We had the good fortune of connecting with Joey McCarty and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joey, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Ever since I picked up a guitar for the first time, I knew I wanted to pursue music as my career. Music has always been such an impactful and meaningful experience for me – which is why I felt inspired to create my own. I’ve always had the love for creating things, but when I became introduced to making music, I’ve never felt so compelled to build my own sound and brand. Not only does my passion influence me to follow this career, but I also feel as if I am leaving a piece of me out for the world to hear. In centuries from now, what will be left of you for people to remember? For me, I would hope for it to be my music.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The art and music we create is produced differently than most music is today. We decide to produce all of our music in analog fashion – which means no computers, no DAWs, and no shortcuts. From the mics, the tape deck, the mixer, and even the effects. We believe that you not only get a more authentic sound, but a true and raw recording while producing strictly analog, as apposed to the digital side of things. Although it may be easier, (and a whole lot cheaper) to go the digital route, we still decide to record using analog techniques and equipment as a stylistic choice, and a quality choice. We hope to get a sound as close to the time period as the genres we make (50’s-60’s), and to experience what it was like to record music during that time. We choose to have zero electronics in the room we record in (other than the recording equipment we use), and even sometimes to dress accordingly to the genre’s time period – as we do during our live shows. Although some of these things may seem unheard of, there is still a large amount of people who enjoy these exact same recording styles in todays music. As well as a lot of other bands and artists do the exact same thing we do, which inspires and motivates us to contribute and continue the lost art of analog recording.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We have shows all over LA/OC/IE… which means we know all of the good spots. The first spot that comes to mind is Rae’s Restaurant located in Santa Monica – which is a diner that’s been running since 1958. I think they have some of the best meals and shakes you could ever lay your hands on. Next up, The Glass House in Pomona. We have seen countless shows at this venue including all of our favorite bands and many more. One of the best local venues out there – we highly recommend. Lastly, all of Downtown Riverside (our home town.) There are so many sick spots including The Hideaway, Back to The Grind, Penrose Records, and many more spots that hold lots of memories for us.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Throughout the years I have been pursuing music, I have had all sorts of inspirations and important things that shaped the way I’ve looked at music. Although they are all so very impactful to me, I would like to recognize an artist, a place, and a group. Starting with Charlie Megira, otherwise known as “Gabriel ‘Gabi’ Abudraham,” who has inspired me and many others to make something out of nothing and to keep creating new things even with any struggles that may be in the way. I would also like to recognize the local music scenes from LA/OC/IE with amazing local events and artists that deserve much more credit for their impact on local music. Lasty, I would like to recognize all our supporters who have helped contribute to our band, without supporters, we would not be where we are today.

Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3FhwgQ0RbPFFOSm1LbG0mF?si=mN3nfincSJKrfaRuLmMjxg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theeswitchblades/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/wild-fizzo

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSwitchbladesie

Image Credits
Cole Morgan Henry Rogers

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