Softjaw (L-to-R): Dustin Lovelis (Vocals/Guitar), Tanner Duffy (Vocals/Lead Guitar), Daniel Michicoff (Bass), Vinny Earley (Drums) Photo credit: Sam Crawford
Softjaw burst onto the international power pop scene in 2024 with a couple of killer digital singles that laid the groundwork for an impressive self-titled EP. The Long Beach, CA quartet combines Cheap Trick guitars and Teenage Fanclub harmonies with a dash of The Exploding Hearts’ energy to create a sound that’s timeless. They finished the year by stepping in as The Beat (and The Nerves!) for a handful of California shows backing one of their major influences, Paul Collins. “I Need You” is the first of two infectious singles arriving in March, with plans for their first full-length album later this year.
I’m loving the new single. What’s the story behind “I Need You”?
DUSTIN LOVELIS: It’s a love tap, hat tip to my old lady. Most musicians I know can barely function without their better half. I certainly fall into that category. She pulled me out of the trenches…and still does! Tanner had the bridge piece sitting around and we squeezed it in perfectly.
It really brings The Beatles to mind, combined with Cheap Trick’s cover of Big Star’s “In The Street.” Would you consider those band’s influences/inspirations?
DL: Well, those are three of my favorite things, so absolutely. Tanner and I have been studying Cheap Trick’s first record under a microscope. My pops showed it to me when I was a teenager and it hasn’t left rotation since.
TANNER DUFFY: I immediately thought of “In The Street” by Big Star and went with it. I kept trying to convince Dustin it sounded like “Riff Raff” by AC/DC, but he did not agree haha. My favorite song to play of ours as well.
Speaking of influences, Softjaw recently backed Paul Collins for a handful of California shows. Did you learn any tips and tricks from the King of Power Pop?
DL: Paul is truly a legend from the golden era of rock and roll. He still works his ass off to this day. His work ethic lit a fire under my ass. Not to mention his ability to write a perfect three-chord pop song. Learning those songs taught me that simplicity can be really fucking powerful if it’s done right.
TD: Yeah, man. Paul is an absolute freak when it comes to working. Man’s been doing this for years and hasn’t let up an inch. Still booking shows all over the world and bringing the thunder. Learning The Nerves and The Beat songs has been so much fun. Such a welcome challenge to take on those classics and make them shine.
What’s next for Softjaw?
DL: We have tons of songs! We just need to get in the studio and work them all out. Two songs coming out in March and a full-length sometime this summer we hope!
TD: Yeah, most definitely! Big guitar, power hooks, stacked harmonies, and maybe a ballad or three.
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