Exploring New Creative Avenues: Tigercub's Journey with Stone Gossard and Loosegroove Records
Stone Gossard of Pearl Jam was impressed by Tigercub's album, "As Blue as Indigo," and signed the British alt-rock trio to his label, Loosegroove Records. Jamie Hall, the band's leader, was thrilled by the public endorsement and sees it as a great opportunity. Gossard praised Hall's talent, comparing him to iconic rock guitarists like Homme and Morello, and commended his ability to sing and play simultaneously.
Hall is determined to live up to Gossard's praise with Tigercub's fourth album, "Nets to Catch the Wind." Gossard was actively involved in the album's creation, acting as a mentor and pushing Hall to explore new creative avenues. The recording process was more raw and live, with minimal processing to capture the band's essence authentically.
The album was recorded using a mix of amps and pedals to achieve a unique sound. Hall used a variety of Chapman guitars, including a baritone model gifted by Rabea Massaad, which allowed him to experiment with drop tunings and different playing styles. The band's approach to recording was influenced by Gossard's advice to keep the sound as live and unprocessed as possible.
Hall's plans for a signature Chapman guitar were put on hold due to unforeseen circumstances with the customization process. He also shared insights into his amp setup, which included a mix of vintage and modern amps to achieve the desired tones for the album. Additionally, he mentioned being inspired by Eyehategod's live tone and incorporating an Ampeg SS-150 into his gear collection.
Tigercub's riff-making process involves incorporating chromatic elements and creating dramatic, cinematic riffs that stand out from the song's key. Hall draws inspiration from the idea of songs as mini films with unexpected twists and turns. The band's collaboration with Stone Gossard and Loosegroove Records has opened up new creative possibilities for their music, and they are excited to share their latest album with the world.