Review Fix Exclusive: Thadeus Gonzalez Talks ‘Murder When I Sing’ And More

Review Fix chats with singer/songwriter Thadeus Gonzalez, who discusses “Murder When I Sing,” a single off his new album and label debut, “Silver Inside.’

About “Murder When I Sing”:

Filmed in San Francisco, the video for “A Murder When I Sing” was conceived by Gonzalez and shot and directed with Scott Richards and Andrew J Card. Gonzalez explains that the song is simply about “doing what you do and being proud of it.” It features Richards on bass, Nick Hernandez on guitar, and Rob Tucker playing drums.

“A Murder When I Sing” was written by Gonzalez and recorded with Richards on bass, Dennis Hill on guitar, and Nathan Walker (Lit) on drums. Hill (Hagar/Satriani, Lit, Good Charlotte) also produced and Kyle Homme (Matt Costa, Sugarcult, Reel Big Fish) mixed.

Review Fix: What was the creative process for this album?

Thadeus Gonzalez: Because of the variety of styles on my first album, Utopian Society, I wanted to make a more cohesive rock/punk album this time. I had some ideas left over from the Utopian Society demos.  One was the song “Silver Inside” which ended up being the title track and first single. That song set the precedent for the style on the album. If a harder riff or idea in that vein come out when I was jamming, I would record it and make a note. I write a lot music/songs but they are all over the place so I had to keep in mind what ideas felt relatable to the song “Silver Inside.”

Review Fix: Why is “A MURDER WHEN I SING” a special song?

Gonzalez: “A Murder When I Sing” is absolutely a special song. I attempted to do the rhetoric of entertainers like Kanye West, Cam Newton, and Noel Gallagher lyrically by being fully braggadocious, not leaving any sign of lack of confidence. I am confident in my music and live performances but this is song over the top.  The Coathangers had a song called “Watch Your Back” that I had downloaded and was really getting a kick out of it at the time. I think I gravitated to that style or my concept of that style musically. “A Murder When I Sing” explains the process of people going to my show and being dying from how blown away they are by how I sing. It’s definitely tongue-in-cheek.

Review Fix: How has your sound changed over the years?

Gonzalez: I still play rock music. Sometimes it is harder, or softer, but it’s not ever gonna be jazz. Guitar, drums, bass, and vocals. I think my music has changed by the songs getting better, hopefully. Over the years, that’s probably how change has happened: better songs.

Review Fix: How does it feel to be a label now?

Gonzalez: It feels good to have people pushing your product, but I still have work to do. I rely on myself and a few people to make things go as I want them to go. If my label can help me sell more records great, but the story is far from over for me if I think there is some finish line cause a company is helping sell my songs.

Review Fix: What are your goals for this album?

Gonzalez: I’m hoping this album finds itself in the hands of people who really dig it. With so many bands these days with the same media presence, it’s very competitive. To have people get what I’m doing is absolutely the goal. I still will shoot another video and single, and will tour extensively on this release. Those things are achievable. Having people like my music is the goal, but it’s a goal that’s out of my hands.

Review Fix: How do you want this album to be remembered in a few years?

Gonzalez: I hope this album is remembered as an original sounding hard rock album, nothing pretentious but nothing tired, just a great attempt at trying to make the perfect rock album.

Review Fix: What are your goals for the rest of the year?

Gonzalez: Keep my day job(s) happy so I can do another single and video for the song, “The Surgeons.” And more solo acoustic shows; I get a kick out of doing those. I’ve got to finish writing my new album, which is about 1/2 done. Probably a tour needs to planned in the fall. I had a conversation about some shows in Europe at the end of the year.

Review Fix: What’s next?

Gonzalez: I have a tour starting June 13th in Reno, which I’m are very excited about! I’ve got great band with me on this run, and a great set list from both of my albums to play. Still working out some trick cover tunes to learn also. We have our first headlining show in my hometown of Oakland on July 14th with our friends Matadore, so I’m really looking forward to that show.

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