From a production angle, how would you assess the sound of this record compared the previous eight?

For me it’s I guess it’s the most Hi-Fi and fully-realized sounding. It might be good question for Jarvis because he’s sort of the main producer, but this one was completely recorded in a studio whereas the last one was probably like 80% recorded in the studio. We still had a couple of home recordings making it in the there and taking elements from that, which has always sort of been the Woods way. So this one, we kind of just got right in there and stayed in the studio and only worked there, so that was a good experience and a different experience but to me, it definitely put out the biggest sounding record that we’ve done yet.

Is it just telepathic with Jarvis at this point in your careers? Are you guys on the same wavelength when you’re in the studio?

Yeah exactly, its kind of like we’ve worked like this for so long where I’ll come in with a song idea and especially on this record he’s really learned how to record me and to kind of do what’s best for the song and use my creative process to the fullest.

When I’m sort of firing off idea in the studio, he’s just like, “Go, do it. I’ll set up a mic.” So he’s kind of like taking in all of my chaos and making it into something that sounds good. So it’s great, but it is very telepathic at this point where we’re both on the same page and it just makes for a fun and easy process.

Let’s transition to Woodsist Fest. One of the main things I’ve heard about this is the unique site. What did you guys like about it?

Well, just Big Sur in general is mostly what we’re talking about. I don’t know if you’ve ever been, but it’s just right on the coast of California Highway 1, where when I say right on the coast, it’s the highway is literally just- one side is giant redwood trees and the other side is the ocean. It’s just a beautiful experience with these two environments of the deep forest and the beach and the ocean and it’s just like a magical place. So that drew us to the spot.

And then we work with the promoter out there, Folk Yeah, who is on the same page with what I always envision for a festival, just lower key, you know we’re not trying to be like a big, huge festival. We’re trying to do this smaller, intimate experience where there’s- this year were going to have 12 bands, with 6 bands a day, and it’s stretched out. Each band can play their normal set, and its just very casual. The bands are just mingling with the 300 attendees and it’s just a great vibe. Each year it’s just a no-brainer to keep it going.

That’s another thing, I’m sure it enhances the whole experience to have a lineup full of players you’ve toured with, collaborated with or come up with in the scene.

Exactly. That’s the other thing, is that for the most part it’s working with friend’s bands and people that we’ve known forever or for the last 10 years at least. It’s sort of like this summer get together that’s happening that where we all get to meet and kind of unwind for a little bit. It’s not like seeing each other at Bonnaroo, it’s a way different experience. Like we can actually sit and have a conversation, like a quiet conversation, and watch some really good bands at the same time. It’s not very chaotic or hectic.

Tell me about how the lineup has evolved over the years.

It started off where it was pretty much true to just bands, and then I started reaching out to some older artists that I’ve been a fan of forever like Michael Hurley, who played three years ago and he’s back this year playing, so it’s just great to have these legendary musicians join us. That is me booking for the bands and for my friends, I’m like, “Let’s see Michael Hurley.” This year, we just announced today that Jonathan Richman is going to play, him and Steve Gunn. So that was the final addition to our lineup. I’ve never done a record for Steve but we’ve just been sort of in the same you know, group of friends, touring around together and we all want to see him play so we’re going to hang out. That’s basically how it evolved over time. It’s either bands that I’ve worked with or bands that I really want to see.

I was going to ask you about Jonathan Richman. I assume you’re a fan?

Oh yeah, big fan. We’ve been actually talking about it for the last couple years and this year finally just worked out, which is great because I think the last time I saw him we were both playing at Pickathon. I just saw him wandering around the park and I was like, “Oh shit, that’s Jonathan Richman I can’t believe it.” It just made it seem a little bit more attainable and kind of stuck with me in my head. And it was just as simple as asking him.

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