PT: That's when you joined Bethlehem Steel. What was that experience like for you?
CP: It was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I am very grateful for that experience.
PT: What did you learn about being in a band by being part of Bethlehem Steel?
CP: The most important thing I took away was friendship. I had her two best friends in the world, Becca and Pat, and we had the best time of our lives, basically traveling all over the country and playing music. And I really believe in the music that we make. We hope to be able to do more in the future.
PT: How does Malva begin?
CP: Karl and I moved in together in 2020 at the height of lockdown, and there was something like an unspoken boundary that we wouldn't play music together because it could get complicated quickly. However, Cal Marks had personnel issues. DIY He is really hard to be in a band. It's a crazy thing to do in the best of times, but it was during a pandemic. He talked about wanting a second guitarist, and I think eventually one day I said, “What if we did it?” And he said, are you sure? Well, nothing is happening right now. I just want to play music. I miss doing it. Let us help you make your next record.
During that time, I was planning to record all the songs I was writing myself. I started playing the drums all the time. I was hooked. But keeping everything right was too difficult. I really respect people who can make an entire album by themselves. My friend Adam, who was Carl's roommate before we moved in together, told me outright that he was interested in working on the project. And I thought, “Great, because I need someone to play drums on my project!”
PT: Was Mulva originally a two-piece?
CP: There wasn't really a solid plan. I wanted it to be really low stakes. I know I'm supposed to approach things with hope, but that's not how I actually do it (smile). But yeah, no, it didn't really work as two pieces. And Carl said he wanted to join a band where he just played guitar. So I thought Pat from Bethlehem Steel might be interested in participating, so I asked him about it, and even though it was a long way from New York to Boston, he agreed to participate.
PT: There is clearly some crossover between your bands.Record Cal Marks my name is hell You played with Seth Manchester in Machines with Magnets, right? And he's the same producer who recorded Marva's album.what was he recording Bitter form like?
CP: First of all, let me say that Seth's daily rates are very reasonable. Therefore, it is important to know it. Secondly, he works extremely fast. He's honestly shocking. You'll be saying more than one sentence about what you want, but he's probably already thought about it and prepared. I knew if I prepared well enough and could get everything done within a few takes, I could actually make it. Bitter form within 3 days.