Interviews

By Mike SOS

You've heard the whispers and all of the rumors, but finally the band known as Team Sleep has put out an album. After a four-year delay, the California outfit featuring Deftones frontman Chino Moreno has released its debut album and is currently supporting the effort on the road.

When catching up with guitarist Todd Wilkinson via e-mail, we spoke about why it took so long for the album to get out there, as well as the way in which the band works and what to expect from this lushly melodic trip-hop rock crew.

SKRATCH: How did Team Sleep initially form?
TODD: Chino and I started making music together a long time ago. We bought a four-track and started by recording layered melodies. I would give the tapes to Chino and a couple other friends. At that time we didn't intend to make a record, just to have fun.

SKRATCH: Who came up with the band name?
TODD: Chino came up with the name. The music is a bit sleepy and our line-up is a bit loose, like a team.

SKRATCH: What sets Team Sleep apart from other rock bands and your other projects?
TODD: The way we write music is different from other bands. We each write our parts and demo them by recording at home. The other music I make makes a lot less sense. I record a lot at home, improvising layers of guitars. It's a similar mood to Team Sleep, but not in songs.

SKRATCH: How would you describe Team Sleep's music to someone who's never heard you guys before?
TODD: The contrast between live instruments and Crook's electronic stuff is very important. There is also the contrast between Zach's chaotic drumming and my mellow guitar playing. I think the music has a warm feeling to it. The sequence of songs on the record is significant. We wanted to end it with an optimistic feeling, so we choose the song "11:11".

SKRATCH: What were some of the advantages and disadvantages of the album being done over a long period of time and worked on by many different producers and musicians?
TODD: We made the record at our own pace, when we felt like working on it, without being rushed. It was hard for all of us to manage other obligations, but we stayed true to our best intentions most of the time. We recorded on everything from cassette four-track recorders to high-end studios. At the end of the recording process we were able to look back at what he had done and pick the best stuff. Having a range of sonic textures gives the record more character. We were lucky to have the opportunity to work with whomever we wanted. All three of the producers we worked with (Terry Date, Greg Wells, and Ross Robinson) have very different styles, and we got to pick and choose what we liked best.

SKRATCH: Are there more Team Sleep tracks lying around not on the album that may surface one day?
TODD: We have several B-sides that haven't been released. We just mastered five of them, two of which are being released with the single "Ever" very soon. The others will surface sooner or later.

SKRATCH: Is there another Team Sleep album in the works?
TODD: We have at least 15 songs demoed for another record. I have several others that the rest of the guys haven't heard yet. Chino will be on tour with Deftones later this year. At that time, the rest of us will begin recording another record.

SKRATCH: How does a Team Sleep song get written?
TODD: It's difficult to make sense out of our process, because there's always an exception. However, they usually come about in one of two ways: I'll write a melody and bring it to Zach, we'll track the drums, and then I'll write more guitar parts; or Crook will give me a drum machine beat and I'll write parts over it, then we give the music to Chino to work on vocals.

SKRATCH: Being that you were in the studio so long with this release, what are some of the easiest and hardest things about bringing the delicate Team Sleep sound to the stage?
TODD: We turn into a rock band for the live shows. It's hard not to do with Zach as our drummer, because he's very loud. Also, when you get two guitars in one room, each keeps getting louder and louder.

SKRATCH: Being visible artists from the band's inception, is it easier or harder to get Team Sleep off the ground?
TODD: There are some difficulties that we face that other bands don't. However, it has been much easier for us than other bands.

SKRATCH: Who are some of your musical influences?
TODD: I think we strive to avoid direct influences more than most bands; however, you can't live in a vacuum. I suppose that if I had to pick, it would be Smashing Pumpkins, The Cure, and Bad Brains.

SKRATCH: What does the rest of 2005 look like for Team Sleep?
TODD: We've been across the U.S., and now we're going to Europe in a couple days. After that, we plan to go to Australia, Japan, then back to the U.S. for a few more shows.

SKRATCH: Any final words for the fans?
TODD: Thanks for being patient.

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