John Hollier and the Rêverie have a new album, Rainmaker, which by all accounts is celebratory, high octane backwoods music, inspired by cajun and Louisiana themes and blended together with dollops of Americana and Nashville sounds. We had an opportunity to chat with John about the album, and the resulting conversation is here to share.
Americana Highways: Your album is titled “Rainmaker.” What’s the significance of the concept of “rainmaker” for you and your music?
John Hollier: I had been working on that song for a while. My previous album had some character songs like “Malina” (an Inuit Goddess) and “Juliette.” Rainmaker was a fictional entity I wanted to create for this album. A sweeping force of beauty and destruction. Wasn’t intended to be the title track but I thought it encompassed a lot of the imagery and sound that was being projected.
AH: What was the process like, working with producer Gabe Rabben?
JH: We got a lot done with Gabe. He was the final producer we worked with. In theory we should never had gone to him but the previous two sessions didn’t capture all of the magic and firepower we needed. So at that point we came in on a tear to Gabe’s studio with both attitude, fervor, and new confidence. I experienced my first taste of being on the industry back burner so we all played like this was the last swing. Gabe and Elliot Blaufuss played a lot of keys and accordion on the songs so we got a real benefit of outside help too. I thought Gabe’s tracks were the closest thing to what I had envisioned the songs sounding like.
AH: Can you share an anecdote or two about the recording process for the album?
JH: One of the producers on the album was very hesitant to let us do any real overdubs. But he also left early each day. We tracked live. Cleaned up the guitars. And laid down a lead vocal take and a harmony. After he left one day – Brian and I worked out some big harmony parts and vocal arrangements with the engineer. It took most of the evening into late night. It sounded incredible. The producer was blindsided the next morning by the amount we added but he admitted we did a good job. Ended up staying in the song. I was proud of that. Felt like we had to earn that.
That same producer had a very clever way of recording saxophone that we still try and use for our own sessions now. Songs like “Crashing,” “Rainmaker,” “Gonna Love You,” and “Hollow Heart” feature a niche approach to tracking and laying horn parts without the classic stack approach.
AH: How did you gather your touring band, and how is the band reflected in Rainmaker?
JH: My touring band was pieced together throughout the years. Some new faces come along and some regulars are icons in the band. Although I’d argue the Rêverie is the best band, it was actually built on their best ability – availability. My next evaluation is does this person even want to be here? These are the guys (and now gal) who WANT to travel with me. Work within my budget and schedule. And most importantly, remain flexible to handle dry spells and large chunks of travel and work.
The contagious part of this project is the real energy we have with each other. There’s plenty of rawness on the record that showcases the lack of a studio band. “Can’t Say No Tonight” was done all live without a producer. One take. I mixed it myself. Songs like “Gonna Love You” and “Never See Me Again” were almost a one take pass as well. Not polished like a commercial record but part of the story line of a band. Something real. It sticks out to me in a refreshing way.
AH: How did the band name, “the Reverie,” come about and how significant is it?
JH: This album took over 2 years to complete. A lot of the later recordings became more ethereal and spacey. Hollow Heart and Rival are examples of the later stages of writing and arranging. It became less of the “bang bang” rock sound and more of a deeper meditation at times. Honestly, about half way through the process we hit a huge brick wall. We needed to sink or swim. Which meant a change. We had name options but this one felt right. Teddy and I had bonded over Dark Side of the Moon. The use of saxophone on songs like Us and Them became an inspiration for Hollow Heart. I love the idea of finding the floating creative space. Where you aren’t quite awake and slightly in a trance. We spend hours and hours in our rehearsal space. I think Rêverie is a good name.
AH: Tell us a little more about the Cajun bands you played with when you were younger?
JH: Most of the live music I was exposed to was from church or small town bands. Part of my family was very creative and responsive to music. I would sit in with my uncle’s bands or my dad’s friends as a kid. It was Cajun bands and rock bands. Small festival stages, bowling alleys, house parties. You name it. My cousin was a great accordion player as well. I didn’t have the skill at the time to bounce off of him but I remember fondly playing some chords behind them and soaking in their chops. I played lead guitar, bass, and acoustic in various bands. I’d say the spread was what gave me a well rounded approach to composition.
AH: How have your roots in Louisiana shaped your sound, and how does it show up, now that you’re in Nashville?
JH: The energy surge. The cadence and dance. Some backbeat blues or New Orleans vintage. Don’t tempt me with a 4 on the top drum beat either. If you’ve spent time in New Orleans or Lafayette you would recognize some similarities off this album. “Gonna Love You” “Holding Too Tight” “Can’t Say No” “Rainmaker” would be the first wave of that. The accordion and fiddle doing repetitive motifs. Doubling the theme lick. I found very interesting when a lead guitar and saxophone do the doubling. Overall it’s a part of how we created this sound.
AH: How has your french background been reflected in your songwriting?
JH: Half the band speak some degree of French. I have a long list of French slang terms and expressions from my parents and grandparents. I love throwing them in. I’d say that’s the main component. I also wrote a song in Cajun French. Probably won’t stop there but it’s a side quest at this point. Maybe a goal would be to write an entire Cajun album. For later times.
AH: If someone were new to your music, which song should they listen to first?
JH: I believe enough in my album to say “play the first song.” I have seen enough to know that not everyone will be moved. I also know that if you can get through song 1, you will consume the entire album. “Gonna Love You” to me is a great primer.
AH: If they had time for a couple more, which are your next 3 recommendations?
JH: “If She’s Lonely” “Hollow Heart” and “Somewhere Down The Road.”
AH: What’s on the horizon for you this spring and summer?
Shows and more shows. We have a pretty busy month of June. We’ll be on the West Coast in July doing some shows as well. There’s talk about us going back over to the UK for our first full band shows. Trying to see how much travel we can book and handle!
Thanks very much for chatting with us, John Hollier. You can find more details and tour dates here on his website: https://www.johnhollier.com
Enjoy some of our previous coverage here: REVIEW: John Hollier & The Reverie “Rainmaker”