You’ll never hear terms like bubblegum pop thrown into the same sentence with our latest feature, Jeff Merchant – the guy won’t be found laying down just one layer of sound and calling it his music – his stuff is intricate and distinctively pulled together in more than compelling fashion. We asked Merchant to describe his efforts: “My sound can be described as Alternative Pop or Orchestral Pop or even Eclectic Indie Pop. My songs tend to be densely arranged with some whimsical twists and turns, hybrid jazzy chords and folk elements, but always melodic… I think it’s all about having good songs that will ultimately make someone stand out in any genre.” 

The latest record “City Makes No Sound” contains all of these elements, an impressive follow-up to “Window Rolled Down” that Jeff says “sounds good and was well recorded with a vast array of diverse sounds… I picked songs I thought would work best together in sequence ­ so that the mood could change and flow in a good way. I had originally conceived the CD to be more scaled-down and minimally produced but it ended up being very lush and grand sounding with complex arrangements.”

Jeff will be staying busy, supporting “City Makes No Sound” with his live show, as well as putting some images to his music with a couple videos. And keep an eye out for him while sitting in front of the small or big screen – he’ll be dropping some ditties into some of your favorite programs. Keep reading for all the answers to the XXQ’s.

XXQs: Jeff Merchant

PensEyeView.com (PEV): What made you decide to jump into the world of music?
Was this something you always planned?

Jeff Merchant (JM): I started playing music at a young age and stuck with
it. It wasn¹t something I always planned but found it satisfying especially
writing songs, recording and performing them. Music, for me, is a way of
being creative, and good songwriting is a form of communication where you
can affect change and express a message.

PEV: How would you describe your sound and what do you feel makes you stand
out over the others in your genre?

JM: My sound can be described as Alternative Pop or Orchestral Pop or even
Eclectic Indie Pop. My songs tend to be densely arranged with some whimsical
twists and turns, hybrid jazzy chords and folk elements, but always melodic.
I'm influenced by all kinds of music, not one specific musical style. Some
people say I don¹t sound like anyone else, which would, by default, make me
stand out; but I think it¹s all about having good songs that will ultimately
make someone stand out in any genre.

PEV: Calling Los Angeles home, what is the music scene like there for singer
songwriters and how would you describe your experiences in the LA music
culture?

JM: It's not easy for singer-songwriters in L.A. Most clubs and venues
expect you to bring in a crowd, so it's hard to build a following that way.
But there are some music organizations here that put on shows for
songwriters and provide a platform. My experience with L.A. music culture
has mainly been with the eastside Silverlake scene (playing clubs like
Spaceland, The Echo and Taix) and the local pop scene. I'm not as much
associated with any particular music scene as I used to be, but I have had
some good shows here with my band and as a solo performer.

PEV: With that, what can fans expect from a live Jeff Merchant show?

JM: The last show (which was the CD release party) consisted of a full band
with a few guest performers, including a vibes player, violinist,
French-horn player, multi-instrumental keyboardist, backup vocalists and a
lead guitarist. The live band had also played on the CD, so it was great to
hear the songs performed live. Future shows may have a more scaled-down band
and even some solo gigs.

PEV: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you step on stage?

JM: Can I win over the audience? Will I do a good performance? Is my guitar
in tune?

PEV: What can fans expect from the new release, “City Makes No Sound”?

JM: They can expect a CD that sounds good and was well recorded with a vast
array of diverse sounds. It features the contribution of many talented
people, which really adds more depth to the project.

PEV: What was the underlining inspiration for this album and how is it
different than the others you¹ve released?

JM: My previous CD, "window rolled down" was more of a home recording so I
wanted to make this CD more of a studio recording, which took longer and
cost more. I picked songs I thought would work best together in sequence ­
so that the mood could change and flow in a good way. I had originally
conceived the CD to be more scaled-down and minimally produced but it ended
up being very lush and grand sounding with complex arrangements.

PEV: Why did you choose the name “City Makes No Sound” for the album?

JM: It comes from the lyrics of one of the songs on the CD, "Where's
Phillip." It seemed to represent the overall feel of the songs on the
recording.

PEV: Having played for quite some time now, do you ever look back at your
career from when you first started out and think about things you should
have done, or didn¹t do or chances you would have taken?

JM: All the time, but the thing is to not give up and try to learn from your
mistakes.

PEV: What¹s one thing we¹d be surprised to hear about you?

JM: Interesting question, but I don't have an answer.

PEV: Was there a certain point in your life when you knew that music was
going to be a career for you?

JM: I always knew. The hard part has always been convincing others.

PEV: What one word best describes Jeff Merchant?

JM: Thought-provoking.

PEV: How is life on the road for you in the music world? Best and worst
parts?

JM: I'm currently not on the road, so that would be the worst part. The best
part is the opportunity to perform a lot. And there should be better places
to eat in the mid-section of the U.S.

PEV: Is there one area you wish you could travel around and play that you
have not yet?

JM: Anywhere out of the U.S., especially Europe.

PEV: How have all your friends and family reacted to your career? What¹s it
like when you get to play at your hometown?

JM: I still mostly play in my hometown of L.A. as opposed to outside of it.
My friends and family are happy for me since music is something I like doing
and have a passion for.

PEV: What can we find you doing in your spare time, aside from
playing/writing music?

JM: I like outdoor activities such as hiking and bike riding. I enjoy
independent cinema, fine dining, and I'm a bit of a news/political junkie.

PEV: Name one present and past artist or group that would be your dream
collaboration? Why?

JM: I'd like to collaborate in the present with the band Grizzly Bear
because they have a new sound/direction doing innovative, experimental music
while achieving major success on a commercial level. As far as a past
artist, I'd like to collaborate with David Bowie because he was the
innovator of his day.

PEV:  Is there an up and coming band or artist you think we should all be
looking out for now?

JM: Well there's lots, but I would like to single out the musicians involved
in making my CD ‹ especially the producer, Michael Rozon, who deserves
recognition for the outstanding work he does.

PEV: If you weren¹t playing music now what do you think would be your
career?

JM: Any career where you get to be creative and can affect change. That can
range from being an actor to a scientist, an architect to a film director,
an artist to a comedian, and I could go on. I also admire people who have
careers that allow them to be politically active in various progressive
causes. I¹d like to be a member of the activist group, The Yes Men.

PEV: So, what is next for you?

JM: Maybe a music video, more promotion and hopefully some film and TV
placement.