Q&A: Louder, Sweatier, and Ready to Erupt: Smut on Their Explosive Sophomore Album, ‘Tomorrow Comes Crashing’
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY FAITH LUEVANOS ☆
Photo By Jon Salazar
BORN IN THE HEART OF THE CINCINNATI DIY SCENE – indie rock band Smut cultivated their sound for years before making the move to Chicago, the birthplace of their sophomore album, Tomorrow Comes Crashing. Comprised of Tay Roebuck (vocals), Andie Min (guitar), Sam Ruschman (guitar), Aidan O’Connor (drums), and John Steiner (bass), Smut is a genuine meeting of the minds.
What Roebuck describes as cathartic, loud, and sweaty, Tomorrow Comes Crashing is an evolution in the band’s sound, one that holds onto their DIY roots while also bringing fresh and larger-than-life ideas to the table. The album is absolutely electric, one that’s sure to translate well during their live shows.
The Luna Collective received the opportunity to chat with lead vocalist Tay Roebuck prior to the band’s album release show in Chicago, where we discussed the making of the album, lessons they’ve learned as a band, and more. Read the full interview below.
LUNA: Starting with the title of the album, what does Tomorrow Comes Crashing represent for you?
ROEBUCK: I think the beauty of the album title is its multi-functionality. It could mean totally opposite things; it could fill you with dread or excitement at the inevitability of tomorrow. For me, it’s a looking forward, bracing yourself for the impact of something huge.
LUNA: How has building Smut from the ground up, completely DIY style, shaped you as a band?
ROEBUCK: We started as small as any band does, in a tight little community that was virtually disconnected from the business end of music. I think that gave us the time and freedom to find what our art would communicate and what our goals were before leaping in. We got to try a lot of things before seeking the spotlight, and the DIY scene really allows for experimentation.
LUNA: Do you notice an evolution of your sound since How the Light Felt? Perhaps it's something more internal?
ROEBUCK: Absolutely. I think the first few releases, there was something bubbling in us, it took a while to realize that what we needed was big. And Aidan and John brought big. Big time.
LUNA: What are three words that best describe this album?
ROEBUCK: Cathartic, loud, sweaty.
LUNA: Were there any external sources of inspiration while making the album?
ROEBUCK: Of course! Literally any band that any of us were listening to at the time was sprinkled in; I think that’s the magic of songwriting. You can love a metal riff and a Steely Dan guitar part and an emo vocal run and smash them together.
LUNA: What do you hope fans take away from the album?
ROEBUCK: I hope that they feel huge while listening to it. There’s a lot to be pissed about, sad about, excited about. I want to give people a soundtrack to big feelings.
LUNA: After making music together for so long, what lessons have you learned about each other or being part of a band in general?
ROEBUCK: A band is the wildest working relationship you can have; it becomes a second family. On tour, you see each other 24/7, sleep in the same room, eat together, for weeks straight. I think what I’ve learned is that the dynamics between us are maybe the most important part. When you get along so well, it opens you to an almost psychic connection. [laughs] We have mind-melded to know what each other wants and what each song needs musically. Pure creative love.
LUNA: Favorite songs from the album?
ROEBUCK: For me, it’s “Sunset Hymnal,” it sounds absolutely anthemic and taps into this vulnerability in me. It’s exposing in the best way. Also, “Syd Sweeney” is so fun to play, so performance-wise, maybe that one.
LUNA: What are you currently listening to?
ROEBUCK: We’ve all been listening to the new Oklou album a lot. We also played with this band, Palomino Blond, which I really love. I’m looking forward to seeing what they do next.
LUNA: Your album release show is coming up in July. What can fans expect to experience that night?
ROEBUCK: We are going to absolutely wail that night. I’m trying to make it a little special, but I won’t reveal how, you just gotta come see it for yourself!
