The Drums' Jonny Pierce tells us about the solo strength on new album Abysmal Thoughts

What did you get up to between Encyclopedia and Abysmal Thoughts?

Oh god, I mean, there was a lot going on. Encyclopedia was a weird record. Don’t get me wrong, I like that it exists. I like its weirdness. I think every band should have a weird record. I do have to say though, that it’s hard for me to listen to that album and feel connected with it. I think what I most appreciate about Encyclopedia is what it taught me. It is a true reflection of what was going on in my life and who I was at the time. During the making of that album, I had gotten married. I adopted two dogs. I had purchased a house. I was building a life for myself that I thought I wanted. I felt comfortable. I didn’t have much struggle, but I didn’t feel like me. I think that showed through in the album’s sound and content. It was much more synth-driven and sometimes a little too whimsical or dream-like for my taste. Looking back, that album really wasn’t me at all.

As an artist, I’ve always thrived when in a state of turmoil or sadness. That’s when I make art that I see myself in. Thats also what my listeners connect to, it seems. I started Abysmal Thoughts during the decimation of my marriage and after I had written a handful of songs, Jacob quit the band. So between Jacob leaving and my husband leaving, I was left spinning - and spinning out of control. These two guys had been mainstays in my life and now they were both gone and I had no one to lean on and no one to lift me up or make me feel alright. It was scary and also kind of thrilling in a way. For the first time in a long time, everything was up to me. I could sink or swim. I decided to sort of do both - if that makes sense. If you listen to the new album, you’ll understand more what I’m saying.

Were you working on the new LP the whole time or was it much more sporadic?

I didn’t have time to. I was dealing with a lot of emotional drama and also partying really hard to forget everything - which can slow things down.

Where does Abysmal Thoughts sit in the body of work of The Drums?

I look at Abysmal Thoughts as my second debut album. There were some parallels between the first album and this one. When I started The Drums, I had no idea that anyone on earth would care about what I was doing. So I just did whatever I wanted. For Portamento and Encyclopedia, I did have an idea of what was going on in my life, and while I like those albums, they were more considered. With Abysmal Thoughts I found myself back on my own working hard and literally not knowing if I would be signing to a label or putting the album out myself. I didn’t know if fans would still care. So it allowed me to just ignore all of that and make something very real and personal and special. Having Jacob absent from the process was also helpful in the way that I didn’t have to ask for any sort of external opinions. I just did my thing and went for it - and it paid off.

How would you describe the sound?

I think anyone listening to the album would definitely classify it under 'The Drums'. But there is a new experimental aspect to some of these songs that were not around before this album. I brought in brass instruments, percussion, and some new drumming patterns inspired by '90s electronic drum loops. The songs are longer too. I used to cram everything in so each song clocked out at three minutes. But I just let these ones breathe. I even added a third verse to "Head Of The Horse" - a cardinal sin in my book!

Which was the easiest song to write? Which was the hardest?

I’ll be honest with you. Another parallel to the first album, was that when I sat down to write a song, the song would just vomit out of me. I didn’t have to try. There was so much to talk about, and my lyrics really inspired the music which inspired the lyrics which again inspired the music, and before I knew it, the song was done. This happened over and over and then I was done with the album! Good art demands to exist! I will say that the one song that I had a difficult time finishing was "Blood Under My Belt". I went back to that song 100 times. I realize that the song was out of my vocal range so I dropped it down a notch, and then I wrote it in 15 minutes, sent it to my manager, and he queefed a nut!

What is the most satisfying moment on the LP for you?

I really enjoy "Are U Fucked?" It kind of embodies everything I wanted to do with this album. New musical elements, and direct and vulnerable lyrics.

Which melody gets stuck in your head most from the album?

The chorus of "Head Of The Horse". It’s kind of hard to get that one out of your head. People seem to really be responding to it too. It’s very universal.

Which lyric are you most proud of?

"I’ve been here before - a room without a door..." from "Mirror". I don’t know if I’m 'proud' of that lyric but it certainly speaks to me.

What was it like being left to your own devices for this Drums record?

So, 95% of everything you’ve ever heard from The Drums was written and recorded by me. Jacob and the other guys were around all the time, but didn’t do much writing or recording. Still, just their mere presence would have an effect on the direction of the writing. With Abysmal..., I didn’t have that. It was all up to me and so it became almost thrilling to not have to consider others thoughts or ideas.

What was the most important thing you learned during the process of making the record?

That I can do this. I am a standalone artist. I can write, record, mix, attend the mastering sessions, make the album artwork, put the live show together, design merchandise, do interviews, direct, and edit music videos. The list of responsibilities is endless and for the first time in my life I know that I can do it all. It really builds self esteem. I’ve been plagued with self doubt most of my life and so I don’t feel that as much anymore. I also learned that by just expressing how I feel through the songs and through interviews, I am elevating myself and others.

What do you wish you knew before you started?

I wish I knew in 2009 that I didn’t need others to make myself complete. This album was like therapy to me. I learned so much from it. How amazing that art still teaches us.