Blanket Music

What is your name/ who plays with you/ what do you play?

My name is Chad Crouch. I play guitar and sing. The band is Greg Lind on Drums, Jez Miller on Bass, Mike Johnson on Keys, Ross Seligman on guitar

Where do you live? (feel free to elaborate on your space/environment if you think that's relevant to your music)?

How long have you been making music?

Since I was in my last year of college. 1995.

Who/what inspired you to get started with your musical alter-ego?

My flatmate ran a record label. he released a single by Lou Barlow. That was my introduction to indie-music, I suppose. Before that I was into more of the MTV 120 Minutes set (for lack of a better description) - James, Mazzy Star, etc. comes to mind; produced stuff on big labels, but not necessarily on the radio or 'mainstream'. That year I was intoduced to Pavement, Palace, Bedhead, Yo La Tengo, Elliot Smith and so forth. 1994-1995. I learned to play guitar to sing religious campfire songs (which didn't last too long in retrospect). My friend had a four track. I got hooked on recording.

What kind of music did your parents listen to?

Dad liked the occasional John Denver, Mom went through Crystal Gale, Whitney Houston, Carly Simon... come to think of it, the stereo wasn't on that much when I was a kid. I fell in love with the Star Wars theme done by Meco as a kid (The laser sounds were so cool). Sis and I liked Andy Gibb (I was fascinated by his snakeskin boots), The Knack's "My Sharona" was fairly memorable. I had a childhood crush on Olivia Newton John. My sister taught me about Duran Duran (we had posters), and later Depeche Mode, ABC, Spandau Ballet, and anything euro.

What are some songs that you cover?

Do you play in other bands / projects?

I'm working on a solo (+ guests) joint. It's fairly electronic.

Do you have a job?  What do you do?

Yes. I am a visual artist. My medium is oil paint.

What's the worst job you've ever had?

Lot Boy.

How did you come to work with HUSH (I mean, what on earth were you thinking?)

I released my own record. I was into recording. I started releasing other folks records. 1997-1998 was the germination period..

What have you been listening to lately?

Um, Iron & Wine, Cat Power, CDs from Morr Music + Audio Dregs. Lots of stuff. Music is almost always playing in my waking life.

What do you like to do when you don't have to do anything in particular?

Cuddle/sleep. Watch a movie. Eat.

Who do people compare you to?  Do you get it?  Is it at all useful?

Stuart Murdoch of Belle and Sebastian. Yeah, I get it. We have a similar timbre in our high register. I used to think it was useful for people but I think my policy on that is changing.

What is your opinion of the Portland music scene?

It's strange. I think it's healthy but I wouldn't really be the one to ask. I like my friends who play music and I'm always thrilled to be turned onto something new in town but to tell you the truth in the winter I pretty much stay in save the odd friend's show and touring band. I have the feeling there's alot going on here.

What are your favorite Portland acts right now?

Of course, all the latest stuff on HUSH. The Places, E*Rock, Super XX man.

Do you tour? Do you like to tour?  Where have you been?

Not much. We've been out to NYC and back. 2000

What's your song writing process?

I write melodies before the lyrics always. I either start with a beat or just my guitar and a piece of paper.

How many songs (roughly) have you wrote? / Recorded?

Maybe 100 if you count all those tapes and CDs. I don't remember more than 20 at a time.

How many releases have you bestowed upon the world (what are they)?

Nice, Move, and the s/t split with Noise For Pretend on HUSH. Also, we collected some songs for mp3 release: "Turn", and "Sunday Pale Grey".

What are your top three favorite songs to perform?

What do you want people to do/feel when they listen to your music?

I want them to feel unusually entertained.

What is the most rewarding aspect of making/sharing your music?

Recording it. Hearing it come together.

What bums you out about it?

When I feel like what we do is mediocre. (Usually a few days after the thrill of recording it wears off).

How do you want to be remembered?

Earnest. Not mediocre.