Throughout all the bizarre phases of my eclectic existence I have maintained a robust passion for reggae music. Maybe it’s the potent dose of positivity that it shoots through my being or maybe it’s just the general feeling of standing beneath a soft waterfall. Whatever it is, I dig it.
A band that I’ve truly come to love recently is Stick Figure. Originally a one-man act, Scott Woodruff would record each instrument individually and then layer the tracks on top of each other to melodious reggae/roots/dub perfection. He produced Stick Figure’s first four albums in this manner before collaborating with friend T.J. O’Neill on the 2012 album “Burial Ground,” which features reggae singer Half Pint on one of the tracks. Since releasing “Burial Ground,” Woodruff has put together a full live band which includes Kevin Bong on keyboards, Kevin Offitzer on drums and Tommy Suliman on bass.
I had the immense pleasure of interviewing the legend himself in lieu of their show on Wednesday at High Dive. (You should be there.)
Via: stickfiguremusic.com
What was the most rewarding aspect about going from being a one-man act to having a full, live band? Anything unexpected/unusual about the shift?
The most rewarding part is being able to bring the music to the fans. It’s not something I could or would even want to do on my own. I really have so much fun performing in front of people and playing these songs live. Touring the country is about the most fun anyone can have. It has its challenges, but being able to travel the country with your best friends playing music is about as much fun as anyone can expect. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Does writing such positive music ever come as a challenge?
Actually, sometimes yes. I naturally try and and always prefer to write positive music, but sometimes I will go through phases where many songs will have downer vibes and I have to shift my thinking and write happy feel good songs.
What do you miss most about Massachusetts? And what’s the best thing about living in California?
I miss the warm water in the ocean and my three brothers. The best thing about California is the vibes, the weather and the terrain.
Who do you consider your greatest musical influences?
The legendary Bradley Nowell from Sublime.
Via: dyingscene.com
I read that “Stick Figure” was your high school nickname. How did this come to be?
My friends started calling me “Stick Wood” when I was a sophomore in high school due to my last name being “Woodruff…it later got shortened “Stick.” When I submitted my music to a popular website two years later they asked me my band name…Not having one, I decided to make the name a play off my nickname.
Now that you guys are a full band, will Kevin, Kevin and Tom assist in the creative side of future projects?
I still do most of the writing and recording on all the songs. But lately when I bring the guys a song that is in my mind complete, we will jam it live for fun and everyone will put their own spin on it… Sometimes I will go back and add the new ideas to the studio recordings.
Via: stickfiguremusic.com
What has been the best place you’ve been so far on this tour? The worst?
We are two days into the tour….so I have two options. I am gonna go with Dallas! This is a really cool outdoor venue with a chill vibe and great acoustics.
What’s your go-to snack when you have the munchies?
Pepperoni Pizza with ranch dressing all the way!
Come vibe to the beautiful melodies of Stick Figure on September 17 at High Dive.
Featured photo courtesy of: stickfiguremusic.com
