In this interview spotlight, I chat with Snowball ii about the latest project, challenges, technology and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Where are you from and what style of music does Snowball ii play?

I’m from the greater Los Angeles area.  I grew up in Orange County, California, went to college in Boston; spent a little time wandering around some other states, but LA is home.  Snowball ii started off in the shoegaze tradition, but I’ve allowed the style to be a little more fluid to keep it interesting for everyone.  Aside from shoegaze, you’ll find some classic psych rock stuff, pop melodies, Swirlies-style nonsense, etc in Eaton Super 10.

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?

My parents are both professional musicians.  When my brother and I were kids, they told us we couldn’t live in the house if we didn’t play an instrument.  I guess I was taught at a young age that music was more of a survival skill than entertainment.  It’s maintained that status too because music is my job now, which is cool.

How is this new release ‘Eaton Super 10’ different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?

I learned how to budget for error in the production of Eaton Super 10 and its promotional materials.  I think as a result, the products are clearer, more concise, and more entertaining than anything Snowball has put out thus far.  The next album is already recorded and it’s not anything like Eaton Super 10.  I’ve budgeted even more time for error with that record, so keep an eye out for that soon enough.

What was the last song you listened to?

I had “Crying” by Roy Orbison on repeat all morning.

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

I think vinyl is the easiest medium to get excited about putting on, but it also is the easiest to get frustrated by as well. Sure, it has the highest frequency response and using analog gear adds that sweet something to the music, but nobody talks about when the record skips or gets dirty or you’re almost by not quite asleep and the side ends and you have to get out of bed and flip the damn thing.  Not to mention the continual expense of maintaining your stereo system—it’s certainly a commitment.  But maybe that’s what people like about it.  I use them all.

Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

I have a foundational issue with subscription-based services because I prefer to own what I pay for.  That said, I know a ton of people who share music almost exclusively through Spotify, so I do subscribe to that and use it, grudgingly as it may be.  

Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you?

Indie music usually starts at home with friends, and it’s a challenge to seamlessly morph relationships from all pleasure to both business and pleasure, especially when there is a lot of work to do and not a lot of money to do it.  I try to take on as much of the load as I can and make sure the people I’m working with feel respected when I need their help with something. 

Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?

I like to direct people to our Bandcamp page at snowballii.bandcamp.com or you can always email me at jackson@snowballii.com

Anything else you would like to share with our readers? 

I want to say thanks to you for having me and helping support the release of Eaton Super 10, and thanks to anyone who spends some time with the new Snowball ii music.