Burnt Palms
Seaside, CA’s Burnt Palms; press photo.
Keeping up with the proliferation of Pesaro by San Francisco imprint We Were Never Being Boring, we are proud to present the world premiere of Burnt Palms’ video for “Over” from their recently released LP, Back On My Wall. The Seaside, California band of Riley, Clara Nieto, Brian Dela Cruz, & Joshua Vazquez share a commitment to keeping their patch of the Monterey Peninsula accompanied by their neat & succinct songs that rarely pass the three minute mark. Frontwoman Riley’s video illustrates the local splendors seen from coastal windows to the sea, shore-side vegetation, the windy two-lane twists & turns of Highway 1 and more that is something of a living postcard for the 831 area code. A song that ponders the thoughts of starting anew/starting over is delivered with streams of thoughts and Clara’s harmonious assist.
“Over” begins with literal depictions to match Riley’s opening lines, “I cut my hair, because I can’t see through the memories of you…” Memories of the past are seen through vintage camera lens, as we watch Riley packing up her luggage, making cosmetic changes and more in elapsed time. As Burnt Palms thrash ahead with all cylinders firing, we are shown images of the band gazing out at the seascape views that seen while the lyrics plot an escape. The small town nature of the sleepy peninsula can be seen and heard in the lyrics that long to move elsewhere where personal privacy can be guaranteed. “Change my name, move to a better place, somewhere far away where I don’t see you everywhere, everywhere….” These lyrics from Riley are reminiscent of the quaint quality of their home stomping grounds where you can practically run into exes anywhere and everywhere from Alvarado Street, Lighthouse Street, Del Monte Shopping Center, Red’s Donuts (Seaside & Monterey locations), and so forth. To discuss these matters and much more, be sure to read our following interview with Riley & Brian.
What’s good right now in Seaside and the Monterey Peninsula at large?
Riley: Honestly not much happens in Seaside except for practice and the beach. There are local bands in Salinas and the area, but honestly we don’t play much around here. There is a gallery in Salinas called SOMOS that has recently started to put on shows. It’s actually a great all ages venue. The owner Will Devoe is really supportive and great!
Burnt Palms live; press photo.
Tell us about the making of the coastal based video for “Over”.
Riley: When I set out to make the video, I wanted to show the dramatic, dynamic landscapes around the Monterey peninsula. Those are places where I feel nostalgic and connected. All of the other scenes were shot without a plan really. I just sort of pieced it together based on feelings!
How do the local beaches of the 831 inspire you all?
Riley: Being around the ocean is just so nice. I used to surf everyday but due to an injury, have been out of the water. It will be great to get back in! It really connects me to nature and myself. I think it also provides a certain type of energy I can’t get anywhere else.
Burnt Palms goes all Wayne’s World for Halloween; press photo.
Give us some insights on the making of Back On My Wall.
Riley: The album came together in the same way as the previous albums. I wrote the guitar, lyrics and structure, then Clara (drums) and Brian (bass) came up with their parts at practice, as well as our new member, Josh on second guitar. The lyrics always come to me randomly inspired by personal feelings, conversations with others, things I read, etc. I absorb other peoples emotions easily because I’m so sensitive! We recorded the album in San Francisco at Speak Easy studio owned by Alicia Vanden Heuvel (of The Ailsers Set). Gary Olson (of The Ladybug Transistor) recorded us then mixed the album at his studio in New York.
What are you all listening to/watching/reading obsessively?
Riley: Currently I have been obsessively listening to R.E.M’s first EP, Chronic Town from 1982 and their album, MurMur from 1983. Also, Chastity Belt, Robert Johnson, and The American Analog Set’s album, Know By Heart. Recently, I have been obsessed with watching,“Transparent” and also “Better Call Saul”. I am currently reading a book called, Wise Blood by Flannery O’ Connor. But Anne Sexton is my favorite poet. I relate so much to her!
Brian: I’ve been listening to an album called Mutant by Arca and lately I’ve been reading Susan Sontag’s Against Interpretation.
Hanging around with Burnt Palms; press photo.
Other local bands & artists you all love?
Riley: My favorite local(ish) band is Palmz from Santa Cruz. They are good friends of ours!
Next in the works for Burnt Palms?
Riley: We have four new songs that will go towards our fourth album!
Share with us the Burnt Palms spring/summer preview:
We are so excited to be headed to SxSW to play an official show as well as an unofficial one. We also have a few stops along the way, LA, Phoenix, El Paso! After that we are playing Dream Gaze festival in LA and a show at 1,2,34 Go! Records in Oakland on April 19th. We are also doing a live stream on PressureDrop.tv in SF!
Burnt Palms’ new album Back On My Wall is available now from We Were Never Being Boring.
