Local Motives

Spouse is a band that has taken on many forms since its inception in Brunswick, Maine circa 1995. Founding member, José Ayerve, has consistently found himself collaborating with some of the most creative and inspired musicians around. (*See list below) The group has managed to release two 7” singles, one maxi-ep, and four full-length albums on their own collective label, Pigeon Records.

Whether it’s a momentary blur of sonic influences, or a distinct yet subtle nod to classic Indie records from yesteryear, or even an obvious play on themes and lyrics explored by their contemporaries, the band has established it’s relevance in today’s music world. Deservedly so, Spouse enjoys a fair amount of admiration, primarily from fellow musicians who make up a large percentage of the group’s audience. Critical acclaim greets their live performances just as serious artistic consideration defines their recorded body of work.

The sound of Ayerve’s voice, described as both ‘feather smooth’ and ‘sandpaper rough’ blends effortlessly with a rewarding batch of harmony vocals and is as much a branding feature of Spouse’s sound as are the ratcheting interplay of guitars, the melodic rush of bass, and the freight train strength and steadiness of drums. Often the subtle or obvious presence of a Casio SK-5 sampling keyboard, a glockenspiel, or a Prophet V synthesizer sweetens the deal.

* Spouse members…
[••• indicates a frequent live performer, •• regular live performer • occasional live performer]

José Ayerve ••• – founding member, co-writer: N, LCSTL, K/W?, RT (v, g, b, k, d)
Liz Bustamante • – since 1998, co-writer: N, LCSTL (k, d, v)
John Cowden – founding member, co-writer: N, LCSTL (d, b, g, v)
Alisha Goldblatt – founding member, co-writer: N, LCSTL, RT (d, b, g, v)
Naomi Hamby • – since 2000, co-writer: LCSTL, K/W?, RT (g, k, v)
Ken Maiuri •• – since 1998, co-writer: N, K/W?, RT (k, g, b, d, v)
Don McAulay •• – since 2004, co-writer: K/W?, RT (d)
Michael Merenda • – original member, co-writer: N, LCSTL, K/W?, RT (d, g, v)
JJ O’Connell ••• – since 2001, co-writer: K/W?, RT (d, v)
Kevin O’Rourke ••• – since 2004, performer: RT (b, g, v)
Dan Pollard •• – original member, co-writer: N, LCSTL, K/W?, RT (b, g, k, d, v)
Mark Schwaber ••• – since 2003, co-writer: RT (g, b, d, v)

[key: d = drums, b = bass, g = guitar, k = keys, v = vocals; albums: N = Nozomi, LCSTL = Love Can’t Save This Love, K/W? = Are You Gonna Kiss or Wave Goodbye?, RT = Relocation Tactics]

Producers / Engineers…

Adam Lasus – LCSTL, RT
Mark Alan Miller – N, LCSTL, K/W?, RT
Thom Monahan – N, LCSTL
John Truscinski – LCSTL
Elisha Wiesner – K/W?

Extended Family
(past or occasional live or recording players/vocalists):
Bart D’Alauro, Nick Lamberto, Gabe McElwain, Erin McKeown, Ruth Ungar Merenda, John Nunan, Henning Ohlenbusch, Anne Pinkerton, Peyton Pinkerton, Philip Price, Flora Reed, Jeremy Smith, Robert Voyer, and many others…

MP3s of the show:

1. Introduction		03:30		Listen
2. Army		02:50		Listen
3. Interview 1		01:12		Listen
4. Army II		03:45		Listen
5. Interview 2		01:58		Listen
6. Adult Life		03:02		Listen
7. Interview 3		02:19		Listen
8. Choke back the Tears		03:58		Listen
9. Interview 4		01:34		Listen
10. Here Comes the Headache		03:40		Listen
11. Interview 5		04:42		Listen
12. Hurry Up and Wait		03:40		Listen
13. Interview 6		01:41		Listen
14. Interlude		05:01		Listen
15. Interview 7		03:04		Listen
16. To Hell With Dubya		02:44		Listen
17. Interview 8		02:18		Listen
18. All That You Don’t Know		01:57		Listen
19. Interview 9		01:21		Listen
20. El Sueno Dura Poco		02:35		Listen
21. Outro				Listen