One of the coolest things about the Richmond music scene is the deep-rooted respect that many musicians have for one another. I was honored to have Matt Taylor from Motion City Soundtrack produce the last set of Goldrush recordings. When we were taking breaks from recordings, we could chat about the Richmond scene and share our mutual respect for many of the key players, one of whom is Jonathan Sullivan of Kid Is Qual. Jon's been a musical pioneer, with national credits to his name. When Ghost of Pop 8 was being planned, I could not pass up the opportunity to ask Jon to do the biggest favor to the music scene and reunite his former mad scientist musical project, SaU, for one performance. Richmond, this is going to be one of the best holiday presents someone could give the music scene. SaU was one of the first bands that I got into, and has certainly helped shape the role music plays in the arts culture in Richmond, VA. Matt Taylor's former band, Submerge, played many a show with SaU, so it felt totally natural to have those two friends chat over music, influences, and some awesome news about their performance at Ghost Of Pop 8! Check out this interview that Matt Taylor did with John Sullivan! Ole!
By Keon Winston
SäU is a band with a sound that is very difficult to categorize. It clearly rests somewhere beneath the rock umbrella, but occasionally steps out and takes a bit of drizzle from other styles like R&B, metal, and something a bit progressive. Was this something you set out to do from the early days of the band or did it just happen naturally as you evolved as a musician?
You know, I started writing song under the name "SaU" when I was still in high school. I was in this kinda gay metal band with Ricky Hudson and Chris Adler, among others cats. We had this really weird guy, Rick, who would boss us around and try to tell us what to do. So, in a sense, SaU was my escape from that asshole. In 1991 I went out and bought a karaoke machine and started working on the first SaU tape, The Grandaddy Files. But to answer your question, I love metal, R&B, and everything between.
Who are some of your main musical influences from back in the early days of your musical training, through SäU's formative years, and into the present? Would you credit any of them directly with influencing and shaping your song writing and personal playing style?
When SaU first started in 91, my favorite bands were Primus and Earth, Wind, and Fire. I think a lot of those early influences came out on the first SaU CD, Eggs, Crime, and Milk. But as I progressed in my musical training at VCU, I began to check out other styles of music. All I can say is... I saw Kepone play at Schafer Court in 94 and they BLEW MY MIND. After that, I really didn't care about slapping the bass anymore. All I cared about was kicking ass like my hero, Mike Bishop. They are a powerful band, and I learned so so much from watching (and stalking) Mike. [laughs] For real though! They were the first band I ever heard that was heavy, but at the same time had awesome harmonized vocals. And that bass tone! I spent many years trying to emulate it. Kepone changed my life, all in one afternoon.
It's known that your main instrument is the bass guitar and that you have no trouble expressing your individuality through the instrument. Do you play any other instruments? If so, which ones?
Damn Matt, that is nice as hell of you to say that! My main instruments are the electric and upright bass. I also play some guitar. Besides that, I really don't seriously play any other instrument. My cello playing SUCKS. Does talkbox count?
Can you briefly explain your songwriting process? And does it vary from song to song?
It definitely varies from band to band. I don't write songs in the same style as I did in SaU. In Kid Is Qual, I am definitely doing things a little bit differently. I was onto some weird shit back then. My mind was warped by Breadwinner, Kepone, Shellac, and Don Caballero. I was also heavily into chromatic writing and odd time changes. But at the end of the day, I wanted us to be a combination of Kepone meets Chicago.
You're known to always pop up in Richmond at local shows. Who are some of your favorite local bands playing right now?
There are lots of good bands playing in RVA right now. I would have to say, of the "newer" bands, The Trillions are hands down my favorite. They really impress me! I also really like Goldrush, Sports Bar, Long Arms, Canary O Canary, DJ WIlliams Project, Black Girls, Trew, The Big East, No BS! Brass Band, and the Diamond Center. I feel like I am leaving out some bands though. Oh yeah, my former band Bio Ritmo--they are dope as well!
Without spoiling any surprises, what should the people of RVA look forward to with the upcoming SäU set at Ghost of Pop 8?
We are gonna be playing tunes from our "Rock and Roll Paradise" era. Also we are gonna do a couple of Kepone songs, and my son Mike Bishop is gonna come and perform with us. Can you say "Ole"?
Introduction by Prabir Mehta
Interview by Matt Taylor
Top Image by Kendra Feather