“I used my original snare drums on the early records, including the one used on Two …”

In a music world that constantly changes and evolves, the Spin Doctors have managed to carve their own niche and still create captivating music, all while using gear that dates back to their ’90s heyday. With their enduring hit songs like “Two Princes” and “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong” from their debut album Pocket Full of Kryptonite, the band maintains their unique sound and spirit.

Drummer Aaron Comess and guitarist Eric Schenkman spoke about their latest album Face Full of Cake, highlighting the relaxed and pressure-free environment in which they created it. The organic songwriting process led to a diverse mix of tunes that showcase the band’s chemistry and individual styles blending seamlessly together.

Comess shared some insights into their songwriting sessions, mentioning the unconventional tactic of cooking dinner for bandmate Chris Barron to get him involved in the process. Different writing configurations, including collaborations between band members, contributed to the eclectic nature of the record, giving each song its own distinct color and mood.

When it came to recording the album, the band utilized various methods, from creating iPhone demos to cutting better demos in their bass player Jack Daley’s top-notch studio in Asbury Park. Comess and Schenkman also revisited some of the gear they used in the early days, adding a touch of nostalgia to the recording process.

Comess reminisced about playing his beloved Brady drum set, incorporating a mix of snare drums from different brands like Yamaha, Ludwig, and Pa LoVetone, including the same snare drum he used on “Two Princes” from their early records. Schenkman, on the other hand, dusted off his Pensa-Suhr Stratocaster, which had been sitting idle for over a decade, bringing it back to life for the new album.

The band’s appreciation for vintage gear was evident as Schenkman discussed his ’61 Tremolux amp, a longtime favorite, along with a ’62 Bassman and a five-watt National. Each piece of equipment brought its own unique character and sound to the recording sessions, adding depth and richness to the tracks.

Despite the challenges of selecting a favorite song from the album, Comess mentioned the crowd-favorite “Still A Gorilla,” praising Schenkman’s guitar tone on the track. With the use of an old Fuzz Face pedal that adds a raw and explosive quality to the sound, the song exemplifies the band’s ability to capture energy and emotion in their music.

As the Spin Doctors continue to rock on, their commitment to using vintage gear and maintaining their signature sound serves as a testament to their enduring legacy in the music industry. By embracing the past while looking towards the future, the band remains a timeless symbol of creativity and passion in a constantly changing musical landscape.