After years of touring The Love Bubble, Ava and I grew more of a dynamic on stage. We had a distinct sound that evolved from the first record. Eventually, I would write more songs to really hone in on this. She got so good I wanted to give her much more of the spotlight. It grew into much of what's on our second album, Ultramagnetic Universal Love Revolution.
What is your favorite part of the music-making process -- the writing, recording, or playing live?
As a process, writing and recording are the same for me because I do them at the same time. I enjoy it the most. It's a thrill to start with nothing and by the end of the session you might have just reinvented the the song of life. I love it. Making videos too, it's the same feelings all over again and then some when we release them to the public.
Playing live to me can be stressful sometimes. But I have to say, connecting with the audience is the BEST feeling in the world. I'm always so happy after a good show. It's basically the same feelings of writing, recording and making videos, but then some. It's triple the pleasure hearing praise for the Chocolate Chips. This enormous proud feeling comes over me and I want to take everyone out to eat even when it pinches my pocket just a little too much.
You're part of a Kindiefest panel on self-management. Without stealing your thunder from the panel, what's the most important thing you've learned over the past couple years about managing your work, family, creative, and personal life?
It's a tightrope act for sure. Part of the allure of this business is being able to integrate my family life with my artistic passions. I'm an obsessive artist by nature. What keeps me grounded is my family, my friends, and the community. When there's love in my heart with what I do and how I live, I feel I can fly anywhere and dream as big as I want to. Everything else naturally falls into place.
Also, always backup your hard drive!
What's next for you?
We're working on a stop motion animation/green screen video for "Call Me Mista Cookie Jar." It's kind of a period piece, maybe a hundred years ago or so--but in a magical realm. Kind of like Wizard of Oz. I'm just psyched because I get to turn one of my fedoras into a Buster Keaton hat. We're getting together and having craft dates with some friends. It's a slow, meticulous process but we love it. Our new favorite thing. I'm absolutely psyched to finish the project. Visually, some exciting new territory. Inspired by Terry Gilliam and the amazing "Inspiration" video by Cat Doorman. Hopefully, we can do the medium justice. But you can bet we'll give it our all.
Also got a project with Todd McHatton. I think we're calling it, "Todd & Cookie." We've got about 2 songs now. I think the term, "Cheech and Chong for kids" was thrown out. But that just sounds wrong.
It's been so cool working with him though. All Postal Service style, that is to say, we haven't worked on it in person once yet. Just Dropbox. It's freeing working with Todd. We're unlocking some mad id in ourselves while at the same time he's such a sweet, talented guy with such a tender writing voice. But I do have to say, the Underbirds will be a tough act to follow! They're awesome!
New album in the works too. Should be interesting, the kids have grown so much since the last batch of ditties. I was worried for a bit they might not be into it anymore. For a minute it seemed like Minecraft and Bieber fever was getting the best of them, but they always come back around. The music is so integrated in our lives, we'll just have to let it grow up with them. So far, we've got a bit of Motown, a bit of old Americana, ska, & some trap music influences. I don't know, that's seriously what I'm working with at the moment…?!
Mista Cookie Jar photo by Andrew Cho; Ava Flava and Lucas photos by Market Street Productions
