The Shipping Company is two unique, artistic souls coming together to make honest, heartfelt music. Two musicians with completely different styles using that friction to create something out of the box. We have a single Crack's coming out on June 30th. It is an indie rock, high energy tune. The bands consists of LM Fischer and Luke William (that's me). LM writes most of the lyrics and I compose all of the music. I also play all the instruments on the records we produce. The band was formed in LA and is based in Colorado now. LM brought me this funky, disjointed bass line and some really honest lyrics. I took that and crafted the structure of the song.
What really sets the song apart for me is the high, rhythmic lead guitar that frames the vocals. It gives it that driving, high energy feel that we were going for. Once we got that I reconstructed the bass line and mapped out the drum parts. Then we recorded each part piece by piece tell we got what we have today. The song was recorded at Cederhouse Studios in New Hampshire with the legendary engineer Gerry Putnum. This song was produced by Alyssa Wilkens. Alyssa is an amazing musician and producer based in LA. Alyssa was so key to making this song what it is.
So firstly, how would you describe your sound?
Oh I always love this question and I always answer it differently. But I want to start and say the new single Cracks out June 30th is freaking awesome! I think our sound is adaptable. It rises to the lyrics. LM is has such a talent of crafting beautiful phrases I try and expand into the space the lyrics give me. Our sound is honest. Yeah that’s it, it’s an honest expression of art.
What’s a typical day in the studio like for you?
Every recording is different. You need to get into a good, sometimes fast, workflow. On this record we went into it ready to go. LM and I had rehearsed this song for almost year be for we got to the studio. The mornings were devoted to the instrumentals. Most of the time I started with guitar moved to bass, then drums and leads after that. The afternoons were all about LM and the vocals.
Do you have to be in a certain mood to write a song?
Sometimes I do. Most of the time for me inspiration hits me out of the blue and I have to chase it down before I can stop. I have had too many long nights diving into songs that will never see the light of day. Some do but most of them don’t. My cousin Emily Fischer-Field, an amazing painter in her own right (go check out here stuff on instagram @emilyfischerfield.) sorry for the shameless plug but you gotta support your people right? Anyway she told me that you should never reject an idea and I truly believe in that.
Who is the best band you've ever seen play live?
Man, another hard one. There are so many! I would say Bad Religion was amazing, Neutral Milk Hotel was insane, but I think the one I remember the most is Radio Moscow at the Alibi in Arcata CA. I was in my early 20’s and that band showed me you can write whatever you want, it doesn’t matter. You just need to be honest and compelling. People will get it.
Who are your three biggest musical inspirations?
I can’t speak for LM but I think I can speak for the band. I think LM would agree with this. Rainbow Kitten Surprise is up there, mix with The Band, a little Alanis and the three kings of the blues (Freddy, B.B, Albert) The solo on Bloodmoon is me trying to be Albert King.
What’s the toughest part of the industry for you?
The pay gap is tough. You need to put in a lot of time, energy and effort to just get into the position to make money. With zero certainty that it will all work out and pay off.
What’s the most enjoyable part of the industry?
The art! The music, the films, the stories, that is what makes this great. Finding like minded creatives is what its ask about.
What do you have in store for 2023?
Oh so many things! We are currently working on promo for the release plus we have another single coming out on July 30th. Weather Song is one of my favorites. After that the Whole Record! That will be released sometime in August. Then LM and I both have solo projects that have records coming out this year. Plus the Shipping Co. is going to start playing live. I can’t wait for that.
Thank you so much for having me. This has been such a fun conversation. Please everyone go listen to Cracks on June 30th wherever you stream your music. It Is Awesome!
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