Chuck Prophet Talks Latest Album, 2025 UK Tour And More
California singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer Chuck Prophet’s new collaborative album with Cumbia group ¿Qiensave? ‘Wake The Dead’ is out now. Currently touring the UK, Chuck kindly chatted to us:
When did you begin songwriting?
It would be hard for me to pinpoint the exact moment. But, if you can play an instrument, you can write… So, I was always going where my fingers took me. I guess that’s writing on some level. Songs. Fully formed songs came later.
What is your earliest musical memory?
My earliest musical memories were definitely with my mother, driving in the car and the AM radio in Cleveland, OH. That and TV music like the Lone Ranger theme. It would get in my head and I couldn’t shake it. It would play in a loop.
Your latest collaborative album with Cumbia group ¿Qiensave? called Wake The Dead is out now. How did you want to approach the making of the album?
Like a lot of my records I wrote two or three songs I was excited about, and I just followed the clues to get it down the road… I got excited. And the songs kept coming. There were a lot of twists and turns in the road and false starts — not unlike any of my records. But the approach is to get a group of talented, sensitive and difficult people in the studio and kick the songs around and try to get the songs to stick to the tape. (Or the hard drive in this case). but, in terms of process… It all starts with getting a batch of songs that I consider “go to the head of the class” level songs. And then casting it like a movie. Getting the right characters in there. And praying to the recording gods that they will be kind to us.
Where did you record the album and who produced it?
The record was produced by Matt Winegar, Brad Jones and me. It was mostly recorded in a studio in Oakland. Called 25th St. But also in Texas at Matt Winegar‘s garage. I think we did a session up in Sacramento at Tommy Dunbar’s basement studio too.
Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the album recording sessions?
I think recording in Matt’s garage was a blast. Often we played with musicians from San Antonio, who we had never met before. And one of them who played Accordian — his name is Cesar Herrera. For some reason, he brought a cooler full of tamales. And they were from the best tamales house in San Antonio. He said that if we didn’t like his playing we’d remember him for the killer tamales. And to be fair… They were great tamales!!
Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?
Everything that we put a microphone in front of was chosen because it has a particular sound. Farfisa organs and accordions fighting it out with single coil Fender guitars and tons of different stringed instruments like the Tres. A short scale bass. Diatonic Accordian. As well as the Bajosexto which is like a 12 string guitar. Where the strings are doubled up.
One of the tracks is the title track single. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?
The inspiration behind that track is the mission statement for the making of the whole record. As far as writing it goes: It was trench warfare. One line at a time, one couplet at a time – until you get to the chorus and it takes flight. Plus, the opening percussion and the three note bass line is almost a mission statement for the whole LP. I think it’s a great opener.
Was it a difficult album to write?
Not really. But it took time.
Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?
I think the most reflective would be “It’s a good day to be alive”. I don’t know if there’s a lot of anger on this LP. But the happiest track to me is “sugar into water”. It just floats above everything. With that wild San Antonio sound.
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
That people will feel something. Make ‘em laugh. Make e’m cry. Experience something within themselves or just the process of communion with other crowd members. It’s not a recital. It’s a rock ‘n’ roll show… they can be serious. Enter around be silly… On the flick of a switch.
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?
Yes, I use a Shure green bullet microphone. And I’ve been using one of the early RAT pedals made by Pro Co a company in Pomona, California. I favor all kinds of Dunlop products. Strings and pedals, etc. I believe in the power of the Telecaster – it’s like the Swiss Army knife of all guitars. Never lets me down. I still play the same 1984 Fender Squire Telecaster that Green on Red bought me when I joined the band. I know there’s some kind of Freudian attachment going on. Oh, I own others, but I’ve never played any other guitar than the Squire on a gig. Maybe because it knows all the songs.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
San Francisco. Greatest city in the world.
How do you look after your voice?
I don’t. But someday I will. It’s lit on me a couple times. And when that happens you don’t shake it off easily.
You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?
Confederacy Of Dunces. Has anyone made it yet? A lot of it takes place in New Orleans. That opens up all kinds of musical possibilities.
Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?
My influences are all over the map. If I tell you one I leave out 1,000. Jimi Hendrix, Richard Thompson, Tom Verlaine, Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Bob Dylan. Johnny Cash. . . And still after all this time, I think my biggest hero would be Alex Chilton. There was nothing exaggerated about Alex. He was cool. And I really think hiss riddem guitar playing is phenomenal. I believe tom waits once described him as the “Thelonious Monk of the rhythm guitar”.
Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025?
Feb 19 Oxford – The Bullingdon
Feb 20 Leeds – Brudenell Social Club
Feb 21 Manchester – Yes Pink Room – SOLD OUT
Feb 22 Newcastle – The Cluny – SOLD OUT
Feb 23 Glasgow – St Lukes
Feb 24 Sheffield – Greystones SOLD OUT
Feb 25 Leicester – The International
Feb 26 Nottingham – Metronome
Feb 27 Cambridge – Portland Arms SOLD OUT
Feb 28 Norwich – Arts Centre
Mar 1 Hassocks – Mid Sussex Music Hall – SOLD OUT
Mar 2 Bristol – Beacon
Mar 3 Birmingham – Hare & Hounds
Mar 4 Southampton – 1865
Mar 5 London – The Garage
Who is in your touring band?
The Cumbia Shoes: Mario Cortez, Alejandro Gomez, Vicente Rodriguez, James Deprato and me and Joaquin Zamudio Garcia
What makes Chuck Prophet happy and what makes you unhappy?
I like to stay up late and sleep in. That makes me happy. I’m not big on playing cards. Poker or whatever. I’ve never enjoyed playing poker. Being confined in a small hot room with a group of men using language like “hit me, flop me, slap him, hold him” has never really been my idea of a good time.
Feature Image Photo Credit: Kory Thibeault
Chuck Prophet’s latest collaborative album ‘Wake The Dead’ is out now on Yep Roc Records.
Chuck Prophet’s 2025 UK Tour will visit the following venues:
Feb 20 Leeds – Brudenell Social Club
Feb 21 Manchester – Yes Pink Room – sold out
Feb 22 Newcastle – The Cluny
Feb 23 Glasgow – St Lukes
Feb 24 Sheffield – Greystones – sold out
Feb 25 Leicester – The International
Feb 26 Nottingham – Metronome
Feb 27 Cambridge – Portland Arms – sold out
Feb 28 Norwich – Arts Centre
Mar 1 Hassocks – Mid Sussex Music Hall -sold out
Mar 2 Bristol – Lantern
Mar 3 Birmingham – Hare & Hounds
Mar 4 Southampton – 1865
Mar 5 London – The Garage
For tickets and more information visit his official website here: https://chuckprophet.com/
