KFFR’s DJ Mateo interviewed The Ironsides Max Ramey, Joe Ramey and Jamie Payne about their storied history as a soul band with roots in the Bay Area, and their incredible journey to their soon-to-be-released epic album, Changing Light.
In the first part of the interview, DJ Mateo, Max, Joe and Jamie roll through the band’s history through the initial development in 2099-2010 by SF Bay Area natives, brothers Max and Joe Ramey, originated as a studio project dedicated to the revival of 60’s and 70’s soul music, with emphasis on a vivid cinematic, soundtrack vibe.
The discussion then turns to Changing Light, which will be released on Colemine Records May 19, 2023 and is the first full-length effort from this masterful collective of Bay Area musicians. It melds classic psych-soul sounds with sweeping orchestral arrangements – reminiscent of a cinematic soundtrack from a ’60s European film. The Ironsides enlisted the help of Louis Robert King, a New York based maestro, as co-writer and arranger. King had previously created arrangements for Max Ramey on other projects.
Once the tunes were ready to go, the band started contacting the local musicians who would bring them to life. “We hired a group of Bay Area working musicians,” Max explains. “Many of them play a range of music, from jazz to classical, in clubs and orchestras. Using these local musicians was really important to us.” The album was recorded at Transistor Sound Studios in the North Bay Area of California. Transistor is home base for The Ironsides, and a host of Colemine Records artists, including Kelly Finnigan and Monophonics.
They then discuss the Colemine label and how it is a campfire for great soul/blues and other great music in the U.S. and beyond right now, and the incredible ecosystem of musicians and bands around Colemine and The Ironsides & then what is next for the band and a possible tour of Changing Light, a challenge due to the 25 musicians required!
Buckle up for a great ride on Mateo’s Magic Bus on KFFR with The Ironsides!
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