Mojave Phone Booth

Album: Projector (2011)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Barton was inspired to write this song after reading about a phone booth in the middle of the Mojave Desert that was removed several years ago. People would call the booth for fun and then wait for someone to pick it up. Steve Barton explained his thinking on the unique subject to us in 2012, saying: "I just thought that was really evocative in the middle of the desert to have a phone booth."
  • Most of the Projector album was written and recorded on the fly. Barton explained that this song was done in one take, saying, "I think we did a second take and it wasn't nearly as good. So that was just one take and it was kind of magic."
  • For the recording of this song, Barton played two bass drums at the same time, one of them with a rattling type of snare sound on it. Steve told us that he would have to sit there with his guitar and wait for his cue to hit the drums. The two were connected by a special pedal that allowed him to use his foot to hit both at once.
  • This song is one of the oldest on Barton's Projector album. It was written while his dad was in that hospital, unlike most songs on the disc which were actually written after his father passed away.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Francesca Battistelli

Francesca BattistelliSongwriter Interviews

The 2011 Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards isn't your typical gospel diva, and she thinks that's a good thing.

Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde

Johnette Napolitano of Concrete BlondeSongwriter Interviews

The singer/bassist for Concrete Blonde talks about how her songs come from clairvoyance, and takes us through the making of their hit "Joey."

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock Photography

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock PhotographySong Writing

One of rock's top photographers talks about artistry in photography, raising funds for a documentary, and enjoying a County Fair with Tom Waits.

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)Songwriter Interviews

Richie talks about producing the first two Kiss albums, recording "Brother Louie," and the newfound appreciation of his rock band, Dust.

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."