Gearing up for the release of the new album from Brooklyn based Sam Kogon? Thought so...the new album Before You Knew Me is just moments away from release on September 18 on cassette and 12” via LLR and Seagreen Records, so Third Outing thought we'd quick fire a few things to our pal chat Kogon...
K: Those earlier tracks like Wake Up Your Kids and Sleeping Beauty were recorded when I was still in my college band The Vanderbuilts. I sort of shelved them thinking that I'd use them one day, and when the band parted ways I was sort of at a cross roads, so I decided to start going under my own name. I already had these two tracks recorded so I released them myself. I was going for an early Elvis Costello meets Nick Lowe sound with Roy Orbison falsetto...I must admit we released them a little too early.
3rd: The début album is out very soon. Where did you record it? What was the inspiration? K: The record was tracked at Ishlab Studio in Dumbo, a cramped yet adequate space. It was recorded by Andrew Nerviano. The actual time spent in the studio was very short. I think we were in there for 2 days total and tracked 9 songs. It took a year to finish it though, mixing and doing overdubs at Andrew's grandmas house. There wasn't really a concept behind it except make a fun little record, not too short, not too long, and make it feel like a live set. 3rd: Wake up Your kids has a softness in the voice but talks about kids dying. A great man once told me music should be all about contrast. Do you agree? K: Oh I totally agree for the most part. A happy sounding song with happy lyrics are only good for slasher movies.
3rd: Plans is more uplifting, jangly and poppy. How do all of those different musical sides work together on the album?
K: They don't! 3rd: Great! You've been in the psyche band The Left Banke. Many artists who have been in successful bands often release solo albums. Is it a way to get recognition for your own ideas? K: I've only been in The Left Banke for a year now and I have to argue that they're really a baroque pop band than a psych band. I'm lucky enough to have the opportunity to sing in one of my favourite groups growing up. I like having the solo project because a solo project can't break up...unless the person whose project it is dies or quits.
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