Class Photo certainly isn’t Patrick Morris’ first rodeo, but for the California born, Norway-based artist, it definitely feels like a new beginning in many ways. Morris, who left his previous band, STRFKR after Coachella in 2014 to pursue his solo project, set out with clear goals for his debut solo release, Light Years Later, which dropped in November of this year. The self-produced album is a direct reflection of Morris and his influences, making it an incredibly personal and exciting release.
With the freedom to chase sounds, genres and emotions on Light Years Later, it’s safe to say that this is only the beginning for Class Photo. Listen to the full album and read what Morris had to say about it and his plans for 2020 now below.
Can you tell us a little bit about Class Photo for anyone who might not be familiar?
I’m Patrick Morris, and Class Photo is my solo project. I just released the debut album this month, Light Years Later. Before I started working on it, I’d been in a band for several years, STRFKR. They’re still around, and I quit the band for a number of reasons, the main one being that I wanted to focus more on my own music. I’ve been making music for a long time, and some of the Class Photo tunes had already been swimming around in my brain for some time. With this debut album, I recorded everything myself, and, with a couple exceptions, I played everything myself as well. The songs on there are inspired by alternative rock bands like Weezer and The Rentals, in addition to other, more dancey, synth-based stuff like Prince and Daft Punk.
You’ve had an exciting year with a handful of live performances and the release of your debut album as Class Photo. What has been the highlight of your year so far?
SO much happened the past year in Class Photo— I met the musicians who are helping me create the live performance, we played our first show which was at a great festival in Norway, and yes, the album is now released— but for me the highlight was the album release show, which was two weeks ago. I had a lot of fun at that show. The show was celebrating the release of the album, and there was a really positive energy in the room that night.
Now that it has been out for a little while and you’ve had some time to reflect on it, what are some of your favorite things about Light Years Later?
I recorded the whole thing in Los Angeles, right before I moved to Oslo. I was recording in various non-traditional places. I used the closet, my garage, a minivan, and a make-shift vocal booth to track the entire thing. Sure, there are some problems with recording in a garage that isn’t isolated, and that’s a mile or so from Los Angeles international airport, but I am happy that I did that rather than go into an expensive studio, where I would have felt pressured to get the thing right on the first take.
One of my favorite aspects of Light Years Later is that the guitar was used about as much as the synthesizer and the drum machine. I’m a fan of the intersection between organic instruments and the more robotic, clinical instruments that started being introduced in the 70’s. I also feel that these electronic instruments have a tactile quality in that they take up space on my shelf and collect dust (albeit not too much dust).
Did you have any major goals in mind when you first started working on the album?
I had some clear goals when I started. I knew I wanted to record and produce it myself, having worked on albums before in previous bands. But I absolutely wanted to have someone other than myself mix it, someone who I could trust. Rian O’Connell Lewis ended up mixing it, and this led to some cool creative choices that never would have happened if I’d done it myself.
Another thing, when I first started writing, I noticed my influences were pretty disparate. I was showing my early Weezer influences on the one hand, and electro-funk on the other. But I knew if I decided that that was alright, then it would be. The production can do a lot to tie an album together, and I didn’t feel like I ‘had to’ align myself with one particular game.
Was there anything you wanted to accomplish with Light Years Later that you haven’t had the chance to do with previous projects?
Actually, that question really ties in with the last one— because there were times in the past when I had felt less free to visit one genre on one song and another on the next. A lot of that is probably in my head, because if you listen to my previous projects, they’re also quite disparate at points. Like for example, my old band Strength could open with a dance-rock single, then counter to a two-minute punk song, only to fire off a sultry ballad with references to liquor. But I notice that when you work in a collaborative way, a lot of ideas never even get the chance to take off. Because there’s always someone who seems to notice that it’s a departure from the bigger picture. Light Years Later felt more free than other projects because at any given moment I could decide I was passionate about something, and I would turn all my attention towards that.
How do you feel you’ve grown with the writing, record and release of Light Years Later?
It’s still early to tell, but I think I’m starting to notice small things that I do differently. It was a major leap for me to write lyrics and sing. I’d written lyrics in the past, but that had taken a backseat in previous bands, as I was more focused on things like guitar parts, MPC drum machine, or chord progressions. So going into my solo project, I didn’t have much experience in singing lead vocals. Of course the more you do something, the more confident you become. I think many singers struggle with their own voice. There was something Phil Oakey (Human League) said about singing. He doesn’t feel like he’s a great singer, but if he focuses with all of his might, he can do a decent job. And my impression of Phil Oakey’s voice is that it’s powerful and unmistakable. So we all probably have a somewhat skewed perspective on our own voice, but I notice I’m feeling more comfortable in that regard now than before I made the record.
What would you like for listeners to take away from the album?
I hope they will dance. There’s a minimalism to this record, and I tried to be very careful not to overdo it or put in anything unnecessary. I hope some of it gets stuck in your head in a good way. The lyrics, for me, are very honest and sincere. I get it if some people are less interested in lyrics than others. Sometimes I never even understand the lyrics of my favorite songs. That’s alright too. Some of these songs came out of loss, others weren’t as complicated. But the main thing is I hope you enjoy the music.
With Light Years Later out now and 2019 coming to a close soon, do you have any other big plans for the rest of the year or 2020?
2019 has been busy for me in a good way, with multiple shows to kick-off the release. For the rest of the year, I’m taking a minute to work on some new music because that’s what keeps me goin’. Other than that, I’m looking forward to 2020— Class Photo will be back to playing shows again. Our next show is on February 8th in Bergen, Norway.
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I appreciate you reaching out to discuss Class Photo and the debut album, which just came out. Woo hoo! If you’re interested in staying up to date with goings on for my solo project including upcoming shows, releases, and more, please check us out on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/classphotomusic
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