Things are looking up for Alex Schaaf, otherwise known as the man behind the music of Yellow Ostrich. Initially creating his music as a bedroom solo project in Wisconsin, he’s since relocated to Brooklyn, added two members to the band (drummer Michael Tapper and bassist Jon Natchez), and got signed to Barsuk Records which will release the group’s latest album, The Mistress, on August 16th - tomorrow. But this recent increase in attention to Schaaf’s music is no surprise when examining his talent.
Trained at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, the young artist plays guitar, bass, and keyboard, uses loop pedals like they’re extra limbs, and sings. A lot. Layers his vocals on top of one another to be used as unique and affecting song hooks. On top of all that, these songs are catchy, interesting, and straight-forward pop gems. And he makes all this look easy.
Check out our recent interview with Alex to see what he has to say about his process, his feelings for the midwest, and how long it will take before he becomes a shepherd.
How was Yellow Ostrich first created?
When I was in college I was in another band, The Chairs. But at one point I made an album by myself, did it in 6-7 days, and then I needed a name to put it out as, so I came up with Yellow Ostrich. From then on, it served as my “solo” recording thing while I did the full-band thing with the Chairs, but then the Chairs ended and I turned Yellow Ostrich into a more full-band thing.
Were there times when you wanted to leave music and pursue something else?
Not really, I’ve only been out of school for a year and a half so I’m still at the very early stages of doing music, so I haven’t become totally jaded or burnt-out yet. I give myself at least another 2-3 years before I hang it up to become a shepherd.
Layered vocals play a big part in your music. Are they included in your songwriting process, or are they more of an aspect of production?
For the Mistress they were a big part of the songwriting, using a loop pedal to make those little ‘riffs’ and then writing songs around them.
How do the additional members of Yellow Ostrich affect your overall sound?
They definitely make it bigger and more raw/live, and it adds a really important ‘human’ element to the equation, compared to before when I was doing most stuff along with a loop pedal. Having more people means we have to loop less, and rely on pedals/effects less, so we can just play and interact with each other.
You’ve released a number of interesting covers, including “Love More” by Sharon van Etten (mp3) and, more recently, “Blue” by Eiffel 65. How do you choose which songs to cover?
There’s not much thought into it, just whatever song I’m really into at the moment and which I think could work well as a cover.
You moved from Wisconsin to New York City not too long ago. Do you ever miss the midwest?
I miss the Midwest every day, I’m sure I’ll be back there someday. But for now I’m enjoying the contrast of NYC, and the change it brought me after living in the Midwest for the first 22 years of my life.
What have you been listening to recently?
Lately I’ve been on a big Neil Young kick, which is slowly fading back into another Beatles phase. Lots of Revolver.
