SALEM HILL 2002 INTERVIEW

Special thanks to Laura Haven and TJ Higgins for their questions.

1) Rumor had it Salem Hill was disbanding after Not Everybody’s Gold. Do you have any idea where the rumor started, and is there any truth to it?

Carl: It wasn’t exactly after NEG and it wasn’t a rumor. I made it no secret that I was quite unhappy during the NEG sessions. It was a fairly miserable time in the band. Nevertheless, after the release of the album in July 2000, we played quite a bit…for us, anyway. We headlined ProgDay 2000, and played several other shows too. However, it became evident to me that the health of the band had deteriorated. By Spring 2001, I had recorded my solo album and was quite bitter that playing with SH wasn’t as fun as doing an album all by myself. It’s just not supposed to be that way. So, we played a couple more shows just to see if things were salvageable. Our appearance at DragonCon in August 2001 was supposed to be our last. I wasn’t having any fun. We were tired of each other. We were tired of playing show after show sans Mike Dearing. Kevin had decided to move to Florida. So, in October 2001 we called it quits. While Pat, Kevin and I were of the “just let it die” philosophy, I believe that Michael Ayers was a bit more emphatic about the breakup. After all, truth be told, he’d been working harder than the rest of us for almost three years in booking shows and trying to keep the band active. It didn’t help that playing live around town was rarely a pleasant experience. I imagine he’d had enough band grief. Whereas, Pat, Kevin and I were content to let it fade away, Michael [Ayers] made it pretty clear that he had had enough of Salem Hill and sent us all a letter telling us so.

So, in truth, I was convinced that the band was dead. And I wasn’t terribly upset by it, either. In February 2002, I contacted everybody and told them it’d be nice to do a “farewell party” for our fans. It wasn’t a reunion. It was just a gesture of thanks to the folks who’ve been so good to us over the years. We set up a few rehearsals before the show just so we wouldn’t embarrass ourselves. Unfortunately, Michael [Ayers] didn’t make it to any of the rehearsals. He called the week of the show stating he wouldn’t be able to attend. I haven’t heard from him since.

A few weeks before the party, Kevin moved back from Florida. Around the same time, the original four of us got together to record a bonus track we were contractually obligated to do for a live album with Cyclops Records. We had a blast. Then, at the July party, the four of us were all overwhelmed by the incredible reception we received from folks who’d traveled unbelievable distances to come see us. It was a remarkable evening. Afterwards, we actually talked about doing another album together. Amazingly, no one gagged. So, here we are.

Kevin: No rumor. I took a job offer in another state, but I guess that God wasn't through with me here. Besides, I think we can do better than NEG.

Mike: It was a possibility, but mainly because making NEG was so EXCRUCIATING! I wanted to do another record if only so that NEG wouldn't be our swan song. Not to slam it if it's your favorite record of ours, but let's just say it's not mine. My thinking was that if we were going to go out, let's at least do it on something we all liked. As far as I can tell I was the one most interested in keeping it going, and over time it worked out that everyone else came around. Things have been very pleasant lately for the first time in a LONG time and that's the only reason we decided to continue.

Pat: Sure there was truth to the rumor, but I think we all need a collective *SIGH*. Speaking of sighs, I believe the band to be invigorated.

2) Are you working on anything new? Can we expect another concept album? If so, can you give us a hint as to what the subject will be?

Mike: The next record is in what could be called the planning stages. Carl and I both had concepts in mind, but once he clarified his a bit it looks like they'll work really well together. As for the subject, all I'll say is that it's typical for us in that it's pretty dark on the surface but there's a lot more underneath to be gotten out of it.

Kevin: Maybe. Maybe. No.

Carl: Currently, all four of us are writing with an eye on the next SH album. I’d been working on my sophomore solo outing around the time we started flirting with the idea of doing a new record. I’m lobbying very hard to use that story line for the next SH album. I think I’ve sold Kevin and Pat on the idea. Mike is always a harder sell.

Pat: Yes, some ideas have been bandied about.

3) Your show at Govan’s was a huge success. Any chance you will be playing out again in the near future?

Kevin: Thank you. It was extra special for me, as it was also a 40th birthday surprise party. I love playing out, but I think it's time for us to concentrate on something new. Unless it is an opportunity that we just can't pass up, I think it will be a little while before our next performance.

Carl: It’s a safe bet that until we have recorded a new studio album we won’t be doing any live appearances.

