Interview by Meghan Killimade
Congrats on recently celebrating 10 years as a band! As some of our readers may not be familiar with Worshipper, tell us a little about the band! Who are the members, how did you all come together and what kind of music are you creating?
Thanks! We're Worshipper, a psychedelic hard rock band from Boston. I'm John Brookhouse, and I sing and play guitar. Dave Jarvis plays the drums, and Bob Maloney plays the bass and sings back ups. We kind of run in the doom/stoner world, typically, although those aspects are just a little piece of the puzzle. We like melody, riffs, songs, and guitar solos (well, I do at least, ha ha).
Last April you signed with Magnetic Eye Records and soon after released your third full-length album ‘One Way Trip’ (nominated at the Boston Music Awards!) – what stands out for you on this record and how have you grown since the first two records?
This record is probably our most cohesive work so far and the first time we really had time to prep for recording. We basically didn't play many shows for a year or two to hunker down and write and demo. With the exception of the title track, we basically demoed the whole album on our own as a band, which we never really get to do. So by the time we went into the studio, we were able to really get what we wanted on "tape." For me it was like recording the album 3 times, because I often demo stuff by myself first so I can work on the vocals. Even if we all hammered the song out in the space together, I would basically take it home and rebuild it so we can assess it as a band and move stuff around or add parts.
This record is probably our most cohesive work so far and the first time we really had time to prep for recording. We basically didn't play many shows for a year or two to hunker down and write and demo. With the exception of the title track, we basically demoed the whole album on our own as a band, which we never really get to do. So by the time we went into the studio, we were able to really get what we wanted on "tape." For me it was like recording the album 3 times, because I often demo stuff by myself first so I can work on the vocals. Even if we all hammered the song out in the space together, I would basically take it home and rebuild it so we can assess it as a band and move stuff around or add parts.
You guys just wrapped up a west coast run, are currently hitting the east coast with Hashtronaut and then heading to London in May for your second stint at Desertfest! How has touring been so far this year?
We haven't been able to really tour since 2020, so it was great to get back out there. The west coast tour was a blast because our long time BFF Buddy from Great Electric Quest and Glory or Death Records booked it for us and rented us his van and gear, so we got to spend a bunch of time with those guys. The first band we ever toured with was GEQ back in like 2016 or something, so it's always great to see them and see how they've evolved over the years. We are very stoked for London as well. It makes no sense monetarily, but just being back in the mix is huge for us, and we had a complete blast when we played DFL in 2019 and met tons of cool folks.
We haven't been able to really tour since 2020, so it was great to get back out there. The west coast tour was a blast because our long time BFF Buddy from Great Electric Quest and Glory or Death Records booked it for us and rented us his van and gear, so we got to spend a bunch of time with those guys. The first band we ever toured with was GEQ back in like 2016 or something, so it's always great to see them and see how they've evolved over the years. We are very stoked for London as well. It makes no sense monetarily, but just being back in the mix is huge for us, and we had a complete blast when we played DFL in 2019 and met tons of cool folks.
Since parting ways with guitarist Alejendro in August of last year, how have things changed musically/dynamically since becoming a trio and will you continue on as a three-piece or do you plan to fill that guitarist spot?
It was an adjustment for us for sure in many ways, but it's honestly very fun to play as a 3-piece. The extra sonic space has afforded us a new opportunity to re-explore our own catalog (which is pretty big now!) in a new way. I am not sure I would have been able to do a power trio when we started, as I was just kind of finding my way with singing and playing, but when faced with having to pull it off, we all made it work pretty quickly. So, I'm proud of us for being kind of scrappy and resilient. We are going to stick with this format for a while, but we're also kind of keeping our options open to try things out if we want to later. I'm sure some people miss the guitar harmonies, but remember: The Robbo/Gorham era of Thin Lizzy was great, but the Eric Bell stuff is also pretty sweet.
It was an adjustment for us for sure in many ways, but it's honestly very fun to play as a 3-piece. The extra sonic space has afforded us a new opportunity to re-explore our own catalog (which is pretty big now!) in a new way. I am not sure I would have been able to do a power trio when we started, as I was just kind of finding my way with singing and playing, but when faced with having to pull it off, we all made it work pretty quickly. So, I'm proud of us for being kind of scrappy and resilient. We are going to stick with this format for a while, but we're also kind of keeping our options open to try things out if we want to later. I'm sure some people miss the guitar harmonies, but remember: The Robbo/Gorham era of Thin Lizzy was great, but the Eric Bell stuff is also pretty sweet.
We’re so stoked that you’ll be playing a set at The Telegraph on April 12 for Record Store Day -- are there any records you guys will be on the hunt for?
Crap. I just looked at the list and there are tons of records I want. Lots of good alternate version releases from Thin Lizzy, The Sweet, Queen, etc. I'm actually curious about the Doors one, to be honest, as Strange Days was always one of my favorites, and my dad's as well. I usually go in with the mindset of "I find what I find" these days with RSD so I don't get too disappointed if I can't find something. I am 100% getting that Judas Priest Live '82 one if I can find it, though.
