Ludo

In a world that can be too serious, Ludo strive to bring some levity. Intertwining humor and relatable topics, the band has seen extensive success which in turn landed them a deal with major label Island Records. Today, the band has unveiled their latest offering Prepare The Preparations. In celebration of its release, we spoke to Tim Convy about the record among other things. Prepare for an awesome interview:

Jerry@RRR: We have to start out our interviews with the boring formalities, so let’s get this out of the way. Could you quickly state your name and role in Ludo?

Tim Convy: My name is Tim Convy and I play Moog and keyboards in Ludo.

Jerry@RRR: Your fourth full-length disc Prepare The Preparations is soon to be released for the world to hear. What are your thoughts and feelings as the release date approaches?

Tim Convy: Anxious! It’s a weird thing to create something and then sit on it for months until you’re able to share it with people and even stranger now that there are so many people who actually want to hear it! We’re very excited.

Jerry@RRR: Guide us through the recording process. How was your latest release written and recorded? Did the music or the lyrics come first?  

Tim Convy: For the first time since we started in 2003, we took some time off from touring before making this record, so we were spread out in different places while the writing was happening.  In the past we’d all be there as each song developed, but for the first time on our history Andrew was able to make demos along the lines of what he heard in his head before the rest of us heard anything. It took some getting used to, but definitely created things we wouldn’t have achieved otherwise. Then, before recording we got together for a few weeks, chose songs worked out parts and arrangements and started tracking.

Jerry@RRR: Obviously, this isn’t your first rodeo. The new album will mark the band’s fourth output. Would you say that writing a record has become more natural as the years have gone on?

Tim Convy: I think more than anything we’re more confident as writers and musicians.  Before a few years ago I think we always felt like we tricked people into giving us a career and now we feel more like we belong. We’re less afraid to be Ludo and I think that shows on this album.

Jerry@RRR: In a press release, it states that the new album touches topics including skeletons, pirates, cyborgs, etc. Additionally, Andrew described it as “70's butt-rock”. How do you manage integrating your sense of humor without getting too out of hand?

Tim Convy: Oh, it gets pretty out of hand! We used to think about it a lot more, now I think we’re more comfortable being us, and part of being us is the humor… but only a part. This album is particular covers a wide range of emotions and yes, the new single has a taste of “70’s butt-rock.”

Jerry@RRR: Do you ever worry that people won’t take Ludo seriously because of your humorous tendencies?

Tim Convy: I think we used to be more aware of it. Now, we just focus on being us.  Some people are always going to struggle with the humor and there’s nothing we can do about that.

Jerry@RRR: If you could have people could take one thing from your newest album, what would it be?

Tim Convy: Hmmm…I guess I hope it makes them want to come see a show… and to be a better person?

Jerry@RRR: How would you say Prepare The Preparations compares to your previous work?

Tim Convy: It’s bigger, more eclectic, more confident, and more grown up. It’s definitely got characteristics of all 3 of our other albums though.

Jerry@RRR: The first single off the new record is “Whipped Cream.” How would you say the response has been from your fans?

Tim Convy: I think they enjoy it. We’ve been happy. We’re doing a contest where fans make their own video and they seem to be getting into it. [Editors note: you can participate by going here]

Jerry@RRR: Would you say that “Whipped Cream” is stylistically similar to what we will hear on the rest of Prepare The Preparations?

Tim Convy: No, not at all. The album is pretty all over the place and I think “Whipped Cream” is just one part of it… the creepy douchebag part.

Jerry@RRR: Coinciding with the release of “Whipped Cream”, you also made a video for the track. It is quite humorous and fun if I may say so. How did you come up with the concept of the video?

Tim Convy: Well, the “Whipped Cream” part seemed obvious and we’ve always wanted to dance…poorly.

Jerry@RRR: Looking at the pre-orders, fans can win various things including tickets to your upcoming tour and “Whipped Cream” on vinyl. However, the one that stands out the most is the opportunity to bowl with the band. How did the idea for this prize come about?

Tim Convy: We like bowling! We’ve done a few bowling parties with fans and it’s a good time. Then, we had that bowling picture and figured we should use it for something.

Jerry@RRR: You are about to embark on a tour with There For Tomorrow, The Graduate and Tommy & The High Pilots. Why did you decide to take these bands on tour?

Tim Convy: Tommy & The High Pilots is a band that our drummer Matt and tour bass-player Tommy both play in, so that was an easy choice.  We’ve been friends with The Graduate for a long time and they’ve got a new record coming out, and we don’t really know There For Tomorrow yet, but they’re doing some good stuff and we’re excited to meet them.

Jerry@RRR: In your off time, some of the members of Ludo created the side project The New Heathers. During Ludo’s next break from touring, can we expect anything new from The New Heathers? Perhaps a full-length release in 2011?

Tim Convy: Yeah!  We’ve got some songs and Tim Ferrell is going to do some serious writing on this tour. We’ll definitely be putting out new music next year. People can check out www.TheNewHeathers.com for the latest.

Jerry@RRR: Well, that’s all the questions I have for you! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview. Would you like to add anything else?

Tim Convy: Thank you!!! I don’t think so. Just that we hope people come see us on tour and that they pick up in the new record on September 7^th!!

There you have it! Be sure to catch them on their fall tour with The Graduate and There For Tomorrow! You can purchase Prepare The Preparations here.