Mike: Again, I'm glad you liked the show so much - I had a great time for the short time I could be there. There aren't any plans afoot that I'm aware of, but if something comes up that is do-able, sure.

Pat: No, not for a while. I believe we should call ourselves the Cicadas, or the Locusts: we only come out every seven years.

4) What are your expectations for Salem Hill?

Carl: I’m way past the rock star dream. I’m too old, too stubborn, and too intemperate to tolerate the shit it requires. That’s not to say that I don’t have great expectations for SH. I think we’ve already left our musical mark to an extent. There’s certainly something about us that people groove on. I feel it’s incumbent on us to build on the body of work we’ve already established. I also think that we can do better than what we’ve already done. In fact, if I didn’t honestly believe that our best work was ahead of us, I would have been more than content for the band to stay dormant.

Kevin: I don't know what the future holds for this band. Life is never what you intend it to be; and so it is with SH. Long term, I want to leave this world having left our mark with music that is both creative and timeless.

Mike: SH serves a valuable function for me in that it gives me an outlet for self-expression. I do get to play music for a living, but it's strictly in a sideman role - i.e., I have what / how I play dictated to a large extent by someone else. In SH I may get outvoted from time to time, but at least my input is desired, if not required. My expectation is that we'll continue making music as long as there's a need for it and, to use a tired cliche, "Be all that we can be" (You'll get the hint later...).

5) I had the distinct pleasure of seeing you at Govan’s July 6. I noticed the absence of your keyboardist Michael Ayers. I also noticed he was not listed as a band member on the band’s most recent bio. What’s the story there? Is he still in the band? If not, will you be auditioning for a new keyboardist?

Kevin: Michael has left the band. I'm not sure of all the reasons. I know that he was intent on all of us taking up roots and moving to a more progressive part of the country, where Salem Hill could have positive exposure in the performance circuit. Unfortunately, we all have families to consider, and he doesn't. Such a move for us, with no surety of success, was just not an option. I don't anticipate any more additions or subtractions to the band.

Mike: I'm glad you liked the show. The short answers are: No, he's not and no, we're not. To add slightly more detail, he wasn't happy in the band and since we got along just fine as a four piece before, we decided to carry on that way. Carl's a much better keyboardist than he's given credit for (more of NEG was him than most people realize) and if there's a real need I can cover it.

Carl: See my answer to question #1. Michael is no longer in the band. At this point we have no plans to replace him, as I will be resuming keyboard duties within the band.

Pat: No, I do not believe there will be any replacement for Ayers. I wish him well in his search for purpose.

6) We all know which groups influenced your music in the past. What artists do you currently listen to?

Carl: Current artists, or artists I currently listen to? I don’t find much current stuff terribly interesting. I’ve just been turned on to Kevin Gilbert. He’s at the top of my list. Currently, I’m listening to a lot of Kate Bush, Joni Mitchell, Paula Cole and Tool (there’s a current one!).

Kevin: Been introduced to Kevin Gilbert...frightening. Chris Squire, Dream Theater, Genesis.

Mike: Anything and everything. Carl loaned me Kevin Gilbert's album which is great. Recent stuff (off the top of my head) would be: Rollins Band – The Only Way To Know For Sure, Roger Waters - In The Flesh, The Gregg Allman Tour (an obscure live album from the 70's), Kansas - Two For The Show, Tony Levin - Pieces Of The Sun, Miles Davis - A Tribute To Jack Johnson, Fripp & Eno - No Pussyfooting, The Fripp / Sylvain album, etc. And I'm salivating waiting for the live King Crimson reissues (Earthbound and USA) to come out.

Pat: I'm still enamored with "Fish Out of Water" by Chris Squire, but I must admit, there are some really cool tunes on FM for a change. I still find myself listening to Tonic, Incubus, Tool, and some of the more melodic stuff out right now. I would be liberal with band names, but FM doesn't give them out too often.

7) What about solo projects? Carl, your ‘Branch upon the Ground’ CD was definitely a “lighter” compilation of songs then SH usually does. Can we expect more “fun” songs from you-either with Salem Hill or alone?

