SPACE MEMORY EFFECT

Q1. Could you please provide some background information about yourself, including your origins, musical style, and influences?

Since my early years growing up in Silicon Valley, I've always had a deep passion for music and songwriting. I wrote my first song at the tender age of six, and it happened to be about a ladybug. An interesting turning point came when I was 10 and had a gymnastics accident that left me with a broken arm and an extended hospital stay in traction. I had a lot of downtime, so I decided to teach myself how to play the piano with just one hand. This initial musical exploration eventually led me to pick up the clarinet as my main instrument.

As I entered high school, I found myself getting lost for hours, immersing myself in the music of R.E.M., The Replacements, 10,000 Maniacs, and Elvis Costello.

When I reached college age, my desire to delve into songwriting grew even stronger. However, classical music was the primary focus at the time, and I found myself returning to the piano. My undergraduate and graduate studies in classical music introduced me to new musical companions like Frédéric Chopin and Erik Satie. I was always eager to write songs, but it wasn't encouraged during this period.

In 2019, I began a songwriting mentorship with Trevor Lewington (Enter the Haggis), whose exceptional talent played a pivotal role in shaping the SME sound. Throughout this journey, Trevor has served as my remarkable producer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist, and co-songwriter. He has assisted me in crafting a sound that draws from our shared pop, rock, and folk influences while remaining faithful to the romantically chaotic sensibilities of our own moment.

Q2. What is the significance behind the name Space Memory Effect, and how did you come up with this name for your project?

The name Space Memory Effect can be traced back to a conversation I had with my colleague Chris Doces. We both worked as senior visual designers in a marketing department, and we were on a mission to decode the acronym SME, which our new boss had used to designate me as a “subject matter expert” on a particular matter.

During our exploration of various acronym possibilities, we stumbled upon definitions like shopping made easy, strange Martian entity, sloppy meat eater, and shape memory effect. It was during this brainstorming session that I mentioned to Doces, "Shape Memory Effect—that would be a great name for a band.” Among these choices, my brain mixed up “shape" with "space" and the cosmic resonance was irresistible. Thus, Space Memory Effect was born.

Q3. You've recently released your debut album, One Thing More. Could you please provide an overview of the album's contents, its message, and the themes it explores?

My debut album, One Thing More, is a collection of deeply personal stories that delve into my own experiences and the resilience needed to navigate both everyday challenges and significant life events. Through this music, I strive to create songs that are heartfelt and relatable, exploring themes that resonate universally, such as love, loss, and the enduring power of human connection.

Q4. Is there a specific song that you believe best represents the core sound and essence of Space Memory Effect?

Choosing just one song is a challenge because I love all my songs.

Space Memory Effect is all about embracing the transformation of chaos into beauty and exploring a diverse range of musical styles. I have a deep appreciation for heartfelt ballads enriched with strings, especially the soulful cello, as well as a love for fun and upbeat dance tunes, often with influences from the '80s and '90s. So, it's difficult to pinpoint a single song that encapsulates the core sound.

“Spacey” stands out as a track that brings a vibrant sense of fun and energy. On the other hand, “One Thing More” truly embodies the quintessential SME sound Trevor created.

Q5. What inspired you to take the courageous step of sharing your art with the world? Many people struggle with the fear of judgment, and it takes real bravery to put yourself and your work out there for everyone to see.

That's a great question, and my journey has indeed been quite the rollercoaster. There were moments of overwhelming fear that made me consider giving up along the way. This journey unfolded gradually, from my initial meeting with Trevor in May 2019, to the release of “One Thing More” in May 2023. It was a period of significant personal growth.

Throughout this process, I had to confront layers of fear, self-doubt, self-criticism, and even the notorious imposter syndrome. However, what kept me going was my unwavering belief in the music we were creating, fueled by love and passion. On the toughest days, I held onto that belief. I also believe in the healing power of music, resonating at a profound frequency. If my songs can connect with even one person and make them feel less alone, that means the world to me.

Q6. I noticed on your website that all your collaborations are conducted remotely. Can you share some of the unique challenges and advantages of working together in this manner?

Certainly! It's worth noting that all our recording sessions have been done from a distance, and I've never set foot in a traditional studio. I'm based in the greater Seattle area, while Trevor resides a couple of hours outside Toronto. Dealing with a significant time zone difference meant that I often had to wake up quite early to kick off our sessions at 6:30 a.m. Singing and playing the piano that early can be a bit challenging, but I got used to it.

Our remote collaboration process relies on various tools like Logic Pro X, Zoom, Cleanfeed, Trello, and SonoBus. This setup allows Trevor to access my computer through Zoom, serving as the studio engineer/producer while I'm recording. These tools have also facilitated collaborations with talented musicians contributing from various locations over the years.

One of the benefits of remote collaboration is that it allows us to take our time with things. If something doesn't feel right, we can always revisit and make adjustments without much hassle. However, one of the challenges is knowing when to stop working on a song, as we could potentially keep refining them forever.

Q7. What can we expect from Space Memory Effect in the future? What exciting developments should we keep an eye out for?

In 2024, I'm gearing up for a year-long musical adventure called Lullaby Fortune: Sweet Dreams. This release will unfold over twelve months, featuring a total of 12–16 songs. Our intention is to release 3–4 songs each quarter, and what's particularly intriguing is that the artwork from each quarter will converge like puzzle pieces to reveal a cohesive album cover upon completion.  It's a project that I'm thrilled to share with everyone, and I hope you'll join me on this musical journey.