Chicago songwriter–producer Erich Specht of Push Puppets drops in to talk big hooks, bigger harmonies, and the new album Tethered Together. We get from deep-dish pizza to deep-cut influences in one leap: Roy Thomas Baker-style productions (Cars/Queen), XTC, Crowded House, a dash of Jellyfish, and even a hint of glam on what’s coming next.
Erich unpacks the album’s themes of connection (spot the shark and “pilot fish” on the cover), the breakup and life moments that powered the lyrics, and how songs often start as voice notes in the car. We go behind the scenes with Steve Frisby’s soaring backing vocals, sessions at Gravity Studios with Doug McBride (Smashing Pumpkins, Silversun Pickups, Veruca Salt), and a real string quartet across eight tracks—used not as wallpaper, but as a co-star.
Listen for:
The wall-of-voices on “Shake It Like You Mean It”
Why “Altogether on Three” reprises its bridge and hides a delicious rhythmic trick in the outro
Strings vs. guitars sparring on “Launching a Satellite”
Writing systems: 250+ ideas logged, voice memos, and reading sprees that spark melodies
The sweet one inspired by a much-loved basset hound
Album: Tethered Together (out now)
Find it: pushpuppets.net and Bandcamp (yes, we love Bandcamp Fridays).