From Leftovers to Rightovers: the Richard X. Heyman Interview

"Rightovers" is a collection of superb leftovers from the sessions to "Basic Glee" (2002), the last album by Richard X. Heyman. The originally fans-only CD will finally be made available for the public, but only as downloads. In the interview Richard talks about his work with artists like Brian Wilson, his ingredients for a good pop song, the perfect crime and the internet.

Robert Pally: "Rightovers" is stylistically a pretty mixed affair. How come?

Richard X. Heyman: I've always written R&B-tinged songs along with the melodic pop and folk rock. All those songs were originally recorded for "Basic Glee", but I had to whittle down the selections for an album's length. The only song that was a bit different from the norm was "August", in which I wrote the lyrics first and the production leaned toward the psychedelic.

Robert Pally: What made you deceide not to use those songs for "Basic Glee"?

Richard X. Heyman: Certain songs just sound more comfortable alongside each other. I'm always looking for nice segues and flow in the running order.

Robert Pally: From what period are the songs?

Richard X. Heyman: They range from 1969-2002. That's the writing. The recordings were all done in '01-'02.

Robert Pally: One song on "Rightovers" is called "The perfect crime". What would be the perfect crime for you?

Richard X. Heyman: If Capitol Records kept passing on the Beatles in America.

Robert Pally: What are your ingredients for a good popsong?

Richard X. Heyman: There's certainly no one recipe for a good song, pop or otherwise. Each great song has its own magic. For me it's all about feeling and emotion and that can come from a combination of things -- a nice chord progression, a
catchy riff, a clever hook, a unique melody or a strong lyric. My favorite
rock'n'roll record of all time is "Louie Louie" by the Kingsmen -- its
greatness comes from the repetition of the chords, the exuberant rawness of the lead vocal, the savage rhythm of the drummer -- listen to some of those drum fills -- and the ridiculously perfect guitar solo. On the other hand, another favorite of mine is "I'll Be Back" by The Beatles. The ingredients there being its melancholy two part vocal harmony and lovely melody, the bittersweet minor chord progression. I guess the one thing all the truly great songs have in common is a meant-to-be quality. You don't even think about someone sitting down and writing them. They sound like they simply burst into existence for all time.

Robert Pally: Why will the song on "Rightovers" only be released on the internet?

Richard X. Heyman: It was originally a fans-only CD. But now, with some time gone by and many requests for it, we decided this was a good way to present it to the public.

Robert Pally: How much does the internet help a artist like Richard X Heyman?

Richard X. Heyman: Hopefully a lot. It's hard to compete with the promotion of a major record label but the internet is a godsend for independent artists.

Robert Pally: You recorded it at home. Did anything amusing happen during the recording?

Richard X. Heyman: Well, yeah, but it's all X-rated!

Robert Pally: You produced, written and performed "Rightovers" on your own. And it appeared, when i am right, on your own label Turn-Up Records. Came that out of a low budget or the wish to get full control over your own work?

Richard X. Heyman: One leads to the other.

Robert Pally: How well can you live as a not that well known artist?

Richard X. Heyman: There's plenty to eat, a roof over my head and a few luxury items like cable TV and a stereo. If somebody wants to give me some money and make me a star, I'm all ears.

Robert Pally: Next year it will be 20 years since the first Richard X Heyman album.
Any special plans for that?

Richard X. Heyman: Not that I'm aware of.

Robert Pally: When i look at your bio i notice that not a lot happened between 1988 and 1998. What did you musically during this time?

Richard X Heyman: That's not exactly true -- 1988 is when "Living Room!!" came out, in 1989 it
was re-released on Cypress/A&M, and in 1990 "Hey Man!" was released on Sire/Warner Bros. Then there was a gap. I signed to a small label that never got off the ground and basically kept me from doing anythingn for two years. Then I started working on "Cornerstone" in 1993, but I had to raise all the cash myself to complete the recording and mixing because I didn't have a record deal. I could only do a little at a time and then we finally put it
out in 1997 and then licensed it to Permanent Press Recordings in 1998.

Robert Pally: When i am correct you only released 5 album in 20 years. How come?

Richard X. Heyman: I can answer that in one word - money. When there's not enough money to record, mix, press up, promote and release an album in the proper way, it slows down the whole process.

Robert Pally: You worked with artists like Brian Wilson, Link Wray, Jonathan Richman or Michael Brown (Left Banke, Stories, Montage, Beckies). With whom did you enjoy it most?

Richard X. Heyman: I guess the biggest thrill was working with Brian Wilson, who has created so much beautiful music and happiness.

www.richardxheyman.com

Richard X. Heyman "Rightovers" (Turn-Up Records) available through iTunes, Napster, MusicMatch and Sony Connect

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