Marcy Playground’s debut is often overlooked by 90’s alternative rock circles. Spawning an acclaimed lead single that spent 15 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Modern Rock Tracks Chart, their candor self-titled rocks back & forth between childlike cleverness & adult narratives. Bittersweet lyrics & a playful approach to melody leave a unique charm that reaches beyond college radio airplay; named after alternative curriculum Marcy Open grade school, the band draws inspiration from childhood trials & has continued to evolve its formula across 4 full-length records.
John Wozniak, guitarist & singer-songwriter of the band, told The Morning Call in 1998 that he followed the Grateful Dead from ages 14-20 selling LSD & hard-boiled eggs for a living. Reading that he had indulged in over 100 acid trips himself during that time, I asked him how his time as a Deadhead had influenced his sound.
I would say Robert Hunter’s songwriting made the biggest impact. I mean, I love Jerry’s playing too… I grew up on rock & roll, but The Dead have this really beautiful clean tone. Sonically, it inspires me to use more acoustic/clean tones & draw on more Americana & roots. There’s so much you can do without big, loud, distorted guitars. Even though I love big, loud, distorted guitars, it taught me that you can make people have a great time & enjoy music without that. I loved my years following the Grateful Dead around, that was great.
Although not explicitly stated, one can derive that Jerry Garcia’s choice of tonality lead Wozniak to keep Sex & Candy as an acoustic post-grunge ballad. We’re glad he did. The stripped-down lead single was conceived after a friend walked in on him & his girlfriend at her dorm after coitus interruptus. She said the room smelled like the track’s title, & Wozniak coined the phrase years later in classic 4 AM bedroom songwriting.
Favorite current artists?
I’m terrible with names nowadays because I used to go to record stores and flip through albums; “cool cover” or whatever, buy from bands that way. Now it’s playlists on my phone… but I love The Shins. Bahamas is pretty cool too.
What’s a Marcy Playground song you wish more people knew?
The Angel of Forever Sleep. I think that’s just a good song to go fall asleep to. You don’t need another sleeping pill, just put that song on.
Last question, why do you play music?
I have no idea. It started out because I loved it & it was a great way to meet people that had similar interests. “I could do this” was the main thought. & then it turned into this weird & enjoyable ride. I just loved doing it, I think. That’s why I still do it; because I love it.
More Marcy Playground at www.marcyplayground.net.
Please watch your step as you’re getting off.