Crap. I just looked at the list and there are tons of records I want. Lots of good alternate version releases from Thin Lizzy, The Sweet, Queen, etc. I'm actually curious about the Doors one, to be honest, as Strange Days was always one of my favorites, and my dad's as well. I usually go in with the mindset of "I find what I find" these days with RSD so I don't get too disappointed if I can't find something. I am 100% getting that Judas Priest Live '82 one if I can find it, though.
This isn’t your first time in New London county – Worshipper played New London in 2016 with Bedroom Rehab Corporation at 33 Golden and also in 2022 at Scene Productions’ Stoner & Doom Fest in Jewett City – what has your experience been playing this area and how does it feel to be coming back!
I know Jarvis's answer to this is "I love the hot dog truck that rolls up after 33 Golden closes." We've had a blast playing down there every time. Y'all are so welcoming and also very into maintaining a musical community there. We've met so many great folks. Craig was always so good to us and it felt like a home away from home every time we rolled up :( The wizard sign is legendary.
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| Wailing City Archive: Worshipper plays 33 Golden December 3, 2016 |
Ok, so this may be old news, but someone just told me that your song “Black Corridor” is on the video game Rock band?! Is this true and if so, how did that come about?
Oh yeah! Harmonix was always really good at including Boston bands in their releases. It goes way back to Alejandro's old band, Bang Camaro, who had a song on Guitar Hero 2. I actually played a solo in that song as well, so we have been in the fold there for a long time. We know or have played in bands with tons of people who work or have worked there over the years. I actually worked there right before they got bought out by the Fortnite people, Epic Games, a few years ago!
Oh yeah! Harmonix was always really good at including Boston bands in their releases. It goes way back to Alejandro's old band, Bang Camaro, who had a song on Guitar Hero 2. I actually played a solo in that song as well, so we have been in the fold there for a long time. We know or have played in bands with tons of people who work or have worked there over the years. I actually worked there right before they got bought out by the Fortnite people, Epic Games, a few years ago!
When you’re not doing Worshipper, what are some things you guys do in your free time?
So Jarvis loves the movie Maximum Overdrive, hot tubs, and the Bruins. Bob is a real bona fide artist and is constantly creating things and learning new ways to create things. He's also a total boss at making hot sauce. We are all addicted to his hot sauces and he likes to share them with other bands we cross paths with along the way. I am very into beers and travel -- and luckily my work takes me to Germany a few times a year, so that's a nice little bonus. I'm also into stand-up paddle boarding when the tides and weather permit.
So Jarvis loves the movie Maximum Overdrive, hot tubs, and the Bruins. Bob is a real bona fide artist and is constantly creating things and learning new ways to create things. He's also a total boss at making hot sauce. We are all addicted to his hot sauces and he likes to share them with other bands we cross paths with along the way. I am very into beers and travel -- and luckily my work takes me to Germany a few times a year, so that's a nice little bonus. I'm also into stand-up paddle boarding when the tides and weather permit.
What are some bands you guys are digging right now?
We try to stay up on what's happening. Speaking for myself, I dig SLIFT and REZN for newer bands on "the scene", but I also dig pretty much anything associated with Levitation - Black Angels, OSEES, etc. Locally, we have some great stuff like Earthlore, Vivid Bloom, and on the more post punk/garage side, Gossip Collar.
We try to stay up on what's happening. Speaking for myself, I dig SLIFT and REZN for newer bands on "the scene", but I also dig pretty much anything associated with Levitation - Black Angels, OSEES, etc. Locally, we have some great stuff like Earthlore, Vivid Bloom, and on the more post punk/garage side, Gossip Collar.
Besides touring and promoting the new album, what’s next for Worshipper?
We have a couple of tracks we need to record for some upcoming "tribute" things. That will be the first time we've recorded as a 3-piece, so that will be fun. Other than that, we should start writing again soon and we would like to try to get on another festival or two, perhaps. Touring is always a goal, but we want to avoid road-dogging for the sake of road-dogging.
We have a couple of tracks we need to record for some upcoming "tribute" things. That will be the first time we've recorded as a 3-piece, so that will be fun. Other than that, we should start writing again soon and we would like to try to get on another festival or two, perhaps. Touring is always a goal, but we want to avoid road-dogging for the sake of road-dogging.
Anything else you want to include?
Thanks for chatting with us and we can't wait to get back to New London!
CATCH THE SHOW:
Saturday April 12 @ Telegraph Autonomous Zone
137 Bank Street, New London
Record Store Day Celebration
Store open @ 10am / Music 2-10pm
Suggested $10-20 / All Ages
Facebook Event Page
Thanks for chatting with us and we can't wait to get back to New London!
FOLLOW:
https://www.facebook.com/worshipperband
https://www.instagram.com/worshipperband
https://worshipper.bandcamp.com
http://lnk.spkr.media/worshipper-onewaytrip
Saturday April 12 @ Telegraph Autonomous Zone
137 Bank Street, New London
Record Store Day Celebration
Store open @ 10am / Music 2-10pm
Suggested $10-20 / All Ages
Facebook Event Page
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