While local band Southeast Engine was embarking on a nationally successful music career, bassist Jesse Remnant had another engine revving in his own basement.
Remnant spent years quietly creating solo demos before deciding to record a full-length debut, The Human Cannonball, which was released in independent record stores nationwide Tuesday.
I had so much stuff written
Remnant said. I felt like I had come to the point where it was solid enough to release as an album G? I wasn't embarrassed of it anymore.
In a bold feat, Remnant chose to record every aspect of the album on his own.
I had this mentality where I knew what I wanted it to sound like and I wanted to do it myself said Remnant, who played every instrument on the CD.
Fans of Southeast Engine can expect some similar folk-rock influences on Remnant's debut, but a few distinct differences as well.
I tend to write catchy hooks; I base a song off of that instead of writing like
a poem and going from there
Remnant said, adding that his music has more of a pop sound than Southeast Engine. I write stuff that gets stuck in your head.
Remnant's Southeast Engine bandmates remain accommodating when it comes to scheduling.
We really encourage it
said drummer Leo DeLuca of Remnant's solo work. We always kind of meet with him and figure it out with him so that he can do both.
This weekend will prove to be one of Remnant's busiest when it comes to juggling his two projects. In addition to a solo acoustic show at Donkey Coffee and Espresso tomorrow night, Remnant will play two Southeast Engine gigs: an acoustic show at Donkey tonight and a full-setup performance at Casa Cantina late tomorrow.
I like playing with Southeast Engine because I don't have to fill awkward pauses between songs
Remnant said with a laugh.
His nerves, though, are no joke.
I definitely get more nervous before a solo show
because all eyes are on you
he said. Everything's on my shoulders.
According to his bandmates, however, Remnant has nothing to worry about.
He's been writing and recording music since he was in high school
and we've been hearing his stuff over the years
DeLuca said. He put out a really amazing record.
