The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast – PEL Presents NEM#204: Tim and Sue Lee Learn Their Craft, from Windbreakers to Bark

Intro

In this episode of “The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast,” Tim and Sue Lee, members of the band Bark, join the Make It The Exam of the Music podcast to discuss their musical history and their latest album. They delve into the creative process behind their songs and share insights on their unique approach to playing instruments. The podcast concludes with a special performance of their song “Dead Guy’s Story.”

Main Takeaways

Tim and Sue Lee’s Musical Background

• Tim Lee was the cofrontman for the Windbreakers and has recorded around 30 albums.
• Sue Lee started as a bassist in Tim Lee III and now plays drums in Bark.

The Album “Loud” and the Song “Love Minus Action”

• The new album from Bark is called “Loud,” and they discuss the song “Love Minus Action” in the podcast.

Insights into the Song “Dead Guy’s Story”

• “Dead Guy’s Story” is a song written by Tim and Sue for Tim’s album “Concrete Dog” from 2006.
• The song explores themes of being a limited ally and feeling helpless in the face of societal issues.
• It was influenced by the pandemic and social unrest happening at the time of its creation.
• The lyrics repeat the phrase “that’s all I got for you,” conveying a sense of frustration with inaction and lack of progress.

Exploring Tim and Sue’s Unique Musical Approaches

• Tim plays a bass six guitar, which is a guitar tuned down an octave to hold down bass notes.
• They discuss the challenge of playing bass and adding distortion, but note that it can be done with the right technique.
• Bass fuzz pedals can mix clean bass sound with fuzz to get low end and clarity of notes with plenty of fuzz.
• Sue’s switch from bass to drums in a band creates a unique sound by not playing at the beginning of a song.

The Songwriting and Recording Process

• The band members write lyrics in different ways, often leaving room for input from each other.
• Vocals are recorded with the basic track, and sometimes live vocals are used if they add energy and sound good.
• Doubling vocals intentionally can create a drastically different sound, and overdubs can be used to turn a song into an anthem.
• They discuss the importance of dynamic changes in their music and incorporating breaks and quiet moments.

Tim and Sue’s Journey in Music

• They share their experiences starting as musicians and emphasize that it’s never too late to pursue your passion.
• Susan was initially terrified of singing but eventually overcame her fear and now plays multiple instruments.

Summary

Tim and Sue Lee’s Musical Journey

Tim and Sue Lee, formerly of the Windbreakers and Tim Lee III, respectively, discuss their musical backgrounds and how they came together to form the band Bark. Tim’s extensive experience as a guitarist and Sue’s transition from bass to drums contribute to their unique sound. They explore the challenges and techniques involved in playing instruments like the bass six guitar and discuss the importance of dynamic changes in their music.

The Creative Process and Songwriting

Tim and Sue provide insights into their songwriting process, with each member bringing their own ideas to the table. They discuss the recording process and the use of overdubs and vocal doubling to enhance their songs. The lyrics of their song “Dead Guy’s Story” reflect the frustrations of being a limited ally and feeling helpless in the face of societal issues. They also touch on the impact of the pandemic and social unrest on their music.

Exploring Bark’s Latest Album

Bark’s latest album, “Loud,” is a testament to their musical evolution. They delve into the song “Love Minus Action” and its themes. The album showcases their unique approach to blending genres and creating a distinct sound. They also discuss the importance of incorporating breaks and quiet moments in their music to add texture and dynamics.

Tim and Sue’s Journey in Music

Tim and Sue share their personal journeys in music, emphasizing that it’s never too late to pursue your passion. They discuss the challenges they faced and the growth they experienced as musicians. Their story serves as an inspiration for aspiring musicians to follow their dreams and overcome their fears.

Conclusion

Tim and Sue Lee’s interview on “The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast” provides a fascinating insight into their musical journey and the creative process behind Bark’s music. Their unique approach to playing instruments and songwriting showcases their talent and dedication. Listeners are left inspired to pursue their own passions and explore the power of music as a means of expression.