In this conversation, I caught up with Colorado-based singer-songwriter, Bobby Guard about their single 'Meshes of the Afternoon' and current musical projects. We also discuss how the current pandemic has allowed time to record new music and work on old projects, and Bobby shares their advice to anyone who wants to pursue a career in music.
Hi Bobby, tell us a bit about yourself!
I am a singer-songwriter from (and currently based out of) Arvada, Colorado. After spending 10 years in Los Angeles, I decided to move back home in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, and also as a way to settle and regroup my approach to music. I have always wanted to explore a variety of sounds and genres, and within the scope of my work as a musician, I have always struggled to find the time to put into these goals. This was due in part to my work in the film industry- something of a holdover from my education at the University of Southern California’s film school. I loved the work, but the nature of it is extremely time and energy consuming. So coming back to Colorado was a way to get in touch with myself and rethink my approach to music, home, and work.
'Meshes of the Afternoon' is an incredibly reflective track that discusses growing up with personal memories scattered throughout the song’s lyrics. Can you tell us about how you came up with the concept for this song?
I think the initial idea came from being back out here in Arvada, which is something of a big small town. Growing up here there were so many memories and associations that are unique to a smaller town lifestyle- knowing shop owners, family names that you would see everywhere, etc. It all seemed much more personal, and after moving away, so much of that was embedded in memories. I feel like much of the past is sort of refracted through memory and its imperfections and idealizations of what truly was- and you only see it through the eyes of when you lived it- in my case, as a child. So this was sort of a conversation with my inner child, reflecting on the experiences of growing up, and returning to a place so dear that has changed as much as I have.
Do you tend to write from personal experiences as a form of catharsis? Or is this style of writing something you have crafted over the years?
Yes, definitely! Yes to both. I am awful at keeping a diary or journal. I’ve tried since elementary school and it just doesn’t gel with me. So when I’m in an emotionally wrought place or just need to pour something out, songwriting offers a lot of catharsis for that. And I love it, as well, because it doesn’t have to be so clear-cut. Words and phrases can have many different meanings, and even when I’m writing something I can feel that the words mean different things for me. Other times I approach it a bit impressionistically, with lyrics coming to mind that don’t entirely make sense to me at the time but feel right. And years down the line I may look back at them and think, “whoa! That’s strangely apt for where I’m at right now.” I kind of trust the lyrics to lead the way, too.
"I feel like much of the past is sort of refracted through memory and its imperfections and idealizations of what truly was- and you only see it through the eyes of when you lived it- in my case, as a child."
What do you hope your listeners take away from your music?
I always love songs I can get something new from on repeated listens, and I hope to make music like that, be it in the uniqueness of a melody or chord progression, the poetry, or the vocal delivery. I want people to prick up and pay attention, and most of all, feel something. Empathy is a constant pursuit in my life, and often a struggle. So I hope that my music can help spread some of that around.
Who have been your main musical influences growing up?
I listened to a lot of classic rock growing up, so I heard a BUNCH of hits from the 50s-70s on the radio. I remember loving the textures of bands like the Beatles or Pink Floyd, even though I couldn’t put my finger on why that was, per se. Lyrically, I think I really fell in love with Lou Reed, though. It felt like hearing a more electric, queer Bob Dylan, and I was all about that. Most of my influences growing up stayed within that time period- Talking Heads, Tom Waits, Scott Walker, King Crimson. The list goes on…
Are there any artists you are currently listening to who have influenced your music?
Oh yeah, absolutely. I’ve really fallen in love with Parquet Courts’ newest album, and Courtney Barnett is constantly on my mind. I like artists who get a little weird, think outside the box, etc. I adore R. Stevie Moore, and consider it a highlight of modern life to have gotten to see him live. Been digging some King Gizzard lately, U.S. Girls, and some new discoveries of older artists. Judee Sill, the Roches, 10cc. Again, a long and continuing list.
What would you say is your favourite lyric from 'Meshes of the Afternoon'?
Oh, wow. Probably that ending bridge section. “Pray to God your heart don’t harden/you will always have a part of me/Promise that you’ll do right by us/Remember where you came from darlin.’” It feels like the climax to everything and goes back to that sense of empathy, and is really reaching out to my younger self, and to the listener, as kind of a plea of sorts. Like, don’t give up on yourself, don’t give up on the world. We all are so good at self-deprecation, of letting ourselves grow sour or seeing only the bad things. Yet there’s so much beauty among it too that makes it worth fighting for. And I think we’re all worth fighting for.
What are your plans for 2021? Do you have any projects you are currently working on?
Yes! I started an EP last year with a friend of mine who goes by the artist name Importer. We’ve just finished mixing and are on to the mastering stage, and currently brainstorming ways to play “live,” considering we live in different states and there’s a freaky pandemic going down. I’ve also started work on a solo EP that my best friend here in Colorado is going to help refine. He’s really wonderful, goes by the artist name Colorkey. I’m playing with some harder, stranger sounds with that one. Feels a bit post-punk/new wave, guitars and synthesizers, good stuff.
Have you found it difficult to make new music during these unprecedented times?
Quite the opposite! I finally have some time to really chew on the fat of the ideas that come swimming through the stream. And there’s so many song skeletons I’ve stored away over time that could fill up output for years, regardless, so it’s kind of a constant push-pull of what to approach and how. The benefit of constantly writing is that there’s a lot of fun stuff to choose from, but it does feel like a closet full of unique clothes at times. Not that I’m complaining!
What message would you give to anyone wanting to pursue music as a career?
Figure out how you work best and invest in tools that are going to help you plan out your work in the ways that work with your brain. For me, it’s a daily planner that I write in, for other people it’s their calendar app, for others a bullet journal. Set your goals and stick to them, and put it out into the world! Don’t be so dear with every idea. Another one will come along and you’ll fall in love with it, too. You may as well get it out there, because, with everything becoming digital, we all have to become our best PR reps anyways. And make friends! Find the people in your area that do what you like and try to make friends. There’s loads of dope, talented people out there who are also looking for community. Why not help build one?
"We all are so good at self-deprecation, of letting ourselves grow sour or seeing only the bad things. Yet there’s so much beauty among it too that makes it worth fighting for. And I think we’re all worth fighting for."
What is the best advice you have ever received?
There’s two pieces: the first is to utilize instructional YouTube videos and blogs because 90% of questions around gear, skillsets, troubleshooting, etc. can be found online. There’s not a lot you can’t glean from the tools available at all of our fingertips, it’s wild. Secondly, ask and you shall receive. Don’t talk yourself out of hitting up blogs for a feature, peers for a chance to open for them, music industry contacts for a meeting/internship/job, etc. I think the caveat is to meet any of these situations in the reality that they exist- in other words, there’s probably a different air of professionalism to be had with that industry contact as opposed to your friend who plays in the garage band you’re opening for. But at the end of the day, it’s better to take the shot than to wonder what could have happened, right? Oh, and duh, don’t be afraid to fail. It’s going to happen. A lot. But just keep going- life takes time.
Check out Bobby Guard's single 'Meshes of The Afternoon' (linked above), and if you liked this song you may like their single 'Hi-Lo'- link down below!
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