Getting to Know… ttwig | Interview

In the 496^th Q&A in our Getting to Know… series, we get the inside scoop from do-it-all musician, ttwig.

What is ttwig referencing? His new album, Hang Ten Colors to Catch the Sun, which he asserts “is meant to be played front to back, uninterrupted.” A do-it-all musician, ttwig wrote, recorded, and mixed the project, which is incredibly impressive. Beyond discussing his latest album, ttwig provides the inside scoop on the band’s genesis, goals, musical influences, and current and future musical endeavors. So, without further ado, let’s jump right into Getting to Know…ttwig: Interview No. 496!

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For those who may not be familiar with you, what would you say makes you distinct or unique? How do you rock the audience’s socks off?

I really took my time to create an experience & a universe with this record. Hang Ten Colors to Catch the Sun is meant to be played front to back, uninterrupted. I wrote, recorded, and mixed all of the songs myself (with a few friends adding some instrumentation here & there). I think the sonic palette, lyrics, arrangements & artwork make this a special one.

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Okay, let’s explore some juicy backstories. How did your project form, and what were some of your goals or visions early?

I was living in LA during the lockdown. I made soooo much music in 2020. I actually wrote & recorded all of the music for my first record, Mindless Meadow, and this one in just a month or 2. This was when ttwig was born. I was realizing that these songs shared a special DNA that called for an entirely new moniker. ttwig is music you’ve never heard but still remember.

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Let’s talk more about goals.  Have your goals or perspectives changed since you first started? What do your aspirations or goals look like now?

I’ve always wanted to inspire people the same way my favorite artists inspire me. I think as time goes on, that has stayed the same. I always look to connect/create with artists I look up to, as well as perform live more.

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Everybody is influenced by somebody else. Who would you consider some of your biggest musical influences, and how are they influential?

I pull from a lot of musical influences. The ingenuity/expression of Radiohead. The perfect simplicity of a song/vocal tone of Coldplay. The transcendent soundscapes of Tame Impala. The humor/emotional tangibility of pop punk bands like New Found Glory & Blink 182. It’s a beautiful thing to see your influences weave together and get filtered through you to create a new, unique sound.

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Ah, the fun stuff.  What’s your craziest tour story or the wackiest thing that’s happened during a performance?  Feel free to be creative.

I have one, but it’s not safe for work. You can email me at [email protected] if you want to hear the story.

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To this point in your career, what would you describe as your favorite song you’ve recorded or performed live? What makes that song special?

Oof, that’s a tough one. I guess for the sake of this particular record, I will say “Ride the Wave”. This one is really simple at its core, but I had so much fun with the arrangement. The breakdown/drum solo at the end is one of my favorite moments on the record.

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Is there anything else awesome, cool, or left-of-center we should know about you? Secret talents or surprising tidbits?

I love doing accents/impressions. I have a 1,859-day streak on Duolingo. I’m in love with your mom.

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What is ttwig currently working on or promoting that you can share? We love secrets, but there’s no pressure. 

I had a lot of fun building my website: www.ttwig.net.

You can find links to all of the things there, as well as lyrics, photos I took for the album, and some videos.

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Thank you so much for sharing and taking the time to answer these questions, and best of luck moving forward. 

tthank you!!!

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Getting to Know…ttwig: Interview No. 496 [📷: ttwig]

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