“Do it your own way, or don’t do it at all,” says Bones Owens as his words of encouragement for aspiring musicians. On his new album, ‘Love Out Of Lemons,’ Owens expresses his longing for a simpler life and returning to his roots in multi-layered, rock-infused time-stamps across the entire tracklist.
Recorded at The Smoakstack in Nashville, Bones Owens is taking ‘Love Out Of Lemons’ across the pond as a support act for the acclaimed American rockers Blackberry Smoke. Starting in Glasgow, Owens will hit the grandiose London’s Eventin Apollo on September 14th before they head to Europe.
Paying homage to the universally classic albums, ‘Love Out Of Lemons presents Owens’ most recent badge of keepsake, cherished memories fuelled by indie groove, nostalgia, and the irreplaceable engine of his Harley Davidson.
In our interview, Bones Owens exclusively lists albums reminiscent of growing up in Missouri. He also elaborates on his happy place, recording at Smoakstack, and his parents’ encouragement.
Your new album ‘Love Out Of Lemons’ makes for a perfect Summer soundtrack. Besides your project, what are your top listened to albums right now?
J.J. Cale “Naturally”, CCR “Chronicle”, Steely Dan “Can’t Buy A Thrill”, Soft Play “Heavy Jelly”, Fontaines D.C. “Dogrel”, Sturgill Simpson “Passage Du Desir”
You said, ‘Love Out Of Lemons’ picks up where your debut full-length album left off. What sort of evolution does it bring to the Bones Owens story?
It’s back in the rock and roll wheelhouse like the first full-length, but with probably more of a 70’s rock influence and some R&B elements here and there.
What were some main themes you wanted to touch upon?
I didn’t have any thematic goals, but I think nostalgia plays a big part in a lot of the songs.. songs about wanting things to be the way they were before, getting back to a simpler time and place, songs that just have a timeless feel and tip of the hat to the albums we consider classic now.. that’s always the goal.
It was recorded at the Smoakstack in Nashville. Could you name some items that are always present during your studio sessions?
The Smoakstack is my buddy Paul Moak’s studio.. I think this is the 4th consecutive project I’ve recorded there. The studio feels the way I want the music to feel, if that makes sense. Lots of old analog equipment, probably a hundred guitars, dozens of amplifiers and drum kits and every keyboard you could want to experiment with. Then I bring in way too much equipment of my own to add to the equation and it gets really out of hand. But it’s a laid back environment that’s very welcoming to creativity and exploration. Incense is always burning and my favorite burrito spot is right around the corner.
Now ‘Love Out Of Lemons’ is out, what does this project represent in terms of your life’s trajectory?
I honestly am not sure yet. It feels like we’re just beginning to scratch the surface of what’s possible.. I hope this record finds new people who will follow along on the journey I’m on.
The unbelievably vibey and energetic ‘Goin Back Where I Came From’ is built on undertones of nostalgia and longing for home. Where is your happy place?
I have a few, but primarily I think of the farm I grew up on in Missouri. It’s quiet and peaceful, easy to connect with nature and shut out the noise of modern life.
What artists and albums do you think of when you think about growing up in Missouri?
I think of three things..
- My grandpas and the classic country guys they introduced me to as a kid.. everything from Hank Williams Sr. to Johnny Cash to Freddy Fender to Roger Miller.
- Albums of my dad’s that I stole (CCR, Steve Miller Band, Steely Dan) which I still love and listen to often today
- I think of the alternative albums of the 90’s they were coming out just as I was starting to write my own songs.. Nirvana “Nevermind” and “In Utero”, REM “Monster”, Oasis “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory, Soundgarden “Superunknown”, Stone Temple Pilots “Tiny Music… Songs From The Vatican Gift Shop”..
Looking back at your journey, what were some pivotal moments that allowed you to grow into a confident, authentic, and successful artist you are today?
My parents are both musical.. they’ve always been encouraging of my interest in music from an early age. I started playing piano at age 6, guitar at 10 and writing original songs around age 12-13. I felt pretty early on that it was understood by everyone around me that music was more than a hobby and something I took very seriously.. no one really ever questioned that and their confidence eventually rubbed off on me.
How did the conversation look like when you first brainstormed the idea for your ‘Goin’ Back Where I Came From’ Motorcycle Tour?
It wasn’t much of a conversation honestly.. it was just something I had wanted to do for a long time. My manager Derek and I were discussing promotion for the album and I threw out the idea.. he was onboard instantly and we started putting it all together.
Do you have any signature touches on your Harley Davidson? Or a name?
Lots of personal touches and custom made parts on my main Harley to give it the 60’s/70’s chopper feel. I hit and killed a deer on that motorcycle last Halloween, so I’ve been thinking of new names based on that.. I’m not someone who nicknames every guitar, etc, but I think that bike has earned a name.
What was your favourite stop on the tour?
Kansas City, hands down. The show was at a great biker bar called Knuckleheads.. sold out. Lots of old friends and family from Missouri. Truly felt like being home.
In September, you will be touring the UK supporting the acclaimed American rockers Blackberry Smoke, which concludes with a show at the Eventim Apollo before heading on to Europe.What are some of your signature elements that can’t be missing from your live show?
Yes, very much looking forward to that tour. Signature elements.. loud (British) guitar amps and head nodding rock and rock.
You described your approach to collaborating with artists across all genres as ‘chameleon-like’. Could you please elaborate on how your approach changes genre to genre?
I think the chameleon thing is more in reference to my having been involved in projects crossing several genres, but the approach doesn’t drastically change.. I do the thing that I do and that’s what I bring to the table. There’s always a little adapting involved when working with different people and getting used to their work flow though..
How did you pick musicians you wanted to feature on ‘Love Out Of Lemons’?
There were very few musicians involved in this album.. Paul Moak (producer) and myself recorded everything other than drums, with the exception of the song “Summer Skin”. My buddy Mondo Cozmo remotely sent me some overdubs that we added to that track. Drums were played by Julian Dorio (The Whigs, Eagles of Death Metal, Band of Skulls, Stephen Wilson Jr.). Julian used to play drums with me on the road and also recorded the drums on my self-titled record.
And finally, what would be the best piece of advice you received and would like to pass on to aspiring musicians?
Do it your own way or don’t do it at all.
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Words: Karolina Kramplova