An interview with Jaren Love, lead singer of The Lampshades

Spotlight: The Lampshades

By Joseph Huttner

October 12, 2008

When Jaren Love, lead singer of "The Lampshades," described the group as belonging to the "power pop" genre, I had no clue what the hell he was talking about. Is this guy on crack? But after listening to the group's latest record, "Are Alright," I figured out that "power pop" basically means the following:

(n) A group with a true rock sound, catchy melodies with lots of "oohs," strong bass chords, and sweet drums sequences bringing it all together.

Read on to find out how consummation happened, the current state of The Lampshades, and the future direction of the group.

Joseph of Sad Steve: How did you get started, and how did The Lampshades form?

Jaren: For me, music was sort of an escape. When I was younger and in my teenage years, I wasn't very good at athletics. So music was a way to do something different, to escape. I started writing songs. Like most groups, early songs were about girls, but since then I've moved onto some deeper themes (though there's still plenty about girls).

The Lampshades have been together since 2003. Basically our original drummer and I were in different bands and each of us was somewhat unhappy. We made a pact to leave our bands and start a new group. The Lampshades was born. Chris, our bassist, joined the group soon after, and then after a bunch of member changes Brady, The Lampshade's other vocalist, and Dane, our drummer, came on board.

Cool. So where does the name The Lampshades come from?

It's just a stupid name.

Shakespeare would agree with that. What's influencing the beats in your latest album?

I think we are moving away from a straight-up power pop sound and instead drawing from groups in other genres. This would include the "Soft Bulletin" album by The Flaming Lips, Pavement, Wilco, and even some of Brian Wilson's cues on melody. He's the lead singer of the Beach Boys.

I'm aware

Ha ha. Cool. Sometimes going back and taking a cue from groups that are kind of old seems pathetic, but I've just discovered them now, so they're helping out. Also, some 70's soft rock like Gilbert O'Sullivan is good.

Yeah, I can definitely hear a bit of that British rock sound coming through, especially in "Mad Father's Got a Gun." It's a good feeling. And how has your music been received by fans? Are you popular? I mean, I can't stop listening to "I'm So Different." Are other people in my shoes?

In today's world of "everyone and their brother has a band," it can be tough at times to get the word out. Still, we have been getting good press lately, and feedback on "Are Alright" has been positive.

And, Mr. Love, what does the future look like for The Lampshades?

Our next project is a 7" vinyl release. We've already recorded two songs for that. We hope to have our next full record out for summer/fall 2009. It's currently untitled.

Okay, last question. Just so we don't act too professional, what's a sexual kink of yours?

[Long pause] So you know those shorts with the letters on the ass? The ones that girls wear? Those are hot.

Do you have a favorite phrase in particular?

I guess "Cheer!"

You can check out The Lampshades's MySpace by clicking the link below.
http://www.myspace.com/thelampshades

You can purchase The Lampshades latest album "Are Alright" on CD Baby.
http://cdbaby.com/cd/lampshades2

Or visit the group's official website at http://thelampshades.net.

Are you an aspiring artist looking for some exposure? Please contact us to discuss featuring your music on Sad Steve!

This text will be replaced

I'm So Different
Point of No Return
My Boyfriend's Band
Yenlo
Just Keep Rolling On