How do you typically write songs? Words first, or melody?

It changes so frequently. I believe songs should be written fast and if possible, after a few drinks.

Do you find yourself revising a lot, or do you like to write automatically?

I write and record immediately. I felt like I was losing too many songs by spending too much time on them and not recording them.

Who’s an underrated songwriter, in your opinion?

David Bazan. I wish I could write like him.

What’s a song you wish you’d written?

“Political Science” by Randy Newman. No one can touch that song.