Bryn Loosley

The signed guitar above the bar in LaSalle’s is a cozy reminder of the countless nights of good ol’ American rock ‘n’ roll offered by Buffalo Creek. Packed dance floors, boisterous sing-a-longs and pint glasses raised high have been familiar elements to their Chico shows for many years, and you’ll find the same today when they make time to return to the heart of their fan base. Responsible for much of the songwriting and taking reigns on lead vocals for the band is Bryn Loosley; a man with a plan, a sweet guitar, and now a new solo record featuring some folks you may have heard of: Jackie Greene and Tim Bluhm (The Mother Hips) among others. Anyone who’s been around long enough to be familiar with midnight movies or Fulcrum Records knows that Buffalo Creek are almost unmatched in their contributions to and successes with the local music scene. With a brand new solo record, The Wrecker, Bryn’s ready to plunge back into that same scene with impressive tracks that are sure to win over any fans of Buffalo Creek, past or present. Last week, Bryn took a break from traveling and eating government cheese to talk with Synthesis.

Is there a theme or other musical catalyst throughout the album? Why is The Wrecker an apt title for this collection?
I'm not sure if there is a theme, musically or lyrically, in my mind. I'm pleased with how well it hangs together as an album. There were thirteen people who played on the album and no two tracks have the same lineup of musicians. If people find continuity in that, then we've done well. I like the title "The Wrecker" because it’s a nebulous concept. It means something to me, but you can hang your own idea on it, too.



There seem to be some echoes of classic Buffalo Creek in these tracks. How much of The Wrecker is influenced by your time with BC and how much is removed?
The songwriting process for this record could not have been more different from Buffalo Creek. With Buffalo Creek, I'd take the kernel of an idea and turn it over to the guys and we'd polish it together. A lot of times we'd be playing a song for years before the lyrics were finished. But working on this record, I had years to write these songs before I brought them to a band. I had a lot of help on this record, but it's the first time I can say that the songs are my own.

Who are you listening to lately? Any unknowns that folks ought to be paying attention to?
Jon Itkin from Portland is a songwriter I am proud to call my friend. The Coal Men, from Nashville, wrote my summer theme song, "Sweet in the Pines." Jason Colette from Broken Social Scene has a good album out this year. David Mead needs to make a new album or I will steal his haircut. Did you hear that, Mead? Get on the stick.

Who in the world deserves most to get punched in the stomach?
I'd punch Bill O'Reilly in the stomach. But there's probably a long line for that job. So I'm gonna just punch the next person who says "AN human being" or "AN howling wind." Unless they're British — then they get off with a warning. Actually, I don't really punch people. It's not my bag. It's an hurtful thing to do.

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