Black Black Black
SPB: How do you approach writing/recording a song with a guest vocalist, such as “Let’s Bloodlet” with Dave Curran?
Jason Byers (vocals): Dave and I have been friends for over 20 years. We first met in Cleveland, Ohio at the legendary Speak in Tongues venue in 1995. Dave was on tour playing bass with Unsane. My band Disengage was just starting out and got the opportunity to open the show for them. Eventually Disengage played many more shows with Unsane and toured the States with Dave’s other band, Players Club. We kept in contact through the years. I’ve always been a big fan of his vocals.
When Black Black Black was recording the self-titled record I heard a good spot for some back-up vocals. I called Dave and he came in did it in one take. When I wrote the lyrics and melodies to “Let’s Bloodlet” I imagined his vocals alternating with mine. Once again Dave came in and made the song perfect. Who else would you get to sing an updated version about the process of bleeding someone to health? I also love hearing him scream the word “equestrian.” Ridiculously funny.
Jacob Cox (guitar): I / we have been friends with Dave for a really long time. I fondly remember having many many special moments with him on stage, and especially off. "Let’s Bloodlet" was chosen since it lent itself well to a call and response type vocal. It was a true joy to watch Dave perform Jason's lyrics, somehow making them even more poignant and powerful to me.
