Learn more about Dean Wareham’s upcoming record, That’s the Price of Loving Me, out March 28th.
How did it feel to reunite with producer Kramer for That’s the Price of Loving Me, 33 years after the release of This Is Our Music?
It was super fun, also kind of surreal to track vocals and see him through the glass window, sitting at the recording console.
How has your dynamic with Kramer changed? How has it stayed the same?
Kramer takes charge in the studio. And just like in 1989, he likes to work quickly. There are no endless discussions or “I don’t know, what do you think?” So that is actually kind of relaxing, if you trust someone to be in charge, you roll with it. As for the differences, recording technology has sure changed a lot since 1991, and my voice has changed over the years, and I’m not as frightened in front of a microphone.
What artists & musicians inspired the creative process behind this album?
After you’ve made seven, ten, fifteen records over the years – at that point hopefully you are sort of beyond influence. But as a lyricist of course I am often inspired by something I’m reading, or re-reading, and one song on this record was inspired by a story that I read when I was sixteen years old — Tonio Kröger by Thomas Mann, it’s about an artist who returns to his hometown, but no one recognizes him, in fact they mistake him for a criminal.
If you could record a song/album with any musician in history, who would it be?
I have already been lucky enough to record with some greats: Lou Reed, Sterling Morrison, Tom Verlaine, Sonic Boom. But I’ll pick someone who is alive and well: Cat Power.
How has collaboration shaped you as an artist?
I couldn’t make music without collaborators. Well, I could, but it wouldn’t be very good. But I’m pretty good about letting other musicians contribute to my songs and take them in a different direction. That’s what the recording studio is for.
Who is the first person you share new music with?
There are a few friends I trust who always listen early — Noah Baumbach is one.
Which song from That’s the Price of Loving Me are you most excited to play live?
“Bourgeois Manqué” is my favorite on the album, which is odd because my demo felt half-baked. But I played that demo for Britta, and she liked it, and then it really came alive with Roger (on drums) and Britta (on bass) in the studio.
On your upcoming record, you cover a song by Nico and another by Mayo Thompson. What are some of your favorite covers?
It’s really the singer, not the song; anything that Nina Simone covers is better than the original. I love her versions of “Here Comes the Sun”and “Who Knows Where the Time Goes?”
How would you describe this new record in three words?
That’s not easy. But I’ll offer these three: Melancholic. Humorous. Classic.
What is something that has inspired you recently?
Students protesting for peace.
That’s the Price of Loving Me is out March 28th. Pre-order the album here. Catch Dean on tour in April & May! Check out the dates below:
May 11 – Ojai, CA @ Deer Lodge
April 2 – Manchester, UK @ Band on the Wall
April 4 – Leamington, UK @ The Assembly
