John Spengler, the youthful mastermind behind local rockers It is Well is staying busy, recording new songs and trying to figure out exactly where his music belongs.
“I get so caught up in the expectations of what genre I need to be that I lose sight of what I really want to be writing,” says Spengler. “I’m not really hardcore or emo, so I can’t dress in black like Trent Reznor.”
One of Spengler strengths is his ability to switch between loud and soft styles--but it seems like he's getting tired of such dichotomy.
“I’m caught between two very different genres and I can’t get out because it’s what I want to write,” Spengler says. “Maybe I’m just getting old--or maybe I’m still too young.”
Earlier this year, It is Well re-released its debut EP, the raucous The Bed Afflictions, an effort that featured Spengler’s chaotic and tortured vocals. But the singer/songwriter seems intent on toning things down on his next record.
“I just recorded and posted on my website a very gentle, simple cover of Dylan’s 'It Ain’t Me, Babe,'” he says. “I’ve also written a beautiful, bittersweet singer/songwriter tune that is one of those songs that would be great on a soundtrack.”
Spengler should know: “And I Don’t,” one of the best tracks off the EP, was used in the indie film The Many Strange Stories of Triangle Woman. Spengler also sang on several other tracks used in the movie. And he claims that success on iTunes and facebook has brought him “thousands of new fans.” So here’s hoping he can keep that schizophrenia in check. --Darryl Smyers
