Artist Spotlight on... Guster
Guster: New Album, Tour, Show with Boston Pops
By Joe Kilduff
The guys of Guster are no strangers to life on the road. Over the past ten plus years, they’ve built a loyal cult following through constantly bringing their intimate live shows to the masses. With a new album, new tour, a new spin on their live shows, and a new member (kind of), there’s a lot to be looking forward to if you’re a Guster fan.
Their yet-untitled album is due out in early September. “We’re more comfortable and confident with the process of making a record then we ever have been,” says Ryan Miller (guitar/vocals/bass). So comfortable, that they’ve decided to self produce this new batch of songs. According to Miller, the new album still has the distinct Guster sound of rich harmonies and melodies. However they’ve continued their musical progression to come up with a new set of songs that Miller says sounds like nothing they’ve ever done. The longest song in Guster history is set to debut on the album, clocking in at just around 7 minutes, which dwarfs their usually concise songs of 3-4 minutes.
Part of their evolution has been
the addition of Joe Pisapia, formerly of Joe, Mark’s Brother. Joe has been
around for a while,
always helping out with live shows contributing parts on
keyboards, banjo, guitar, bass and a variety of other instruments where needed.
He’s been an equal contributor to the new album, says Miller. However the band
maintains an open door policy with Pisapia, and holds him to no obligations
other than his own desires. “Joe has a place in this band for as long as he
wants it,” says Miller. “This new album is 25% his, it’s just a matter of
whether Joe wants to be on the road 8 months a year with us, so we’ll see.”
One time Joe will definitely be
in attendance, is June 22nd and 23rd at Boston’s Symphony
Hall, where the band will play a sure to be phenomenal show with Keith Lockhart
and the Boston Pops Orchestra. Guster makes studio albums that are meticulously
produced and mixed with so many different instruments, sounds, and vocals, you
can listen to their songs for the 73rd time, and find something that
you’ve never noticed before. Keith Lockhart and his crew are sure to bring some
of these subtleties to the forefront and
make these two shows ones that Guster
fans should not miss. Percussionist Brian Rosenworcel expressed the band’s
excitement over this show in his announcement on the band’s website,
www.guster.com , which reads, “Guster & The Boston Pops Orchestra June 22nd
& 23rd. Holy shit. Someone really made this happen!?”
As for the future of Guster, Miller says it’s difficult to imagine where they will be in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years… “I’m sure everyone will get a bit older and pop out a few babies, but other than that we really don’t know.” Adam Gardner (guitars/vocals) recently got married and Miller will be getting married in October. As to what effect family life has on the band and constant touring is anyone’s guess, including the members of the band. But with a new tour and a new album on the way, all is right in the world of Guster.
