His melodic arrangements and deep vocal tones inspire an almost inspirational feeling, until a closer listen to his lyrics reveal a darker intention. But in John Grant's songs, a familiar form of discontent �"ex-boyfriends and HIV among them�" reveals a kindred, if not jaded, spirit. He'll perform music from his new album, Grey Tickles, Black Pressure, as well as works from his previous albums, Oct. 29 at the SF Independent.
A member of The Czars from 1996 to 2005, Grant is also known for his previous solo albums Pale Green Ghosts and Queen of Denmark, which include songs that inspire, haunt and mesmerize.
While in his new home of Iceland, the U.S.-born Grant has collaborated with Hercules and Love Affair, Sinead O'Connor, Iceland native Ásgeir and other artists.
Being gay and HIV-positive is sometimes woven into his musical themes. Grant's powerful anthem, "Glacier" is probably one of the more under-rated of gay-themed empowerment songs. Its accompanying video by Jonathan Caouette offers an astounding array of film clips from 20th-century LGBT history and cinema.
Last year, Grant visited the Bay Area (read my http://www.ebar.com/bartab/article.php?sec=nightlife&article=46">May 22, 2014 interview in the B.A.R.), and performed at Oakland's Fox Theatre, with an added sold-out show at The Chapel.
This time, he's headlining The Independent. Currently touring through the U.S., with an expansive European tour to follow his San Francisco and Portland gigs, Grant replied to some emailed questions while on the road.
Jim Provenzano: Do you enjoy tours and all the traveling?
John Grant: I do enjoy the tours and all the traveling. What I can say is that it's always hard for me to transition between touring and being at home. But once I'm there, I'm good.
You're performing with a full band this time, right?
I am indeed. On keyboards and synths, Chris Pemberton from Coventry, on bass, Jakob Smári Magnusson, on drums the one and only Budgie currently hailing from Berlin and on guitars Pétur Hallgr'msson.
"Grey Tickles, Black Pressure" includes the lyrics, "I could have gotten a head start with every single disease." It has bluntness and specificity in melodic lyrics, and strings that make an epic tone. Are you still working with themes of pain and loss?
I don't believe there will ever come a time when I won't be dealing with those things. This album is much more about acceptance and letting go of that pain and loss. But yeah, it's always there. It's just part of the deal.
"You and Him" bubbles with flattery and dishonesty while rocking out with references to Hitler, Twister, Taco Bell and decoupage. How is it you're able to make bitterness sound so beautiful?
Well, I would say this song is about rage rather than bitterness, but I'm glad it sounds beautiful to you. The hatred that people vomit out into the world is so absurd and grotesque that this song seems perfectly unabsurd and appropriate.
I got a sense of Frank Zappa with "Snug Snacks": an homage?
Not consciously, but that sounds about right to me. He was amazing.
"Guess How I Know" starts out menacing and lets rip with rock powerchords, along with lyrics about making a scene at the Dairy Queen. I'm hearing a more orchestral sound along with the electro vibes. Can you share how this album was produced?
I tried to do this song for my last record but couldn't get the lyrics or music just right. This time it happened quite naturally. This album was produced by John Congleton, who, as you know, is amazing. I came into the studio with demos and we used them as templates and then started adding to them. John worked his magic on each song and Bobby Sparks played keyboards on almost everything. I don't know how John got some of the sounds. He is constantly tinkering and tweaking away and always gets interesting and compelling results. The difficult part with Bobby is figuring out what to use and what not to use. He just does one amazing take after another.
photo: Ari Magg
"Voodoo Doll" �" funky fun with a curse you can dance to! Anyone in particular that's aimed at?
"Voodoo" is for a specific friend who is far away and depressed. I have a lot of experience with that so I really hate to see those I love going through it. I thought the thought of using a voodoo doll to help someone rather than curse them would bring a smile to his face. And who doesn't love Kalamazoo?
"Disappointing" takes sadness into a disco beat (with accompanying shooby-do-wahs). When composing a song like this, (as with the keyboard solo?) how do you construct the instrumental and vocal layers?
I would say there isn't even the tiniest bit of sadness in this song. It's 100% romantic love song. It's about how even the most amazing things in the world cannot compare to a smile on your love's face.
You have several nature references in song titles that serve as metaphors as well ("Global Warming," "Magma Arrives," and "Black Blizzard"). Has living in the natural wonder of Iceland been an influence?
It sure sounds like it, but it's hard for me be able to judge that from my own perspective. I'm too close. I might be able to say many years from now, but for the most part I think I would have made a very similar record anywhere. Not really sure how different backdrops affect me.
What do you like to do while traveling when you're not working on the concerts? Do you get song ideas, and how do you record ideas?
I like to read, go for a jog, go to the movies. Sleep. Watch bad TV. Study Icelandic grammar. Walk around and look at people. Love to go to good record and bookstores, too. I'm always getting ideas for songs and I usually write down lyrics on the note pad in my iPhone. Or I can get out my mini midi-keyboard and throw a melody or whatever into Reason or Ableton. It's so easy these days. The jotting down part, that is. I used to leave myself messages on my phone but haven't done that in ages.
After your San Francisco gig, you're performing in Portland, and then back to Europe for many dates, and even in Australia and New Zealand. Some of your UK dates are already sold out. What's it like to perform there versus in the U.S., where it seems you're still becoming discovered?
It's fantastic to perform there, because I'm more established and people have got to know me. But it's all the same, really. I love to perform and connect with people. The U.S. is not an easy nut to crack, at least not for me. You have to tour and tour and tour some more. But luckily, it's what I love to do. I'm an American boy through and through, and I love being here and playing here. So I'm up for the challenge.
John Grant performs at the SF Independent Thursday, October 29. Bright Light Bright Light opens. $20. 8pm. 628 Divisadero St. 771-1421. www.johngrantmusic.com www.theindependentsf.com
More videos and music on John Grant's YouTube Channel.