When not playing keys with dream-pop rockers The Love Language, Missy Thangs has been quietly creating her own Soft Company to indulge her own musical proclivities–and now, to face down the five.
1. If your band were a craft project, what would it be?
It would definitely be Kraftwerk.  Kraftwerk, a truly inventive and ground-breaking krautrock band with a career spanning decades, invented or elaborated on musical instruments krafting custom sounds unbeknownst to pop music prior to. One such instrument: custom-built vocoder (these things preceed Bon Iver by decades!)
2. What made you decide to start sharing this music?
I was a little hesitant at first because I was a bit unsure about my intentions! Â Friends came to me and encouraged me to start taking the songs to the stage, so that’s what I’ve done.
3. Describe the first time you ever wrote a song.
I wrote a song about a pine cone with my best friend up in my parent’s bonus room above the garage. Â A cappella — “It’s sticky, it’s prickly it’ll make you bleed, it’s a PINE CONE.”
4. Who/what might be a few inspirations or influences that would really surprise people?
There’s two major influences in my song-writing that might surprise people. Â One of the most inspirational records in my entire life is Brian Wilson’s “Smile.” Â I have listened to that record probably 100 times and then some. Â My favorite place to listen to it is in the tub in the dark. Â The ambiance, creativity, orchestration and naive feel to the songs continue to blow my mind every time I listen to it.
The other record is definitely Fleetwood Mac’s “Tusk.” Â A really important person in my life turned me onto Lindsey Buckingham’s songs in particular. Â His pop songs are simple yet so unforgettable. Â I was also intrigued by his recording techniques wherein he records instruments and vocals to tape using varied tape speeds. Â Cool stuff happens.
5. What did you dream of being when you were a kid? (how ’d that turn out?)
I always wanted to play rock’n’roll guitar. I adored Billy Corgan as a ‘tween and wanted to play guitar like him very much. Â My Grandpa took me to some busy music super store in the early 90’s and bought me a silver Fender Strat with a white pick guard with a tiny Crate practice amp to go with it. I would mimic Corgan’s moves in the mirror.. yikes.
It didn’t really work out because I play keys now with my bands, however, I do love playing some abrasive loud electric guitar, even if I’m not very good at it.
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Hop on over to Motorco next Saturday, February 5th to hear Soft Company in action. And by all means, give Missy a high five when you see her!