In our latest cool interview thingy, we talk to Derek Zanetti from The Homeless Gospel Choir about new music, inspirations and lockdown stuff.
S] Hey man, how are you coping at the moment?
Pretty well to be truthful. I’ve been working away at the mountain of projects I have in line at my house. Writing a new book, working on songs. Trying to stay positive.
S] How do you define success as an artist now?
Success?? I have no idea. I feel like I hit the lottery with a band and a record label mostly. The folks who dig our music support it and buy records. I don’t know what to say. It’s super tight. I don’t have a boss and I get to travel around and play punk shows with my band for a LIVING. I think that’s pretty cool.
S] What things motivate you outside of music, think specific people and places?
Now that there is an undetermined amount of time in-between now and when we are allowed to play shows again, I’m motivated by planting the biggest and best vegetable garden I’ve ever grown with tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, peas, onions, zucchini, eggplant, peppers, herbs. I love having big outdoor feasts and supplying my neighbors with fresh healthy food. Its so rewarding and wonderful.
S] What would you say the greatest challenges you face as a person are?
I struggle to be at peace when I’m sitting still. I know that when I’m playing songs and touring and making records I feel valuable and fulfilled. I need to find value, and validity and peace in just being me and not trying to always be something for someone else’s amusement.
S] How have you changed and developed as a person, say from your beginnings with ‘Luxury Problems’ until now
S] How do you feel about ‘This Land Is Your Landfill’ now it’s out in the world?
I’ve never been more proud of anything I’ve ever made before in my entire life! It’s so sick to hear what people think. I wanted to make a sound that I never heard before, and we accomplished that.
S] Can you talk us through the themes and ideas around ‘Don’t Compare’? Where did that come from?
Internet advertisement is changing the way we interact with one another. Everything is this giant pyramid scheme sales pitch. All day long one after another: diet pills, face lotion, better punk tattoos, hair die, too old, too short, look at this guy on vacation, you could earn more money if you looked like a celebrity. It makes you hate who you are, and wish that you could be more like someone else. The song’s a lot about that. Also, how bullying effects us at every level in life, either school bullies, or a cop or a boss, or a priest, someone always telling you how to be the way THEY want you to. It’s about cutting the chord and being free.
S] Thanks for your time today, man!
