Photos by Tender Evans

Over the years, David “Moose” Adamson, or Sedcairn Archives, has proven to be one of Indiana’s most prolific artists, releasing music via Joyful Noise Recordings, Warm Ratio Records and more. Prior to the release of his latest album OOBYDOOB on Nov. 11, our Seth Johnson caught up with Moose for an interview.

Seth Johnson: There aren't many local musicians that have stayed as busy as you in the past ten years. Considering that MFT is all about preserving Indiana music, can you give me a spark notes version of all the projects you've fronted and/or been a part of in the last decade?

David “Moose” Adamson: The first one was BIGBIGcar, and we released a CD with Standard Recording. Around that time, I briefly played guitar in Archer Avenue. Then, it was Grampall Jookabox, Jookabox, DMA, playing bass etc. in Oreo Jones’ live band, Ancient Slang briefly, Tuffblades and Sedcairn Archives.

SJ: In particular, I know you recently changed the name of your solo project from DMA to Sedcairn Archives. What went into that decision? How is Sedcairn different?

DMA: I brought rough versions of the tunes that became Mammoth Cave into LUNA to listen to with everybody, and the consensus was that this sounded like a new project that was separate from DMA. We were talking about the sound of the tracks and how the delay applied to the squishy analog drum machine, [and how that] sounded like cave drips. We started to look up cave spelunking groups and take ideas from their names.

To me, Sedcairn is different because it started during a time when I was just getting into a lot of early electronic music, and darker minimal U.K. club-type sounds. Working at LUNA was really instrumental in exposing me to new strands of music like that. So I was really excited about trying to apply those sounds to what I do when Sedcairn first began.

SJ: I know you teamed up with Brain Twins to turn your last Sedcairn Archives release, Mammoth Cave, into a visual album. Can you talk a little bit about what all went into the decision to do that? Also, what did you learn from that experience?

DMA: I've been buds with Justin and Jessica for a while through the music scene here. Of course, they are awesome and are always creating cool new stuff, all different kinds of stuff. We met up to talk about adding a visual element to the release show for Mammoth Cave. Justin mentioned creating a video to project throughout the show, and then I think as he was working on that he just made one for every track. I don't think he originally intended to do that, but it came out really neat. So we did a separate screening for the visual album, where I dressed up as Precious Uncle Pepper the cave tour boy. I would say I learned what sweet good people the Brain Twins are, but I already knew that.

SJ: On Friday, Nov. 11, you'll celebrate the release of your latest album, OOBYDOOB. What all when into the making of this record? How long has it been in the making?

DMA: A lot! Parts of it have been waiting around since the DMA album. Me and Tender Evans recorded "Kissin’ in the Dark" under a blanket in our apartment in Savannah, Georgia, while she was going to school at SCAD in 2013. Most of it has come together since Mammoth Cave though. There was a demo period, a period where Ostry and I were practicing a couple of these tunes a lot at the Joyful Noise Recordings space, a period where Ost, Oreo, Sirius, Flaco, Tender and Gordon added their parts, an intense mixing period at Magnetic South, and mastering at Postal. Meanwhile, I was going back and forth with Keith about the amazing artwork.

SJ: In what ways does OOBYDOOB differ from Mammoth Cave, in your opinion?

DMA: I think it's brighter and less insular. I really wanted it to be a family affair and for more fun to be allowed, but not required. I tried to give the songs what they needed and not rule anything out. Ost really helped with some nice ideas of putting two songs together (“4 What They/Castrol”), and to play some bass (“Slide USA”). There's some Jookabox stuff going on, some DMA stuff, Tuffblades…But, Sedcairn leads the way with the gnarly minimal electronics.

SJ: Flaco, Oreo Jones, and Sirius Blvck are all featured on OOBYDOOB. Why did you choose to have them on your album?

DMA: I felt like it was silly not to try to include some of the talented people I've gotten to know through the music scene here, so I just asked those guys if they wanted to be a part of it and we worked on some songs. 

SJ: OOBYDOOB is coming out on Joyful Noise Recordings. Can you speak to your relationship with the label? How have they helped you over the years?

DMA: Joyful put out the first Grampall Jookabox CD, Scientific Cricket, in 2005. They co-released some of the Jookabox records with Asthmatic Kitty, then released the DMA stuff and now OOBYDOOB. Karl and everyone at Joyful have always been super supportive. We've been able to practice in the JNR space from time to time for various groups, which was really crucial. Now, I work at Joyful cutting limited-run records on the lathe. So JNR has been a huge and awesome part of my life.

SJ: Having been a fan of yours for a long time, I've noticed that you are constantly recreating yourself as an artist, whether it's been as Grampall Jookabox or DMA or Sedcairn Archives. How would you describe the current installment of Moose? What's at the heart of your music right now?

DMA: I'm happy that on OOBYDOOB, elements of all those past acts are present. I feel secure in letting those different sides come out. Lyrically, it's pretty lighthearted and goofy. I'm interested in making far-out and detailed tunes with a mysterious but positive core.

Costume design by Tender Evans

SJ: Following the release of OOBYDOOB, what plans do you have in store?

DMA: More videos are coming, as well as a monthly gig at Pioneer beginning in December. There'll probably be some regional giggin', but I don't have any huge tour plans right now. I'd like to travel to other places to perform if it makes sense, but I'm happy to hang around the Midwest. I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything being here.

Release show details

Performers: Sedcairn Archives, Hen and Michael Raintree

Time: 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 11

Location: Joyful Noise Recordings, 1043 Virginia Ave., Ste. 208, Indianapolis

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