KIM SHATTUCK

photo by Cat Rose

KIM SHATTUCK

What was your first exposure to rock music? Did you and your sister share a love of music early on? What prompted you to pick up a guitar, and how did you approach learning the instrument as a teenager? Were there any specific songs or bands that inspired you to begin writing songs?

I heard rock music when I was a kid but it was lame mid 70s hard rock stuff that I considered to be hippy music. I became obsessed with music after I realized you could have melodic stuff with loud guitars. Eventually I picked up on the Beatles and the Kinks and then the Bangles EP when I decided to write songs!  

In an interview you described your experiences in The Pandoras as an opportunity to observe and allow your own songwriting to develop. Were you intent on doing your own thing early into that experience? Were there people who encouraged you and helped you develop your songcraft? At what point did you begin to feel confident in the songs you were writing?

I had written some shitty songs in 1985. I was rookie for sure.  I had started a band with people who went to college with me, we all took art, and I had illusions of grandeur. I didn't know the first thing about how to get a show or even how to end a song. And my drummer asked me if I could sound more like Siouxie Sioux.Then I got into the Pandoras and Paula Pierce made it known that she was the only songwriter for the Pandoras. I had mixed feelings about it but I wanted to be in a real band so I swallowed my ambitions until later.

I worked on my songs secretly, without any help. I went with my heart, eventually getting confidence in my songs secretly. I would record demos on my four track but I don't think I was impressed with my songs until I wrote Everywhere I Go in 1989.

The chord progressions you use have always struck me as being unique in that they stray from the 1-4-5 formula but still carry very melodic, poppy melodies. You also tend to structure your songs such that the arrangements don't have the typical cycles of chords and but still feel very neatly wrapped up and traditional in a sense. How did you develop that style of songwriting?

I dunno! I like melodies and really disliked most bands at the time. I thought that if I could sound sing songy with burly guitars I'd be my own favorite band. I love twenties chords and noticed the Beatles did it too. Maybe my early upbringing singing crazy harmonies  as a child and asking my mom what chords were what while poking around on the family piano. I've always been creative.

Your guitar playing has always been relatable but it's clear that you have developed your own style of playing - notably your solos and the chords you choose. Even the guitars you choose to play lend themselves to the aesthetic you've created - how did your guitar-playing evolve, and what are your favorite types of guitars to play?

I always liked wooden looking guitars, ie not flashy. When I was learning how to play guitar I would get so frustrated I would throw the guitar across the room. Eventually a friend showed me some jazz chords and I had a guitar breakthrough. I have a tendency to get the chords pretty simple and the melody weaves through and picks up the jazz chord bits.

There's something timeless in your songs but also an edge and bite that gives even your sweetest songs a bit of a dangerous feel. When you compose, do you try to convey a combination of feelings? To what extent to you write songs as a form of personal therapy?

Thanks. I don't think at all when I start to write lyrics, but I do think when I start writing verse two. I write lyrics fast as a result and when I reread them later they are always about something I was going through. 

You've always come across as a friendly and considerate person but also one who isn't afraid to risk some weird humor and fun - have you had to build up any "tolerance" for dealing with people who may approach you awkwardly as fans or perhaps people who may just be looking for bragging rights by talking to you?

I love sincerity and can smell a phony a mile away. Luckily most fans are extremely sweet. And drunk fans are always annoying.

Regarding your songwriting process, you've mentioned that you tend to begin with a song and then build on that success - and that subsequent songs often come out better than the one before. Are you able to just sit down with the intent to write and then go for it? How often do song ideas come to you at random times? When that occurs, do you have a process for recording/demoing/cataloging the ideas so you don't forget?

I do get ideas while meandering through the my day. Just ditties. My old way of recording it was a cassette recorder, then a micro cassette. Finally the iPhone voice memos. It's easy for me once I decide to sit down with my guitar and a recording device and a notebook to get something going. The challenge is mostly to not get in my own way.

The Beards was an interesting project in that it combined well-known musicians and songwriters. Was that experience difficult? It seems to me that combining two distinct yet different songwriting personalities in a band might create some tension. Is it more comfortable for you to be at the helm in a band rather than inviting other cooks into the kitchen?

At the point where I was asked to do that I was going through a crisis of confidence so I was going with the flow more than usual. I didn't want to contribute more than three songs and I found it fun to perform the Lisa Marr songs because I really admire her. It was supposed to be what it turned out to be. A fun one off.

Did you ever find that fans and people around you were drawn to you romantically as a result of being exposed to your music? Was it necessary for you to take a cautious position with respect to fans due to the fact that many people (especially guys) can come across as assholes both intentionally and unintentionally. 

The thing I said about drunk fans has a lot to do with this attitude. But usually people are pretty nice. There are definitely people who act like they want to have a romance with me, but it usually takes on a cute, crush type of schoolboy or schoolgirl quality.

At what point did photography enter the picture, so to speak? You also directed some music videos? "All of This Pain" by Lisa Marr Experiment turned out great - do you see a connection between songwriting and photography/videography/editing?

I did a handful of videos partnering up with my sister Kristen Shattuck. We had so much for fun doing it. She was the director of photography and I was the editor and we both weighed into every decision. I think all creativity rules.

You sang on the NOFX song "Lori Meyers" - a small accomplishment in the context of your career but still one that people tend to reference (including wikipedia). What do you think of Fat Mike's songwriting? Both of you seem to have found a unique sound that have inspired many but can't quite be matched by anyone else. Has he ever given you specific songwriting feedback?

I can't for the life of me ever remember how Lori Meyers goes. It is not melodic or catchy. We were on Fat Wreck for our Alert Today Alive Tomorrow album and the only advice Fat Mike gave me about this batch of songs was after we turned them in, he said, where are all the fast songs?!

Who are the songwriters who you admire the most? Were there any who you tried to emulate in the beginning as you were finding your sound? Since your music pre-dates the "pop punk" phenomenon, I imagine you weren't as excited about that scene as people in my generation (I'm 38). How did you feel about the rise of the "skate punk" sound and the sudden marketability of bands like Green Day and The Offspring?

I really like Ray Davies, Lennon McCartney, more than that but I'm drawing a blank. I never willfully paid homage to anyone on purpose but I did accidentally I'm sure. I totally like Green Day, but the Offspring ain't my cup of tea.

The Muffs seem to have had a successful career so far without changing up the sound or style significantly. You've had the major label experience, movie soundtracks, and have enjoyed different eras of success over the years - is there a standout moment when you felt particularly proud of your songs or what you've accomplished with The Muffs?

I don't know how to sum up my career in a few sentences. I am most proud of how my songs have progressed. I'm happiest when I'm making shit up so there's that.

Your scream is well-known and many have asked about it in interviews. My feeling is that you could've just as easily fronted a metal band if you were into it - how do you feel about heavy metal music as a style?

I hate heavy metal with every ounce of my being.

How does songwriting fit into your current life, and how do you feel about the impact of the most recent Muffs album? It seemed to get great reviews, but is that good enough? Are you still motivated to continue touring and recording albums? Has any other outlet emerged in your recent life as something that's more of a focus now than music?

I can't think about the future.