Carl: I’ve got two side projects open at this time—an always evolving but never ending project with Mr. Dearing and another drummer. It’s called “Hype Pulley.” There’s also a Christian album I’ve written about half the material for. As far as “lighter” stuff…I don’t think I’d ever be able to take a “fun” song from Salem Hill seriously. I groove on darker, heavier music. What you call the “lightness” of Branch is its sonic timbre, I'll assume, as I'm saying some pretty disturbing things on that album. However, I think the sound is "lighter" due to the fact that I did it quickly and I played everything myself. It’s quite difficult to set a somber mood when you’re playing along to just a click or scratch track. The unbridled laughter coming from the engineer as I flailed on drums didn’t help either.

Mike: I hope we can lighten up maybe a little, but it's us, so who knows?

8) How about Mike, Pat or Kevin? Any solo works?

Mike: There really isn't time. As most people who would be reading this are aware I have a regular five-night-a-week gig which makes time for things with normal people's schedules (i.e. day jobs) tough to come by. Between that, SH, and the Hype Pulley (an instrumental improv trio with Carl and a drummer named Martin Kickliter), my plate is more than full.

Pat: Much to the chagrin of my band mates, there are several ideas I've got on tape that might find a more mainstream audience. Some of it's lighter, poppier. Some of it's much heavier than SH might dare to venture. And some of it's ambient/house/funk. Perhaps one day I might release a lo-fi solo thing. But as far as a solo/concept record, no, not now. 

Kevin: I would love to do a vibraphone project, perhaps with Carl and his compositions, that was a cross between jazz and new age; basically, something that had luscious chords and beautiful melodies with improvisational sections. He doesn't know this yet...well, now he does.

9) I understand that MB Sheppard is no longer managing the band. Are you looking to hire a new manager/promoter?

Mike: Without trying to in any way denigrate MB's contributions of time, energy and money, which were considerable, no.

10) How close to being finished is the Salem Hill live CD? At which shows were the tracks recorded? What songs will be on it?

Carl: It’s mixed and mastered. Done. I’m hoping it’ll be released by Cyclops Records before year’s end. The bulk of the material is from our ProgDay 97 appearance and the SH party this past July. As for the songs, you’ll just have to wait and hear. I will say that each of our five studio albums is well represented. Plus, we’ve recorded an extra surprise as well.

Mike: It should be done by the time you read this - the rest you'll have to get a copy and find out!

Pat: What, there's a live CD of us?

11) After speaking with some people at your last couple of shows, I became aware that some of them traveled great distances to get a chance to see you perform. Salem Hill fans are most assuredly an interesting group of people-what do you feel is your allure to these people? What about your music draws them to you?

Kevin: I honestly can't answer that. I was told by someone that some of our songs just speak to them. Lyrics are an important part of the music. They are so important that I believe they can practically dictate what the music will be like. I think our lyrics are an integral part of Salem Hill's appeal. Maybe some just identify with the spiritual themes and struggles that are often alluded to. I know I do.

Mike: To quote John Lennon, "If we knew that we'd go find four long haired guys and be their managers". Seriously, our fans are second to none and hopefully we won't disappoint.

Pat: They are a "Peculiar People", aren't they?

Carl: Good question. I think it has to do with our music. Much of our music touches people on a very deep level. I think we write “Everyman” music. On the one hand, we have lyrical content that folks can relate to. On the other, we don’t patronize our listeners musically. SH fans must invest themselves in our music to “get it.” And like anything you invest yourself in, the rewards are greater. SH fans become part of SH. Sounds hokey. But it’s true.

12) Is there anything you haven’t done musically that you want to try? (ie pop, country, show tunes…maybe a Billy Joel like classical album?)

Carl: I’d like to learn how to play French horn.

Kevin: Not me.

Mike: I've already done pop, country and show tunes (along with many other styles). Fortunately I'm making a good living playing other music (Blues/R & B) which frees me up to do what I want with SH.

Pat: I've always been enamored with the hammered dulcimer, so I bought one about a year ago. It is a most exquisite-sounding instrument. I think it would be fun to do a record with unusual instruments. But I can't wait to hear Carl's French horn. Duet, maybe?

13) Salem Hill started out with Carl, Mike, Pat, and Kevin, then added Michael Ayers-any chance you might be looking for someone else or are you content with the status quo?

Carl: At this point, I believe four is plenty.

Kevin: No, please no.

Mike: Actually it started out without me then continued without me for a while. I think the current four-piece is the strongest and most cohesive and will remain that way for the foreseeable future.

Pat: Nah, four is a good number. Four is the number, and the number shall be four. It cannot be three, unless moving thenceforth on to four. Five is right out.

