INTERVIEW: Justin Rice of Student Film

Student Film will release their latest album, Generator, Operator, Destroyer (iTunes), Saturday night at VZDs in Oklahoma City.
I recently talked with Justin Rice about the past, present and future of Student Film.
Talk a little about the new album, Generator, Operator, Destroyer. How does it differ from previous Student Film releases - from your recording approach all the way to the final packaging?
Generator has been the most challenging project in my life. We began recording it in 2006, before Sleeping Giant was even close to being done. With Sleeping Giant, we put our songs into the hands of Trent Bell and Allan Vest. I think that they did an excellent job, and the experience we gained through the process has been of the utmost value. But we wanted to try something different with Generator. We recorded some of the parts at Trent’s, but the majority of the album was recorded in our houses in Norman and OKC. The basic idea was to have as many our friends as possible appear on the album. But then it grew and grew and we finally had to be like, “okay, this song goes on this album, and this one goes on the next one.” The project isn’t done yet; there are still 40 songs to wade through for the follow-up (which will come out next year).
The packaging for this record is a 12 x 18 double-sided poster that comes with a download code - no CD or vinyl. One side of the poster will include lyrics and a philosophical essay, while the other side is a lovely image by Neighbors in the Air Age. The venture feels a bit chancy, but we’re optimistic. The next album will also feature an alternative packaging style, but we’re not sure exactly what it will be. I’ve been advocating small books.
Who makes up the D. Whitfield Ensemble? Why was there need for extra players for the live show? Will they be part of Student Film in the future or do you anticipate this being a short term thing?
The D. Whitfield Ensemble is: Tory Ayers, Chris Harris, and Rianna Schofield. I’m playing with Tory, Rianna, and Eric Nauni this month as the Ensemble too. Many of our songs just don’t come across the way we want them to as a 4-piece. So we’re going to add as many people as it takes until we get there. Basically, we will always play with a group of extra players. The line-up may change, or some people might become permanent fixtures. We have talked to several others about joining us in January, but I don’t want to announce anyone yet.
In Wednesday’s Gazette article, there’s mention of a backup lead vocalist in case you can’t get away to tour. I’ve heard of fill in guitarists, bassists and drummers, but never a fill-in singer. How does the band’s sound change if that happens and who would assume that role?
I’m in graduate school now. And because of my assistantship, I can’t just up and leave for an extended period during a semester. If something worthwhile were to come around during that time, I would want any configuration of the band to do what they could. As far as other vocalists, I’m no longer the primary singer. Rianna is just as vital as I am. And Eric has been an important vocal for some time. I think the two of them could pull off most of our songs without me.
You’ve mentioned that Student Film was looked at by Sony in the past, but that nothing came of it. Now that you’re no longer focusing on getting signed but making music for music’s sake, does it feel like a burden has been lifted off your shoulders?
Yes! It is a relief for all of us. I truly believe that a lot of local artist’s disappointment with not “making it” would subside if we could continue to build up our local scene, which I recognize as being very difficult. The older I get, the harder it is to go to shows, for example. Wayne Coyne once said that good music doesn’t depend on a scene. When I first read that, I remember thinking, “No, not necessarily. But it quite often does.” Building good relationships with other acts and venues, enjoying performing your songs live, and trying to improve the overall state of affairs will most likely be all the majority of OK bands can ever hope to accomplish, but these things are intrinsically worthwhile.
In July 2008, you gave some advice (in the Gazette and on this web site) to local bands. Now, while the main message of that piece was derailed, it contained a lot of good advice. Do you think your message got across clearly enough? Do you have any regrets about some of the fallout?
I’m glad you asked this, as it is something that still gets brought up to me constantly. The things that I wrote elicited a lot of passions from people. As it turns out, many local artists (not just musicians) are also familiar with the same type of frustration that I felt. I still feel that much of what I wrote was accurate and needed to be said. However…
My basic idea did not get across as well as I would have hoped – and that obviously had a lot to do with my approach. I was a little ambiguous on a few things (like the fact that I was aware that Booker had given a helping hand to Starlight Mints and The Evangelicals). But more than anything, my criticism of Colourmusic was what made the whole enterprise almost completely self-defeating. I had always thought that they put more emphasis on spectacle than the craft of songwriting; all style no substance. But I didn’t write that. I wrote that they didn’t deserve Booker’s aid, which was erroneous. The vast majority of responses that I have gotten over the article have been people saying, “I love what you said, but that part about Colourmusic was incorrect.” And they’re right. Those guys worked very hard to get where they are now, and I wish them the best.
Now as for SDWD, we have a different situation. I had the pleasure of running into Dennis Coyne at this year’s Norman Music Festival. Man, was he mad at me. He kept yelling at me and I kept saying that I didn’t care what he thought. But we both just kept standing there. I wonder why that was..?
As far as regret… I regret putting certain people in an awkward position. For instance, there were quite a few individuals who were friends with Booker or Dennis or Derek Brown and myself. And that’s not to mention my fellow band mates. Also, as of this August, my daughter goes to school with Booker’s child. So school functions could potentially provide me with a few uncomfortable moments. We’ll see, I doubt Booker even cares.
Student Film’s Extravagant Living EP was the first CD review ever on OklahomaRock.com (by former reviewer Chris Rodriguez), way back in September 2003. You guys were a young band then, but several veteran bands have said their goodbyes since and you guys have become the veterans. What new or young local bands are you excited about now?
The Non is one of the best acts we’ve got. They’re not new, but they are working on some very cool things right now. I think that this upcoming Resound show will be a breakthrough event for our little scene. They’re doing the thing that many bands talk about doing, but never get around to. I also enjoy Pretty Black Chains and Feel Spectres. Callupsie is my favorite Tulsa band. I have high hopes for Mayola, and I would like to see good things happen for Penny Hill.