KCRW Apogee Session featuring Nick Waterhouse

“…Huntington Beach… OC… Sublime… how does a guy like you get into ’50s rock?” KCRW host Anne Litt started questioning Nick Waterhouse’s affinity for retro sounds. “Radicalization,” he responded pretty much right away, garnering some chuckles and nods from the crowd. Fans packed in the intimate Apogee Studio in Santa Monica on a chilly Wednesday, hanging on to every last word and note. Nick Waterhouse’s band, complete with backing vocals and horns, led the crowd into a soulful set that had them grooving and dancing throughout.

The first set of the evening was all songs off Waterhouse’s latest self-titled album. They opened with a soft, blues-y number “Which Was Writ,” but the next song, “Song For Winners,” which has received quite a bit of radio play on KCRW, had some audience members dancing along as the horns joined in. “Wreck The Rod” had the background singers popping out of the sonic scape with a rhythmic “Love!” shout. Waterhouse introduced his band during an extended jam of “Man Leaves Town.”

Anne Litt asked thoughtful questions during the interview, covering Waterhouse’s humble beginnings working at a record store to producing Allah-Lahs’ album. On why his fourth studio album came out as “self-titled,” he shared that this album was more about “telling the strongest story about my own motives and perspectives… it’s the closest to having a conversation with me.” They also discussed the various perspectives on being an artist vs. a producer. Waterhouse shared that, as a producer, he’s more empathetic and works to strengthen their vision. When he makes records, he shared, “I make my records as if I’m producing myself until it’s time to sing.” When asked why he hired a producer, he said, “because I needed an empath… I have lots of blind spots.” They also touched on musical mentors and lyrical influences from Mussolini and Nixon to John Sinclair.

The second part of their set featured some older tunes, including the Latin-esque “It’s Time” and “LA Turnaround.” The slow, psych rock sounds of “Raina” had everyone swaying. Anne Litt managed to beckon the band back to the stage for an encore, a cover of “Pushing Too Hard,” which Waterhouse prefaced, “I started doing [covers] at shows that weren’t going too hot,” ending the night on light, danceable note.

Setlist:

1. Which Was Writ*
2. Song For Winners*
3. Black Glass*
4. Wreck The Rod*
5. Wherever She Goes*
6. Man Leaves Town*
7. Is That Clear
8. It’s Time
9. L.A. Turnaround
10. Raina
11. (If) You Want Trouble

Encore:

1. Pushing Too Hard

*off the new self-titled album Nick Waterhouse

Photo Credit: Sharon Alagna