An Interview with St. Mary's
The modern culture of music most definitely dictates that many artists not only produce music for the love of it, but because it’s their career, and just like your average office worker, the ones making all the money are the ones slitting the wrists of the people around them or their own if necessary; anything to succeed. It’s not a pleasant thought, is it? But we see it on TV and hear it on the radio everyday. On the bright side, it makes it such a more joyous occasion to listen to music made from the heart by people doing it because they believe in their art.
This is what we have in St. Mary’s, and the man behind the project, Chad Merritt. The original review of this album exists here, and I am willing to concede that this music is not for everyone. However, there is beauty and passion carved in the dark tales of St. Mary's, so if you are not willing to try it you’ll never know what you’re missing. To help you along the way, we present you with an introduction to Chad, and don’t forget to download the sample MP3 along the way…
When was St. Mary’s born?
I started St. Mary's around 2000. Before, I had a little project called Nellie. I mainly just did 4-track demos and sent them to friends under that name. I was really limited financially and equipment-wise while doing the Nellie stuff, and the kind of songs I was writing were really draining emotionally. I wanted to get away from doing more "diary" type songs and knew I wanted to expand my recording capabilities... I also wanted to add more instrumentation to my songs, besides just having guitar and vocals. So I saved money, bought a lovely digital set-up, and changed Nellie to St. Mary's.
What is the story of the St. Mary’s project?
Well St. Mary's kinda started out pop or I should say dream-pop. Especially on the first release, which was a cassette I sent to friends. My friend, Gus, heard the tape and asked me to be on his new label, Need of our Cavalcade, so I recorded a CD E.P. called, A Drunken Heart - which is now out of print - as my first release for them. It was probably the most jangly, poppy thing I had ever done, with a few slower songs added in. I was happy with it at the time, but realized that I was not happy making music in the pop vein overall. So I pushed and really took my time writing and thinking about what I wanted St. Mary's to be, and how I wanted to sound, so my first full-length, Do You Find Me Wicked? was born.
When did you first start writing music?
I really had the idea to get into music in college, in 1994. I wanted a band, but really couldn't find anyone who wanted to make the kind of music I was interested in. I was a total shit guitar player at the time... I didn't even know how to properly tune the thing, so I was really afraid to do it by myself. I left school in 1996, and decided to give it a go (after improving my guitar playing). Eventually I wrote some songs, which, looking back, were quite crappy, and decided I might as well record them so Nellie was born.
What made you more serious about recording and releasing your songs instead of sticking to a traditional 9-5 career?
Well, I do have a 9-5 job. I work at a tourist area on the Louisiana Gulf Coast. I do have a lot of time to work on my various projects, which without my job I wouldn't be able to put out. I really first became serious about releasing my music when I got attention from a little label in Austin, TX, and from my friends telling me I should send my tapes to label people. This was all around the time of the second Nellie demo... 1997 I think.
Did you record your albums all on your own?
Yes, I record and play everything on my records. I'm just not that great at having people around during the recording process. I tried it once, to horrible results. I'm just very nitpicky and hard on myself during recording and have been known to record one vocal 23 times until I was happy with it. I also don't know how all of the songs are going to take shape until it's time to record, and not having people there definitely cuts down on the embarrassment factor if something totally falls to pieces. I'm fine playing out with others though. I'm just weird I guess... Haha.
You like to use a wide selection of wonderful instruments on your albums. Where do you find them all?
I'm a serious instrument-aholic! I'm just interested in any instrument I can get my hands on. The more old, weird, and obscure the better. I guess I'm just fascinated with sound. Plus, you can't get a lot of the sounds and atmospheres from those new all fancy things that you can with something that's old. Those instruments have a soul and history to them.
I find most of my instruments at vintage stores, just looking around. I found almost all of my chord organs at thrift and charity shops and EBay is also another wonderful resource... found my mandolin, 1960's teisco, and glockenspiel there.
The musical saw is an important part of Do You Find Me Wicked? What started you playing that and Is it difficult?
Oh my! I just love the saw. I believe it was on the first Black Heart Procession record. I was just fascinated with it when I heard it, and had to look in the liner notes of the record to find out what was making that beautiful spooky sound. It's become a permanent fixture in my arsenal and is just as integral to my music as say guitar or bass. It really isn't difficult to play, but it does take practice. The hardest is the two "B’s"... bending the saw tip and bowing.
The artworks for your releases are wonderful. Where do you get your ideas and find the time to make them?
I'm a night owl, so I usually work on things the minute I get home from work or on days off. I usually don't go to bed till 2 or 3 a.m. so there's plenty of time. I was an art student, so I figured it would be a shame to let all that training go to waste.
I'm inspired by all sorts of things... nature, books, films, little stories I make in my head and dreams. The songs usually dictate how the art is going to shape and I work on the artwork while I'm recording. It saves time, and it's fun to work on two different things that will ultimately become one bigger thing. Plus, if I get frustrated with recording, I can break away and work on the art, and vice-versa.
Do you get to play your songs live? Is there a market for it where you live?
I have unfortunately only played a few shows since St. Mary's started. There are very limited places to play in Louisiana, and there's a big draw for punk or more traditional type rock. There are a few pockets to play at and I'm looking into playing a string of shows in the very near future. I refuse to believe that there's no audience for quieter, spooky, atmospheric stuff. If no one has ever had the opportunity to hear it, how will they know if they like it or not?
Which of your heroes/influences would you most like to work with musically?
Oh god! What a hard question. Let's see... I would love to work with the Handsome Family, Low, Black Heart Procession, Neko Case, and so many others. I'm more inspired by loads of bands than influenced. I love music so much... everything from Throwing Muses and the Cocteau Twins to Patsy Cline and Tarnation. My list is endless!
Aside from playing music, you have your own zine and record label. What is the story behind those?
Yeah, I have a zine called R is for Revenge which I started about 2 years ago and I'm currently working on issue 3 right now. A lot of my friends did/do zines, and I wrote or contributed to a lot of them so they finally convinced me to start my own. I can't imagine not doing one now. The record label, Red Red Records started because I have total control over my records, so I figured I might as well release it myself as well. I started the label this year, to keep everything under one house, if you will.
So what are your future plans for St. Mary’s, R is for Revenge, and Red Red Records?
Like I said, I'm working on the third issue of the zine now, and I'll start putting out issues four times a year starting next year. I'm starting to get a lot of records from labels and offers to interview people, so I have plenty of material to do the zine that many times a year. I'm also going to record an E.P. later this year... probably start recording in September. It's called Lullaby for the Lost. The label is mainly there to release my music, but I'm talking to a couple of artists now about releasing their music. You know, make records, play shows, release music, write zines... just generally keep busy! I'm happier that way.
The music of St. Mary's is available to purchase online at ToneVendor here and here. Additionally, R is for Revenge is also available here.
Steven McCarron
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