The label of “timeless” is one that’s bandied about in the music world all too much, without much thought to the meaning or implication. It’s a word that can easily be associated with up-and-coming name Tom Relling whose own style is rooted in ’60s songwriting, ’70s rock and ’00s indie. Yet for the Santa Rosa-based creative, he reshapes that idea of timelessness and instead opts for the concept of “all time”; this evokes the idea of music that spans decades, that exists at many points at once, that transcends notions of past, present and future. For the listener, this approach encourages thoughtful contemplation, where one has no choice but to lean full force into the music. The music in question being Relling‘s brand new album, Peace in Love, which was released by Shaky Records (yes, that’s the brainchild of Unrecorded favourite Shaky). Co-produced with drummer, engineer and longtime friend Keenan McDaniel, this record seeks to capture the raw spirit of rock’n’roll, the tactility of live performance and an emotional depth through a series of ten tracks. For Tom Relling, this album reflects years gigging around the US and his ever-evolving artistry, which is something we’re diving into in this On The Record interview.
Welcome to Unrecorded! For those who aren’t already familiar with Tom Relling, can you introduce yourself?
Hi my name is Tom Relling and I am a songwriter, musician and recording artist currently living and working in Santa Rosa, CA. I perform my own style of rock n roll music with my band and I have a new record out now on Shaky Records called “Peace In Love.”
Congratulations on the release of your new album! How would you describe Peace in Love in three words?
“ALL TIME CLASSIC”
The album draws from the classic rock sounds of the ’60s and ’70s while still aiming to feel fresh. How do you balance nostalgia with creating something that feels distinctly yours?
Thank you! I have been blessed to be born into a family with great taste in music so I absorbed all that good stuff from the 60’s and 70’s while simultaneously growing up and buying CDs in the 2000’s and hearing all that amazing music of that era, so when I make my records all those influences melt together into my work and it becomes its own thing. My main interest is to just write great songs.
Are there specific recording tricks, limitations or happy accidents that ended up defining the sound of this record?
Yes there is one happy accident that I can remember – when I was recording the piano part on the last song “Over the River” in my living room you can hear my wife and daughter in the background of the track and we left it in. As far as limitations I like to follow a “three take maximum” rule when recording – with bonus “safety pass” after take 3 if needed. I try to avoid screens and listening with my eyes. For recording tricks … nah I just keep it simple. Any fool can make it complicated.
How did working with Keenan McDaniel shape the sound and feel of the album?
Keenan is a dear old friend who also happens to be a world class drummer, producer and engineer. We used to be roommates in SF back in 2011 or so and always had a strong musical connection. He’s maybe even more of a music head than I am, and that’s saying something. I remember we reconnected at a mutual friend’s wedding and I asked if he’d be interested in collaborating on a record and he agreed. I already had the songs written, so I’d cut my parts to a click track and send them on down to LA and Keenan took care of the rest. It was always a thrill to get a fresh mix from Keenan and it always sounded amazing – warm and full, way more hi fi than my last two records. It was gratifying to collaborate than to try to handle everything myself again – so much easier. Keenan knows exactly what he’s doing behind the board and in the box. Plus he has great ears and perfect time. I just had to keep turning in the songs.
Which is your favourite song on the album? And why?
It’s hard to pick a fave because they’re all hits but “Over the River” is certainly the heaviest, deepest cut. Maybe one of the best songs I ever wrote, but it doesn’t even feel like it was me writing it because the song pretty much wrote itself. I remember I finished the lyrics and couldn’t make it through a demo recording without crying. One time I sang it for a crowd at my friend’s open mic and after I finished the song the room was perfectly still – everyone totally locked in. Then later I sang it for my family at Nana’s memorial service in the church and it was a very profound moment. That song has some real power.
Evidently, your music leans into a retro rock style, so who are some of the bands and artists (past and present) who continue to inspire you?
Lots of inspiring artists…for this most recent record I could point to The Cars, Thin Lizzy, Marshall Crenshaw as direct influences but beyond that I must acknowledge that I am surrounded by a vibrant network of inspiring contemporary artists here in the local Bay Area music scene, my friends the Gill Brothers Band and Eric Long being among some of my favorites.
Would you also say that your background paying in dive bars, basements and garages across the U.S., has also had an impact on your as a songwriter and performer?
Yes most definitely. Music can take you to all kinds of places – physically and metaphorically. There have been moments in my music life that feel like scenes out of a dream or a film. All of the places and people and situations you may find yourself in can and will be drawn from as inspiration for the next project. It’s constant evolution. Production is ongoing.
What else do you hope listeners will take away from Peace in Love?
I hope they will take away a vinyl copy of the record! Real heads spin vinyls. Grab one from Shaky records dot com before they’re gone.
Following the release of this album, what will be next on the horizon for you?
Next week I’ll be on the road opening solo for my friends the Rainbow Girls on a few dates on their midwest tour, then back to California for a run of local shows with my band through September, followed by a 7″ single release in October. After that I’ll likely be hitting the studio to start cutting the next record, I’ve got a few keeper songs already in the bag. We’ll see…
You can also find ‘Over The River’ in our Outsiders Club playlist.
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