Being a long-time fan, I was thrilled to have had the pleasure to conduct an e-mail interview with Jeremy Bolm, the passionate and vicious front man of Touche Amore. In the interview we discussed the direction of their upcoming album “Parting The Sea Between Brightness And Me”, the lyrical content of their recently released song “Tilde”, touring, friends and what lies in the foreseeable future for the powerhouse that Touche Amore prove to be again and again. You can read the whole interview here.
I decided to open up this interview by saying that I just listened to a new track from Parting The Sea Between Brightness And Me, “Tilde”. It is also the opener of the album. Does it set the precedent for the rest of the album? Since the opening verse is actually the album’s namesake.
It most definitely sets the precedent. It’s loud, melodic, and fast, and lyrically very descriptive of what the album entails.
On a more personal note, to you, what sea are you speaking of? And what brightness is it keeping you away from? Though the song sounds like a song we’d expect from a band like Touche Amore, it has a more uplifting mood than most of …To The Beat Of A Dead Horse (with the exception of “Adieux”, which I find to be very similar in delivery to “Tilde”) or any of your other material. Could you describe what we can expect from the new songs?
The sea would be all things wrong with where I’m at and where I’ve been in my personal life. The brightness seems self explanatory as happiness and comfort in general. The road between start and finish within the mindset of the album is very literal. Being away from home and struggles with keeping any sort of healthy relationship with other people and yourself.
The album is much more melodic, but has some of the darkest material we’ve ever conjured up. I lyrically put it all on the table and could face a backlash from it, but I couldn’t keep this stuff inside. I feel better for it.
Would you say that this album in general will have this brighter tone to it? If yes, how so?
There’s a a song we just did a video for called “Home Away From Here” which is by far the most upbeat song we’ve ever written, but it follows the darkest song, which is a piano/vocal song called “Condolences”. So I can safely say its a very bi-polar record.
How was recording at The Black Lodge with Ed Rose?
It was our first time ever recording with someone who wasn’t a friend in a professional setting. We went into it very nervous but Ed made us feel very comfortable. Upon arrival he was right away very enthusiastic about the project. He’s one of the greats and he captured everything we were hoping he would. Couldn’t have been a better experience. Thirteen songs in five days.
You signed with Deathwish Inc for this album and while it’s not an inadequate pairing, Touche Amore is definitely one of the more melodic acts on the label. Can you explain your reasons for signing with them?
Sometimes things just feel right. Tre approached us at Sound and Fury 09 and has been a good friend to us since. We got close with Jake on the Converge tour, and that was what sealed the deal. I spent a month at the DW office last year and got to see first hand how it was there and couldn’t think of a better staff to have working for us. Literally, the best label.
Did you have other offers when you were looking around?
A good boy never kisses and tells.
You’re about to embark on a tour with Title Fight and The Menzingers, can you tell us a bit about that?
When we got the offer to do it we all got super siked. We’ve played with Title Fight a handful of times now, and every show has been incredible. Those guys have been buds of ours for a while now and we knew touring with them would be a real good time. We haven’t met the Menzingers yet, but our friends in Fake Problems hype them hard as people.. so they better live up! (just kidding).
On the topic of tours, you guys a renowned touring machines and soon after your tour with Title Fight you’re embarking on a European tour with La Dispute, a band you share a lot in common with. Can you tell us where this friendship began?
I booked two of their So Cal shows on their first west coast tour. Our bands played together and instantly hit it off. Jordan and I instantly got really close and the chemistry between our bands was immediate. More immediate than band to band chemistry normally is.
How do you maintain personal friendships when touring constantly?
I don’t. I’m terrible at keeping in touch. But, the true sign of a real friend is being able to pick back up as if there was never any time apart.
Being from Vancouver and an avid fan, I feel like I must take this opportunity to also ask you when you plan to hit Canada again! Any plans to hit moose country in the coming future?
We will be doing Canada this year, but unfortunately not the western side. But I promise we’ll be back!
While many people are going to be listening to your new album, could you tell us what’s been playing in your headphones as of late?
The new records from: Manchester Orchestra, Balance and Composure, Thursday, Title Fight, O’Brother, and Rotting Out.
Where do you guys go from here? Since your inception you’ve hit the ground running and have shown no signs of slowing down. Are you happy with where you are right now?
Couldn’t be happier. There’s still plenty of places we have yet to play across this world, so we’re looking to jet set way more.
Any last words?
Listen to Joyce Manor.