nobody likes you pat
Interview & Article by Brittany Ormiston
Photo by Charlie Flatten
Indie-pop singer-songwriter nobody likes you pat is known for his ability to analyze the deeper meanings in life through his songwriting. He is taking his honest storytelling to another level with his next project dear… out September 23rd. All six tracks are styled as intimate handwritten letters addressed to his loved ones, and in turn a collection of journal entries depicting his own life. nobody likes you pat has now released three singles off his upcoming EP, including the most recent track ‘dear god.’ With cheerful whistling leading the way, ‘dear god’ has faith at its core by asking a higher power for help and direction. nobody likes you pat finds the perfect balance of personal and all-embracing as he addresses his own failures while looking at the downfalls of our society.
What is your favorite lyric from ‘dear god,’ and why?
Pat: “I could list most of the song, honestly. I’m pretty stoked on this one lyrically. It’s a big and open reflection on such a foundational aspect of my life. But if I had to pick one, I’d say the line ‘No wonder there’s a bus stop at the foot of the cross.’
Within orthodox and historic Christianity (not to be confused with much of what we see happening in America today), the cross of Christ is where our human burdens, sorrows, and failures are laid to be forgiven and made new. And in modern-day Jerusalem, one of the possible locations of the crucifixion (which was on a hill then called Golgotha) is currently right behind an active bus depot. So, I really went for the theological-geographical double whammy with that one.”
When you officially announced the release date of ‘dear god,’ the photo you posted on social media shows the lyrics written all across your face in dark text. Any significance to this?
Pat: “The whole concept of the EP is love letters or personal communication in general. So, when we were shooting photos for the project, we just thought it made sense to use a lot of paper, typing, and language imagery. So, why not write stuff all over my face, I guess?”
The single artwork for ‘dear god’ displays polaroids in various color shades. What do you intend to symbolize with those photos?
Pat: “This answer is lame. But the single arts for each song leading up to the EP haven’t really been connected to some deeper meaning. I just loved the holistic and earthy polaroid vibe for this very stripped-back and open project. The only thread is that the first single had one polaroid on the cover, the second single had two, third had three, and so on. Not very fancy of me.”
Describe the revelation you had about continuing to utilize narrative-driven lyricism in a way that resembles intimate letters to your loved ones.
Pat: “I was working on a completely different album, to be honest. I had an entirely different theme and vision going on. And then things kind of stalled out. And my label wanted an EP this time, instead of an album. So, I had to really sit for a minute and determine how I could shift gears so drastically, so quickly. I always like to work on a theme-basis vs. just a batch of songs. One thing that became clear to me during this was that music isn’t meant to simply be a means of self-actualization and self-satisfaction. Music is meant to be a gift to others – a sharing of one’s life in a way that allows other people to resonate and be affected in their own lives. And I think gathering a few simple songs about the different loves in my life accomplishes that mission.”
What has been the response of your family and friends when it comes to the songs/intimate letters you addressed to them, and your new EP as a whole?
Pat: “In general, I think most people find it sweet and honest. I used to want to be really edgy and cool. But as I get older, I’m much more content leaning into my sentimentality and gentleness.”
Photo by Charlie Flatten
For this new project, what has it been like to work closely with your friend and bandmate from MILKK, Jack Vondrachek?
Pat: “Jack and I have been friends for over 15 years. Whether we’re in a band together or not, we’ve never stopped being close to one another nor have we stopped working on music together in some capacity.
I sort of hate technology. I can engineer and mix just fine. But I don’t find it rewarding at all. Jack is really good at that stuff and enjoys it. So, our partnership allows me to focus on the songwriting and production and feelings within my songs, while he tackles making everything sound great.”
Identify and elaborate on your most treasured moment when creating your upcoming EP dear….
Pat: “I have a specific memory of sitting in my attic studio, trying to write a song about my kids that didn’t feel cheesy or boring or unrelatable. All of a sudden, it just started coming to me like a rush of wind, and I had this beautiful, intimate, nostalgic song about my sons. I remember sitting there crying because it felt so magical and special. And I love the idea of them listening to it 20 years from now.”
What is on the horizon for you, and what are you looking forward to the rest of this year?
Pat: “I’m just taking things a day at a time. If I had to sum up my life right now in one of my own lyrics it would be: “Oh, dear God, I need your help down here.” Because I really do. And we all do. We’re beautifully and tragically and only human.”
