• 1987-
• While many label Waterhouse's music as "R&B revival," Waterhouse rejects this label, saying that the genre of his music is "none." It may use sounds from various genres, but Waterhouse says that music should be judged on its own terms, not by the associative merit of similar sounding things.
• Waterhouse cultivated his love of vintage R&B by volunteering at the famed record shop Rooky Ricardo following his move to San Francisco. The store, which sells secondhand records with a focus on 45" soul and R&B, has been around for 29 years and does not use a cash register, only an old-style cashbox.
• Although his songs tend to utilize a retro, R&B aesthetic, Waterhouse says that this isn't an intentional stylistic choice. Rather, it's simply the form of expression that is most personal and natural for him. "Asking if I write aiming for a certain style," he said in our interview, "is sort of like asking a Jamaican person why they talk in a funny accent."
• The musician's love of all things retro hardly ends at the musical end of the spectrum. Speaking to GQ, Waterhouse explained that he also shaves with a vintage straight-edge razor, swims in '50s-style swim trunks, and plays a 1963 Martin electric guitar. His explains that, far from being an affectation, he finds these older products work better for him.
• Speaking to The Music Ninja, Waterhouse said that if he could live in one other time period, it would by 1946, bouncing between LA, New York, San Francisco, and Chicago.
• Waterhouse does not use Pro Tools or any other digital recording software to produce his records - rather, he relies on completely analog equipment.
• His first instrument was the trumpet, as encouraged by his parents. Waterhouse abandoned it for the guitar at age 13 and hasn't looked back since.
• Waterhouse was first exposed to R&B by a middle school girlfriend.

Comments

More Songfacts:

The FlameCheap Trick

Cheap Trick hated the ballad "The Flame" but recorded it because they needed a hit, and the song delivered, going to #1.

True ColorsCyndi Lauper

With a message of acceptance and inclusivity, "True Colors" became a gay rights anthem. Cyndi Lauper help form an organization called True Colors United to help support LGBTQ youth.

One WeekBarenaked Ladies

The closing lyrics in "One Week" by Barenaked Ladies are "Birchmount Stadium, home of the Robbie," which refers to a soccer tournament in Ontario.

Bad BoysInner Circle

Most of us only know "Bad Boys" by Inner Circle from the 25 seconds used as the Cops theme, but it's a full song telling the story of a Jamaican youth who doesn't accept family support and ends up a criminal.

Ms. JacksonOutKast

The "Ms. Jackson" in the OutKast song is Erykah Badu's mother. Andre 3000 had a child with Badu, and felt she was portraying him as a lousy dad.

Casey JonesGrateful Dead

The Grateful Dead considered "whipping that chain" and "lugging propane," but settled on "high on cocaine" for "Casey Jones."

Editor's Picks

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.

The 10 Bands Most Like Spinal TapSong Writing

Based on criteria like girlfriend tension, stage mishaps and drummer turnover, these are the 10 bands most like Spinal Tap.

Which Restaurants Are Most Mentioned In Song Lyrics?Song Writing

Katy Perry mentions McDonald's, Beyoncé calls out Red Lobster, and Supertramp shouts out Taco Bell - we found the 10 restaurants most often mentioned in songs.

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TVSong Writing

Shows like Dawson's Creek, Grey's Anatomy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer changed the way songs were heard on TV, and produced some hits in the process.

Zac HansonSongwriter Interviews

Zac tells the story of Hanson's massive hit "MMMbop," and talks about how brotherly bonds effect their music.

Shaun Morgan of SeetherSongwriter Interviews

Shaun breaks down the Seether songs, including the one about his brother, the one about Ozzy, and the one that may or may not be about his ex-girlfriend Amy Lee.