Brett Mitchell Sews Up Another Album

Oct. 9, 2014

He’s lyrically influenced by John Lennon, Jeff Tweedy, Ben Folds and Neil Young. Musically, you’ll hear hints of Jeff Lynne, Elvis Costello, Weezer and Wilco.

He’s a drummer turned guitarist turned singer-songwriter, and the Midland, Mich native is also recently transplanted to Alden, just outside of Traverse City.

He’s Brett Mitchell and he knows how to stitch together some standout music from a wide range of materials.

"I usually tell people my music is folky, indie pop-rock–whatever that even means any more," Mitchell laughed. "I have an eclectic taste in music, so I think that comes through in my songwriting. I don’t like to pump out the same formula, and I’m not a good storyteller, so my lyrics are more metaphorical and poetic, describing feelings more than telling a story."

His drumming started the ball rolling initially, laying the foundation for his transition to multi-faceted musician. He’s already on album number three and he performs his originals live with his band, stylized as Brett Mitchell & the giant GHOST.

STITCHING IT TOGETHER

"I’m known more as a drummer in Midland, but the guitar made its way into my hands because it’s the main instrument my friends always seemed to have around, so I taught myself how to play," Mitchell explained.

After his parents gifted him an acoustic guitar, he immediately began writing songs and trying to decipher other songs that he liked.

"I think that’s where I made the official transition from having my interest in drums shift to guitar–when I started writing songs and singing," he explained.

As a drummer-turned-songwriter, he benefits from usually being able to write songs with the drum part simultaneously in his head. This has helped him develop strong rhythm guitar skills, adding even more depth to his latest album, Falling Apart at the Seams, which he recorded at Reed Recording in Bay City.

"I’ve recorded two albums with Andy Reed," Mitchell said. "He and I share a love of a lot of the same music and sounds, so it was a dream to make."

Mitchell plays drums on every track but one and he snagged Reed to contribute bass. "We made a pretty good team," Mitchell said.

The album took five months to record and several more to master and mix. Mitchell himself designed the artwork, a witty embroidered and stitched image.

An audio thread–pun intended–runs through Falling Apart at the Seams, as every track carries Mitchell’s distinct vocals and arrangement style; but the album also carries a theme derived from its title.

MENDING MUSIC

"There are at least three breakup songs on the album," Mitchell said. "At the time I was feeling very worn. The title track itself is the theme: to be completely unraveling, but also letting go at the same time, letting it happen and not caring so much about being "˜put together well.’ It’s about going in and out of relationships and not taking a second to mend yourself."

The dense guitars of "Dead-End Lover" sit alongside the hooky "I Used to Think of Her" and the Ben Folds-inspired title track. The Marshall-Crenshaw-reminiscent "Typical as Time" and the "˜60s feel of "The Other Side" are other standouts. It isn’t a maudlin set, in spite of the subject matter; many of the tracks are made even more interesting by the fact that the pop melodies belie the darker sentiments lyrically residing underneath.

"I’m usually inspired by pain and suffering," Mitchell said wryly, "but somehow turning it into a catchy little tune helps the medicine go down."

Inspired by northern Michigan’s natural beauty ("since an early age, I’ve been in awe of it up here," he said about relocating to Alden), Mitchell’s next album, which he plans to record this winter, might be a little less painful.

"Besides the incredible views and scenery up here, you have people who really seem to be passionate about community and culture, and want to hear original music," he said. "I am absolutely honored to be among such talent. I really dig it."

Brett Mitchell will perform with his band, Brett Mitchell & the giant GHOST, at Union Street Station in Traverse City on October 24. For updates on his music and more live dates, visit his official website: www.brettmitchellmusic.com