UTG INTERVIEW: Sullivan Discuss ‘Heavy Is The Head’

February 9th, 2015

Kriston McConnell

Last year, the guys in Sullivan announced the end of their seven-year hiatus, and shortly after confirmed the details of a brand new album. The group signed to Spartan Records, and dropped one of my personal favorite albums of 2014 – Heavy Is The Head.

Since they got back together they have kept themselves busy with touring all over the country. We are excited to have the opportunity to steal some of their time away while they are taking a brief break from touring to ask them a few questions about their latest effort.

Let’s start off by introducing yourself and telling us what role you have in the band.

Brooks, I’m the singer.

For those who are new fans, they may not be aware of your previous releases. Heavy Is The Head is a departure from your sound before you went on hiatus. What influenced the new sound?

Well, it doesn’t feel that new to us, but I think it’s just a testament of our growth. When you make two albums 7 years apart, there are going to be some glaring differences. We would like to think we are just better now.

Did you always think there would be a chance of the band getting back together? When did you know for sure it was going to happen?

I never thought for a second it would happen. The only reason it did was because we wrote a couple of songs that just felt like Sullivan. Going back to your last question, we felt like they could have been on our last album. It was such a natural thing, so we had to further examine it.

Do you have any favorite songs off the album?

Probably “What’s Good For The King.” It was the first song written for the album and it takes me somewhere when I listen to it. I really wanted to write a song that was a start to finish story – something that has a real setup and release. Musically, it was so fitting with the lyrics that I can hardly remember thinking about the approach. It just happened organically.

You recently released an awesome acoustic rendition of “Melanoma Lullaby.” Is there any possibility of more acoustic releases like that? If so, is there a song or two you have in mind for it?

I’m sure I will do them all. Having a studio, I am afforded the luxury of doing stuff like that. They are great challenges. It’s very hard to relive a song, and something about the format makes you do that. It also creates a precedence once you do one well. I have some crazy ideas for future ones.

Who are some of your influences that have inspired you the most in terms of songwriting?

Musically, Weezer, Piebald, and Fountains Of Wayne

Lyrically, I really don’t know. Oddly enough, I love how Matt Skiba can flow his lyrics, but I don’t really think I get the darkness from him, it’s just about taking an otherwise harsh word and making it sound beautiful. There are certain syllables that just cut through, and I would write about unicorns and ice cream cones if I thought it sang well.

Heavy Is The Head seems to be popular with music critics. How has it been received by fans?

Seems to be amazing so far! We have a great base. They are very supportive and I hope we gave them something worth waiting all this time for. We have never been a very highly “reviewed” band, so it’s interesting reading all the positive reviews.

How does it feel being back together?

Natural, our first show couldn’t be explained any differently. We have been friends for so long and know each other so well, that it’s just too easy.

What is your writing process? Is there one person who writes lyrics? Does each member write their own parts?

Tyson and I write the core of the song, and then the sprinkles get added as we go from everyone. Everyone has a say; an opinion can be creativity’s best friend.

Speaking of the writing process – do any of the songs have a particular, prominent story behind them?

“What’s Good For The King” is a day in the life of middle America. It’s a moment in time where everything goes wrong for this family. The structure of the song tells the story in the verses and we reflect on what it means during the unique parts. I did this on purpose so that there would only be one reoccurring part separated by unique sections that never repeat. The story follows the son as he makes one mistake that could lead history to repeat itself, making him become just like his father.

What’s the inspiration behind the album title?

The song I spoke of in your last question. “Heavy is the head that wears the crown.” It’s in reference to how one handles the weight of his own life. It’s not easy being. The idea of being one’s own man/woman is burdensome and how we handle it is learned, not inherent.

Can we expect a new music video for one of the tracks any time soon?

I think so, but I want it to be a surprise!

Any plans on going on a major tour or two this year?

Lots of plans in the works, hopefully they all work out!

What is one thing you want fans to take away from your music?

I just want to stir some shit up inside. If they feel anything, it’s a win. We really try to go on a journey and create some exaggerated moments.

What does the future hold for Sullivan? What can fans expect in the next year, or two or even five years?

Lots of music, we are never gonna stop making music again. We hit a big vein, time to get high.