‘Change In The Weather’ is third single off of Lane’s anticipated sophomore album, ‘Common Country Misconceptions’, set for release March this year. This is the first Podge Lane release of 2023, after an exciting 2022 which included a full tour for his debut album ‘Outer Monologues’ in Ireland and London, press and media coverage from Hot Press Magazine, American Songwriter, RTÉ, as well as support dates opening for American folk artists Charlie Parr and the Brother Brothers. Ranging in influences from John Prine and Kevin Morby to Maddison Cunningham and Bright Eyes, ‘Change In The Weather’ is a warm and contemplative ballad, exploring an honest tale of overthinking.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hello Podge Lane. Can you tell us about your early career? Where did you get the idea for the music industry?
Well when I was a kid I always dreamed of being a sports star. Any sport. Football, soccer, golf, lacrosse. Tried em all, and failed at em all. Then a mixture of being asked to sing for a school show, and my mom suggesting I learn guitar, led me to realize I loved the attention. Then I actually learned I loved performing and, even more, I loved writing music.
Where do you start when producing songs?
Recently I’ve been starting with a drum groove. From there I usually start playing chords, seeing what fits the mood. I’ll then use these fragments of recorded songs to write over. Once a song is completed, I take that drum groove, write some more changes, and record each instrument. I try to record straight through, as if I was the session bass player, guitarist etc. I always want the recording to feel like a full band in a room, even when it's me doing most of the instruments (sans piano or backing vocals.)
Your latest song is 'Change In The Weather'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
This song came when I was nearly done recording my album “Common Country Misconceptions”. I wanted an anchor point for the story. I know a lot of people (including myself) who look for signs in silly things like the weather, numbers or anything moving. So on an album about trying to find problems in happiness, having an emotional ballad like this felt perfect.
I originally wanted it to be a solo acoustic track, but Peter (my piano player) asked if he could try a line, and immediately it took the song in a whole new direction. I recorded the banjo and drums that day, and the song just lifted. It feels to me like a hopeful message.
What was the most difficult challenge you faced?
Well I started later than most to music. I never picked up an instrument or sang till I was about 17, so I learned everything as quickly as I could to keep up. But I feel like that challenge actually benefited me, because it gave me a naivety that made me think I could write, record and produce all my music. So I guess I just un-answered my own answer… woops.
What is your goal in artistic activities?
To make music that helps someone with their bus journey in the morning, or make music they will listen to on youtube at 3 in the morning, like all my favorite artists did for me.
How do you know when a work is finished?
I usually know it's done when I start obsessing over tiny things, if I start to worry about whether there was a buzz on the guitar at the 52 second mark, that's when I know the song needs to be left alone.
What is your trademark? It's about unique sounds or behaviors on stage.
My shows have always been 80% music, 20% terrible stand up comedy. I love telling jokes on stage, making connections. I think the audience will always be THE show for me, if someone makes a joke, I’ll make one back. I try to use cadences or pauses to see if I can make someone laugh out loud. It's the joy of performing for each and every single audience member, not a collective that is too far away to see.
What are your biggest achievements so far as an artist, but also personally?
As an artist? Probably releasing my debut album “Outer Monologues” in 2021. I have always been obsessed with concept albums, records and long form storytelling, so finally having a body of work that I considered to be a full story, that was huge for me.
Personally? Probably beating my brother, sister and girlfriend at Super Mario Party (sorry guys)
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
Honestly the most memorable are when someone says “Hey this song really helped pick me up through a tough time”. Just having my music be a little boost for someone, that's what means the most to me. I did have an artist I really admired say “Thank you for making this album”, which was a very giddy moment for me.
What are your plans for the future?
My sophomore record “Common Country Misconceptions” will be released March 10th, with a headline show in Winthrop Avenue, Cork! I’ll also be heading out on a full Common Country tour, with dates spanning March to August, so look out for news on that soon!