Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview Marc Schuster
Marc Schuster is a busy fellow. In addition to playing bass in DelCobras, he also interviews indie musicians on his blog, Abominations, helps with programming on AMS Radio, and does graphic design for Audio Mirage Studios. He is the author of several books, including Tired of California: The Beach Boys’ Holland Revisited and the children’s book Frankie Lumlit’s Janky Drumkit. Last year, he composed the soundtrack for the independent short film Canary Trap. Marc recently took a break from it all to answer a few questions for us.
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
I have vague memories of sitting on the floor of my bedroom and listening to some 45s on a cheap record player when I was very young. “Rhinestone Cowboy” and a song called “What’s in the Elephant’s Trunk?” I also remember a version of “Marshmallow World.” This was in Northeast Philadelphia in the 1970s.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I think I just liked the idea of being in a band. I’d watch The Monkees and Beatles movies and think it would be cool to have some friends to play music with.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
I was interviewing Jim Lorino of Scoopski a few years back and told him to drop me a line if he ever needed a bass player. A few months later, he dropped me a line. Scoopski performed as a five-piece for about a year, then we changed our name to DelCobras when two of the band members left. Two of us in live in Delaware County, Pennsylania, which everyone calls “Delco” for short. DelCobras is a portmanteau of Delco and Cobras.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
People have said we sound a lot like Weezer. And a little bit like Blink 182. Power-pop, I guess. But also, arguably, pop-punk.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
I don’t have to be in charge. When I was younger, I always wanted to be the brains behind the music, like Brian Wilson, or the band leader. After a while, though, I realized that I was having much more fun and enjoying the process of making music more when I was part of a larger whole.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
My bass, I suppose. I play a Hoffner, partially out of deference to Paul McCartney, but also because it’s incredibly light. I was playing a Fender jazz bass for my first gig with Scoopski, and I woke up the next morning with a massive back-ache. That’s when I started looking for a lighter bass. I also keep a pen and notepad handy to write down ideas for lyrics.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
So many! Scott Radway and Dear Forbidden are a couple of great Philly acts. I actually bought their albums on vinyl to give to all of my friends as Christmas gifts. Last year it was Sofa City Sweetheart and the Macrotones. I like to buy records from indie bands for all of my friends every year. Fortunately, I don’t have many friends, so it doesn’t get excessively expensive.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
I got off social media about a year ago. If anything, it taught me that real-life connections are more valuable than the virtual kind. Social media puts the user at the center of the universe. Being in a band does the opposite, or at least it’s done so for me. In DelCobras, I’m part of something bigger than myself, and I’m happy to set my ego aside for the good of the music we’re making.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
Whatever they need, really. Someitmes a song can hit just right regardless of what the artist intended. It’s not about me. It’s about the music.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Life is better when people work together.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
I’d really like to play at the Haverford Music Festival, which is a festival my home town puts on every year.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I’ll play with anyone, honestly, but I’m not the kind of musician who can just jam with someone. I’m really aware of my limitations, which is why I feel so lucky to be a member of DelCobras. I’ve also played drums on a couple of tracks for friends of mine, and there’s a song I did a little while back with Quizboy called “All the Same to You,” which I love. But as far as collaborating with some legend of rock ‘n’ roll or something, I think I’d rather just meet them for lunch or have a cup of coffee or something. Less pressure.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music?
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
DelCobras and are working on an album that should be out sometime in 2026. June or July, with any luck. I’d really like to just keep playing and recording with DelCobras.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
Nothing. They should just enjoy the music!
