Photo of Splendid Torch (including Lily Sexton) by Orion Willits
The New England-based band Splendid Torch is the newly reconfigured band consisting of most of the members from Mamma’s Marmalade, and they have a new album hot off the presses: ICON. ICON‘s tracks were originally slated for a new release by Mamma’s Marmalade. But life has a way of intervening. We had a chance to chat with band member Lily Sexton on the album’s production, the recording process, what’s on the horizon for the band and more.
AH: What was the recording session like for your new album ICON? Any stories in particular about recording it?
Lily Sexton: It was an incredibly smooth process. Our drummer Karl was also producing this record, and between him and our engineer Dan (who also produced), they really fostered an environment of exploration and ease. We fleshed out a lot of the arrangements while cutting takes, which is a very organic way to work. It allows for the performances to feel honest, on that edge where you’re imagining the part and playing it at the same time.
AH: The new album seems to have influences from some different corners of Americana. How does it point to a new direction for you musically?
LS: We’re moving into a genre-agnostic era. Many of our inspirations do not neatly fit in a category, and we consider our music to do the same. I (Lily) feel that I write my best songs when I’m completely unencumbered by writing to a genre, or a specific listening audience. Language is transcendent, so I let it breathe and the vibe of the completed song comes together when Josh, Sean and Karl get their hands on it. I want to feel as unrestricted by doubt as possible- songs that emerge from authenticity connect the listener to the musician more deeply. The album as a whole is quite personal, I think. When you listen, you really see us.
AH: If someone were new to your music, which 3 songs should they listen to, and why?
LS: “Gold” is a great one, I think it showcases the pocket of our rhythm section, Karl and Josh, and Sean’s sort of stream of conscious lyricism. Very catchy hook.
“Icon” is a peek behind the curtain of how I feel as an artist, it’s very personal. Also dancey.
“You Can’t Hate Me For That” is just pure country fun, which we’re very fond of!
AH: Do you have a favorite song from the LP? — either a favorite lyric line or a favorite musical moment? What makes it a favorite?
LS: I’m proud of the whole thing. I have a particular fondness for “Seven Houses,” lyrically and arrangement-wise. I learned how to play cello and viola for the string quartet arrangement, which was an ordeal. My favorite lyric is one of Sean’s from “Selfish”: “Independence, kind of like fire / Keeps you warm, might burn you true / Time alone can make the world a liar.” It’s pure and simple, but with just that right amount of poetry to really sit with you.
AH: What instrument would you like to write a song on that you can’t play (yet)?
LS: Hurdy gurdy! What a sound!
AH: What is something that has come out of your musical journey that you could have never anticipated when you chose to take this creative path?
LS: This album was supposed to be released by Mamma’s Marmalade, which is the name we used to play under. When our mandolinist decided to move on to other projects, we completely pivoted and formed this new group, Splendid Torch, around a fairly new sound (Mamma’s was acoustic, much more bluegrass). When we started working on the album we had no idea that that change would come, but now that it has, it’s like it was always meant to be. Our live show as Splendid Torch is distinct from the album as well, and it’s been really fun to become acquainted with that. Our next releases will sound closer to our live set, and I’m very excited to share that with the world.
AH: If someone were to sit down and listen to your album all the way through, what would they learn about you?
LS: The album as a whole is quite personal, I think. When you listen, you really see us. You’d hear the friendship and bond between us as musicians and people. You’d hear the criticisms we have of our industry. You’d hear our striving, and our years of dedication, and our dreams. Listeners might learn that we like to have a lot of fun, I hope, and that we love so many different kinds of music. We’re inspired by a broad spectrum of sound.
AH: Time machine question: if you could jump ahead ten years in time, what would you be doing?
LS: We’d have figured out a way (financially) to make many, many albums. We all love the studio, and are already planning the next release. We’d be touring lots and seeing the world, and collaborating with our heroes. It would be such an honor to meet and work with the folks that inspire us, like Emmylou Harris, Wilco, Alison Krauss, Kurt Vile…
AH: Back to the present, what’s on the horizon for you this summer?
LS: We’re on track to release some brand new music this summer, so keep an eye out for that! We’ve got some festival appearances in Massachusetts (NEPM Asparagus festival), New York (Rochester International Jazz Festival) and Maine (Under The Oaks), and will be touring in our home region of New England.
Find more details and information here on their website: https://splendidtorchband.com
Check out our previous coverage here: Song Premiere: Splendid Torch “You Can’t Hate Me For That”