Songwriter Spotlight: The Rosewood Thieves

Jinners here again. I've been doing a series of interviews lately that focus on the songwriting aspect of music called "Songwriter Spotlight." No TMZ BS here! This time around I'm putting the spotlight on The Rosewood Thieves!

The band's music is not as eery as their disembodied press photo heads are above. The songs are actually warm, folky numbers -- the kind you listen to on the porch while drinking some spiked iced tea. Or rather, with the cold weather coming up, it's the kind of music you listen to while sipping on drunken apple cider in front of a nice fire. It's surprising that such cuddle-worthy music comes from a New York band, and I'm digging it.

If you don't remember the band, they were originally on V2 before it went kerplunk. Their V2 six-song EP, From the Decker House, has been reissued with an additional three previously unreleased tracks. Look for it on iTunes, their MySpace page or at one of their live shows. The Thieves will also be releasing another six tracks on the upcoming Lonesome EP, which will be available on November 20. The band is also working on mixing their debut yet-to-be-titled LP with Tom Monahan (Devendra Banhart, Vetiver) in Sacramento.

Beforehand, however, the Thieves will be hitting the road with some East Coast and West Coast dates (see dates below). We caught up with lead singer Erick Jordan to get a glimpse of the songwriter behind the music.

Favorite place to write music and why?
While sitting shotgun on Route 80. It seems to me if you're sitting still you often over think things.

Latest inspiration and why?
Eating salmon two nights ago, it gave my body a boost of amino acids and b3's and b6's.

What's the most personal song on your latest album and why?
"When My Plane Lands" is about having a seizure in Los Angeles from an allergy from prochlorperazine.

If you could duet with anyone, who would it be and why?
Solomon Burke because he's got soul.

If you could fall asleep to any song, what would it be and why?
"Tell Me Why" by Neil Young because it's hard to make arrangements with yourself.

Upcoming Tour Dates
November 9 – New York - Mercury Lounge w/ The Thrills
November 16 – New York - Housing Works w/ Tift Merritt
December 7 - San Francisco - Hotel Utah
December 11 - Los Angeles - Bordello w/ John Gold
December 12 - Los Angeles - Silverlake Lounge w/ Eugene

Listen to more songs on MySpace.