TNM: Tell us about your current project, The Crary Method.
PC: The Crary Method is just me. Named after a skateboarding trick and my last name. I play drums following along with pre-recorded guitars, bass, keyboards, and other noises that I compose in the studio. When a riff of sorts pops up for me, it either evolves into a song or some kind of ambient noise chaos. I will test-run this as I play along with it on my trap set. My percussionist instinct usually tells me if the music is fun to play along with or not, and sometimes it surprises me when I think it will be fun to drum over. I use my rhythmic brain to test out my compositions, and sometimes it’s the exact opposite of what I think as a guitarist or keyboardist. Occasionally, the simple things (riffs/songs) are what I gravitate towards as a drummer, although I create many odd time signatures and work on simplifying the instrumentation. I’ve been playing drums for over 40 years, but my mom would argue that I’ve been smacking pots and pans forever!
TNM: How long have you been doing this?
PC: Roughly 3 years ago, I applied for a grant after recording my solo albums. I intended to utilize video and lighting along with my music. My show planned to reflect the tension between nature and urban life. This evolved into my current solo project. Before starting the Crary Method, I played drums for numerous local bands and am currently the drummer of the punk band The Les Dirty Frenchmen and have another side band in the works!
TNM: As a one-person band, how do you make things work for live shows?
PC: I pre-record guitars, keys, and other racket onto looper pedals. Then I will play drums and sing/scream/howl along with these songs/tracks. I have tapered this down to bringing less and less gear, utilizing headphones, PA systems, sound engineer advice, and the best thing ever… drum tech/roadie! I’ve consolidated my live show setup by bringing my drums, headphones, and pre-recorded loops.
TNM: How would you describe your sound?
PC: I struggle with describing my sound. I have heard this, and I would agree, “It’s a guttural cacophony of rhythmic mystical ambience!” It always blows me away when people compare my stuff to other bands or give me their first impression. A local guitar guru said, “I’m not gonna lie… It’s way out there!” I enjoy all feedback, both positive, negative, and insightful. Often others compare my sound to an unearthed band I’ve never heard of, and I will listen and say, “WOW! This sounds like my shit!”
TNM: Have you released music? How can it be found?
PC: Crary Method has not released any music yet. I’m currently working on my next album and hope to have it recorded by mid-summer.
My two solo albums (under my initials “PC”) can be found locally at Orange Records, and A Drummer’s Journey, on CD or tape cassette. Online they’re available on my bandcamp page. They’re also on Spotify, SoundCloud, Youtube, and iTunes.
These two albums are composed, recorded, mixed (Quinzhee), and performed by myself. I had professional help with my second album, utilizing the skills of the late Steve Albini’s studio Electrical Audio in my final mix, and hired Staff Mastering to complete the tracks. My first album, Quinzhee, is very raw and personal. I utilized a classical acoustic guitar, electronic drums, and acoustic drums along with keyboards and synth noises. My second album, Distance Guidance is amplified by an old school vintage Silvertone amp, Fender Jazzmaster and other guitars, along with an assortment of wild emotional outbursts.
Quinzhee was released Dec.8 2020, and Distance Guidance was released May 22 , 2022. I play a few of these songs in my live CM set and continue to tap into these tracks for current CM setlists.
TNM: What are the best parts about Fargo/ Moorhead?
PC: I think what makes this area special is the weather! For real! We have the craziest weather in the world, making us hearty, tough, and badass! The temperature can swing 80 degrees in a day. Not to mention blizzards and storms. When our first warm spring day hits us, we all freak out, and everyone is outside in shorts on a 50-degree day. The way we embrace our climate gives us an intense appreciation for the changes every day. We make the most of it! I feel this also invites creativity after being cooped up all winter and needing a vice to tap into.
The best part about FM, besides our bike trails along the Red, is the music scene. The amount of energy, inspiration, and vibes I get from other local artists is infectious. There is a hum I feel when I attend a show watching a band play for the first time or the 1000th time. It never gets old. I’ve been lucky enough to witness many historic shows in this area and have played in many. Fugazi, The Circle Jerks, The Suburbs, The Jesus Lizard, Modest Mouse, Steel Pole Bathtub, Blues Traveler, Godheadsilo, Hammerhead, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, to name a few. The number of talented artists in this area is untapped, vibrant, inspiring, and massive. I wish the best to all of the local artists and hope to see you all at the next gig!
TNM: Would you prefer to be recording or playing live?
PC: This is a tricky question because I have a passion for creating in general, especially music in the studio. If I had to choose, I would say playing live. A studio live stream for random people or a venue full of familiar and new faces always impels me. Nothing beats a high-five after a show or a new face telling me, “Thank you, I enjoyed your music!” The pressure that builds up before a show compels me to practice and allows me to share intimately with others. It’s hard to answer this question because I have often recorded music but rarely shared any of this until the last 5 years.
The whole process of recording, to me, is exhilarating and mysterious. When I come up with a new song or idea, my best way to critique it is by taking a bike ride through the woods and listening to it for the first time. If I finish my ride feeling emotional or energized, I know the tune’s a keeper.
RRCC 