Interview with Deanna Belos of Sincere Engineer

Phil Collins - January 24, 2018

Sincere Engineer's debut album, Rhombithian, knocked us over last year. So much so that it won Change the Rotation's best albums of the year bracket. Deanna Belos is the singer and songwriter behind these songs. She talked to me via email about the response to the album, playing shows with Brendan Kelly and puking. See Sincere Engineer this Saturday night at Subterranean (downstairs) with Blood People, the Reaganomics and How It Got Burned. More info on that show here. Read Deanna's list of her favorite albums of 2017 here and read my review of Rhombithian here.

Deanna Belos

Photo by Randy Korwin Photography

Phil Collins: First off, congrats on winning our 2017 best albums of the year bracket. It is no easy feat as the bracket kind of takes on a life of its own with four people voting. Has the overall response to the album surprised you?

Deanna Belos: Thanks so much! :) The response has definitely surprised me. We’ve been very fortunate with the amount of press and attention it has gotten. I try not to “read the comments” too much, but it seems like a lot people are diggin’ it, which is exciting!

PC: Has your perspective on any of the songs changed now that you have a little distance from the recording process and have played a few shows with the full band setup?

DB: I think so. I hear a lot of people say that they like the song Overbite best, which I find interesting because it’s not one of my favorites. That song in particular is weird for me because I stopped playing it at solo shows...the guitar part is very repetitive and the lack of dynamic makes it seem (to me) like a drag to listen to (and play) at a live show. That being said, it’s one of my favorites to play with the full band.

PC: Overbite is actually my favorite song on the record. I think it’s great lyrically. I am a fan of that song structure that lets the verses ride for a while and then is more chorus heavy in the second half. What makes that song more fun to play with the full band?

DB: Thank you! I think it just hits so much harder with the band. And thanks to Matt Jordan’s producing talent, it turned into a fun listen. The lead guitar parts in particular are my favorite, and I think the lyrics come off more raw and honest when I’m yelling them over loud instrumentation versus the slow acoustic strumming I used to do, I guess. Also, I used to dread playing it by myself because of the (previously mentioned) guitar repetition, on top of the fact that it’s pretty long...one of the longest songs on the record, at a whopping 3 minutes (lol).

PC: It has been three full band shows now, with the most recent being at Ian’s Party, if I’m remembering correctly. It seems like you are feeling at home with that setup now.

DB: Yep! For sure. My bandmates are very easy to get along with and they’re so talented. :)

PC: You just played a show at one of my old haunts, Cowboy Monkey in Champaign. How was it, have you played Champaign-Urbana much before?

DB: Yeah! Last night was the first time I think I’ve ever even been to Champaign! It wasn’t a super packed show, but it was so much fun. Intimate and everyone seemed very friendly. I definitely want to play there again soon.

PC: Does it feel normal to play shows with Brendan Kelly at this point or is the whole Red Scare thing kind of surreal?

DB: Naw, it’s definitely still surreal. But I try to act cool and keep the giddiness in the back of my mind, just because if I get too excited, I’d like, get nervous and puke or something lol. Brendan and I just did these two Champaign and Hammond shows together this weekend, and I played one with him in 2015. He’s very nice and knowledgeable and he always gives me good advice and stuff. He’s such a sweetheart!

PC: Speaking of puking, this is a topic that comes up on Rhombithian a few times. Do you find it as horrifying an experience as I do?

DB: Haha! I wouldn’t say it’s horrifying. Sometimes it makes you feel better instantly! But you’re absolutely right, I mentioned it in a few songs cuz it’s like, a common thing in my life. I guess I have a weak stomach or something!

PC: I am lucky in that it has not happened very often to me, but I think that is why it remains such a terrifying prospect. Regardless, as a concept, it seems to fit with the themes of vulnerability and insecurity on the album.

DB: Lol gotcha. I can understand that. And, for sure! A lot of the times it happens, it’s caused by being too anxious about something, which is another theme that I explored a lot.

PC: You're playing Pouzza Fest in Montreal this May. Have you ever been, and have you had poutine/pouzza?

DB: I am! I’ve never been and I’m looking so forward to it! I haven’t had poutine. Based on your question, I’m assuming “Pouzza” means poutine? Lol. I’m learning! I’ll definitely try some when I’m there.

PC: I imagine Montreal is the best place to try it. Pouzza is a combination of poutine and pizza. I don't know if this is still the case, but pouzza was once a secret menu item at Dimo's in Lakeview.

DB: Ah, gotcha. I get it now. Lol. That’s cool! :)

PC: Is there anything else we should be on the lookout for in 2018?

DB: Nothing to speak of, yet. Hopefully more shows and new songs! :)