Musician the White Buffalo's soulful tunes are often inspired by nature.
Scott Soens
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What makes a legend? I'm not sure what the formula is, but I'm pretty sure I'm seeing one in the making. Los Angeles-based musician, The White Buffalo , a.k.a. Jake Smith, is one of those rare singer-songwriters who has an uncanny ability to transport you to another place or time. Listening to just about any track of his latest self titled EP or recently re-released album (Hogtied Revisited) is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket of sonic goodness. There's a remarkable honesty in this music, filled with dark imagery combined with the beauty of the natural world, which seems to hark back to a raw time in America's dark alleys and bars. It's this dichotomy of light and dark that is so fascinating and appealing. Planet Green caught up with The White Buffalo and learned a bit about his habitat, musical inspirations, and his surprising tennis court skills.
Planet Green: Jon Anderson of Yes wrote a song called White Buffalo. The premise is the birth of the white buffalo will serve as the announcement of a new age of peace. Anything you want to tell me?
Jake Smith: I'm surprised you didn't feel that. The peace, and all. You may have to refer to my mother on that one.
PG: I'm sure artists hate being asked who influenced them or who they most sound like, so let me just say, in my mind if I had to mix a cocktail to describe your work I'd take at least one shot of Nick Drake, one shot of Kris Kristofferson, a splash of Mellencamp, shake that up and pour over some Willie Nelson...and on the menu I'd describe it as "refreshingly deep and dark, with heartfelt integrity and a touch of bitter honesty." But my question to you is...what would you call this drink?
JS: A hangover.
PG: Your music has a real earthy vibe to it. I read that you grew up in Eugene, Ore. It's hard not to be influenced by the natural world when you're surrounded by it. Is there a connection between the outdoors—the moon, the sun, the woods, water, dirt, etc.—and your music?
JS: Absolutely. The moon, the sun, and the elements affect everything. They give perspective. Natural things seem to be unchanging constants. Regardless of situations or anything internal they remain pure, at least in theory. FYI, I grew up in Huntington Beach, Calif. and was born in Eugene, Ore.
PG: One of my favorite books is Scaramouche, written by Rafael Sabatini in 1923. The opening line sets the entire tone of the book and from your music you might identify a little with it. It reads, "He was born with a gift of laughter, and a sense that the world was mad." It seems to me you can't dig as deep emotionally and sardonically as you do without having some sense that the world is a little mad.
JS: I think a little personal madness is essential to get by.
PG: You've worked with Tom's Shoes in the past, and, more recently, with the cancer charity Love Hope Strength. How did you get involved? What was it like doing their Climb?
A: I was oblivious to their cause until they contacted me. It turned out to be one of my proudest moments. It was overwhelmingly inspirational to see cancer survivors, some only weeks out of recovery, climbing one of the more grueling hikes in America. I didn't hear one person complain. It really puts what's important into perspective. I played for them at 12,000 feet at a place called Devil's Playground and then again at the 14,000-plus-foot peak, with Cy Curnin from The Fixx and The Bacon Brothers. The Love Hope Strength Foundation is about raising money for survival, to help cancer victims survive today. A more than noble cause and a great organization with great people involved.
PG: Your video for Love Song #1 is beautiful in its simplicity and natural setting. Where was that filmed and what was the idea behind it?
JS: It was filmed in Topanga Canyon, Calif., near where I live. It was inspired by the EP cover for the album shot by Scott Soens. Nathan McGuinness directed it; the photo is what inspired him to do it there, trying to capture the same light and texture as the photo. He did it in one single shot with no edits. Just walkin' and feelin' my feelings.
PG: Are you outdoorsy when you aren't touring?
JS: I really enjoy a good surf. It really takes just one good wave to clear the head out.
PG: So right now you have a self titled EP out as well as re-releasing your previous album this year, Hogtied Revisited. (which I highly recommend). What's next?
JS: I'm starting pre-production and finishing material for the next album. I'm not certain what form it will take as far as length and scope. Could be another EP or a long play. I have a wealth of unrecorded material and really want to focus on just getting it out. Without any type of business machine or label behind me dictating my decisions, I'm going to focus on putting as much music out as fast as I can, finances willing. I should have something out early next year.
PG: I recently interviewed David Gray and found out that he's a bird watcher...that was a bit of a surprise. What one thing would people be surprised to learn about you?
JS: I'm quicker than I look. I probably won't beat you in a foot race but, I am kind of an undercover athlete. I played Division I baseball in college and used to hustle a bit of basketball when I lived in San Fransisco. I play some tennis here and there and, more often then not, surprise my opponent with my skill and savvy.
11/5/09 - Boston, MA
T.T. Bears
11/6/09 - New York, NY
Living Room
11/9/09 - Washington DC
DC9
11/11/09 - Philadelphia, PA
Tin Angel
11/12/09 - Hamden, CT
The Space
11/20/09 - San Jose, CA
The Blank Club w/ Shitkickers
11/21/09 - Santa Cruz, CA
The Crepe Place w/ Shitkickers
Download the song "Damned" by White Buffalo from Planet Green now!
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