I recently had the opportunity to catch a sneak listen of Chris Staples’ new solo album, American Soft, as well as ask him about his newest endeavor. It’s the kind of album that hooks you instantly and keeps a tight grip as the music plays on. As Staples croons, his music and lyrics tug gently on strings attached to the places of your heart you thought no one could reach. It’s not very often that I hear an album that is a success in its entirety, but American Soft easily creates a narrative that is captivating from start to finish.

Photo: Chris Staples

I like that you categorize your music as “spirituals/breakfast” music on Facebook. What do you like to listen to when you are eating breakfast?

Well, I think the morning is where you set the pace for the rest of your day. I like to listen to chill music in the morning…Innocence Mission and Gonzales. Gonzales is a great piano player and also produces all those incredible sounding Feist records.

Where does the album name come from?

I found an album title generator through Google. I clicked the button three times until it sounded right and there is the title. I’ve since learned that American Soft Power is a term that refers to our nation’s strengths in the world that are not military related. Diplomacy, technology, civic action and economic reconstruction. Basically it’s the higher road to getting what you want. Not sure how that relates to the album.

What were some of the biggest setbacks, and triumphs, when writing and recording American Soft?

In the middle of making the album I went on tour with my friend Tim Very. He plays plays drums/keys/bgv with me on tour. We had a day off in Nashville, so on the morning of our day off we got up and wrote two songs. We rehearsed with our bass player friend Andy Prince. He is so good. We went into Das Studio (where our friend Paul Kimsal works) and tracked 2 songs live until about 4 in the morning. Then we went dancing. That was definitely the fastest and most productive day I’ve ever had. As far as low points, the next morning I woke up extremely hungover and we were late to our following show in Atlanta. Highs and Lows.

A lot of times an album is very autobiographical and close to the creator’s heart and own personal experiences. However, sometimes music is “art for arts sake.” Which would you say American Soft falls under?

I try to write outside of myself, but it’s impossible to completely separate yourself from a creative work. I’d say American Soft is a mixed bag. I totally dodged your question.

An album is also often a cohesive story with each song being a “moment” or integral part of the bigger picture. What have you tried to say with your work in this album and what do you hope that people get from it?

I used to be more intentional about what I wrote. These days I don’t have a message. I’m more concerned with the expression being genuine. My job is to sort through all these ideas. Keep the good ideas, and throw the bad ones out.  The content of the songs comes from somewhere, but I’m not sure where.

As a fellow creative, I often find that myself and my artistic colleagues are our own worst critics. Do you feel that way about your work? Which song are you most critical of and which do you think is your favorite?

I’m pretty suspect of any artist who loves their own work. I don’t listen to my own music after it’s released. While I’m making the music I can be critical and that’s a positive force during that process. After it’s done no amount of hating it will change it. It’s not constructive, so I don’t go there.

From where did you draw your inspiration for American Soft?

Probably just from going to the beach or walking around. If I can manage to peel my face off of a computer or set my iPhone down for a few hours I can get a lot done fast these days.

What do you see, and hope for, in your musical future?

To keep doing it. To become more established, so I can devote more time to it. I’d love to tour Spain and maybe Japan.

Are you planning on touring with this new album?

Yeah, I’m going out in the summer. Not sure exactly when yet.

You used the site Kickstarter to help fund this album. How was that experience? Would you do it again?

I think it was great. It brought people into the project in a way I’ve never done before. I’d say it was terrifying mainly. I just kept thinking if this things fails, it’s going to be such a public failure. But I made it past the goal by a long shot. I won’t do it again. I think it would be easy to perceive someone using Kickstarter as someone begging the world for money.

Are you already working on another album or are you the kind of musician who has to go on hiatus and gather inspiration for a while and let it steep until you’re ready to create again?

I am writing again. I’ve mainly been writing into an iPhone when something pops in my head. Just trying to hold onto ideas as they going flying past.

You’re based in Seattle now but you’re from Pensacola, FL, originally. What inspired that move?

When I was young I was super enamored with Seattle. The hiking, camping, the food, coffee, music….culturally it’s a goldmine. I spent the first two years going to museums and digging through CD’s from the massive downtown library. On the downside it’s pretty expensive city. I needed a break so in November so I put my stuff in storage and left. I’m currently splitting my time between Florida and Atlanta.

If you could be featured on a quote website in the “music” category, what would your original quote regarding music be?

“I like turtles.”

What is music, and the act of creating music, to you?

The art or science of combining vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) to produce an expression of emotion.

Anything else you’d like to say regarding the album, your music, or just life in general?

My new record comes out May 29th. It will be available digitally through iTunes and Bandcamp. A CD copy can be purchased at chrisstaplesmusic.com

Photo: Chris Staples