14.) Your CD sales are really high in Europe. Any chance "The Hill" will travel abroad?

Carl: It’s always been something I’d like to do. We’d go in a heartbeat. But we’d need some logistical help from folks on the other side of the Pond.

Kevin: I don't see it happening any time soon.

Mike: I think all of us would want to, but realistically it's highly doubtful that we could swing it financially.

Pat: Capital is an issue, as well as Dearing's insistence that we call ourselves 'Roy'.

15.) In your opinion, why do you think your music is so much more popular among Europeans as opposed to Americans?

Kevin: I think they are just more open to really listening to diverse kinds of music in Europe, as opposed to having the latest and hottest commodity shoved down our throats here.

Mike: I don't know. Since I haven't been to Europe since 1965 (I was born there) I have no conception of what the media is like - i.e., how people have even heard of us, much less are interested enough to want to buy our music. I do know the situation in America for getting to hear something new is more bleak than ever, and that's saying a lot.

Carl: Tough to know. Like I said before, our stuff demands an investment while the majority of American popular music demands nothing. It is short, repetitive, and geared towards your average 14 year old. It’s an indictment that while your average American 14 year old is grooving on the stuff radio and MTV tell them to, your average European 14 year old is taking the time and making the effort to seek out music with actual substance.

Pat: I think Carl's calling me a 14-year old! Actually, I think someone said "A prophet is not without honour except in his own country".

16.) What was the last CD you bought?

Carl: I bought Kevin Gilbert’s “Shaming of the True” and Ty Tabor’s “Safety” a few weeks back. Absolutely love the Gilbert record.

Kevin: It's been a while since I bought a CD for myself. I usually borrow them from Carl.

Mike: Rollins Band - The Only Way To Know For Sure.

Pat: Well, I bought the Dirty Vegas record alongside "Emmylou Harris Greatest Hits". The look I got from the Tower records clerk said it all: "Are you from Jupiter or something?"

17.) Do you still maintain any sort of contact with Trisha Yearwood? Have you considered asking her to guest on a song for a future CD? That might be a way to expand your fan base.

Carl: I’ll approach this question as if you were asking it seriously as it is pretty laughable to me. Trisha was in the pre-Salem Hill band, “Window” for a few years, circa 1986-1989. Chris Latham, her first husband, actually played violin on our first album [“Open Windows”]. She’s a true talent. She’s got a powerful voice that can only be described as a divine gift. And she wouldn’t so much as say “excuse me” to any one of us if she knocked us down in the street. And although I admire the devotion that country music fans have for their artists, I prefer my audience a bit more...uh...toothful.

Kevin: I'd like to think that she would remember me (us), but I doubt it.

Mike: Yes. I have friends who play in her band and I send greetings back and forth through them. She was actually auditioning bass players a few months ago, but I found out about it too late. I doubt she'd have the time or interest to sing on one of our projects, though, or that we'd have the need for it. We couldn't afford her, either.

Pat: Any contact with Trisha? No, we hired Garth Brooks for that. Seriously, I have maintained a loose connection: we bought her bass player's old car. The radio died last week, and it has caused me enough consternation to suffer a major nervous breakdown. She'll be hearing from my attorney REAL soon.

18.) Since most of the band members play more than one instrument, have you ever considered doing a Blue Oyster Cult-style instrument switcheroo at the live show?

Carl: I’d love to. In fact, playing drums is one of my favorite things to do in music. But then again, when you’ve got a great drummer and two great bassists (Mike’s primary instrument is bass) on stage with you, what’s the point?

Kevin: I can't play anything else well.

Mike: No - it's hard enough to be competent on my second instrument without attempting anything like that. If I have to play keyboards again that will only compound the problem.

Pat: I think it would be a real hoot! Let's put Carl on drums, Dearing on keys, I'll play guitar (no solos, please), and Kevin can play... Kevin can play... Kevin can play... uh, he can front the band.

19.) Care to give us any teasers about the topics of any future songs you are working on?

Carl: If I get my way, our new album--like the 3rd and 4th--will be conceptual. Without divulging too much of the story, it's about loneliness, bitterness, and the interconnectivity we share with one another as inhabitants of the planet. It's epic. It's dark. It's heavy. Everything folks have come to expect from our "peaceful" little group.

Mike: You'll have to wait and see.

Pat: In contrast to Carl, I'd like to sing about daisies and hummingbirds and the colors in Martha Stewart's fall lineup: black & white stripes.