Fool’s Ghost
Interview conducted on April 02, 2020
by Dan Locke
The music of Fool’s Ghost explores the liminal state between hope and reality. Amber Thieneman’s vocals and keyboards express the tension separating shadows from light. Nick Thieneman’s guitar charts a path through an evocative atmosphere. Together they create an immersive soundscape — a lullaby for ghosts, an elegy for the apocalypse.
Dan Locke: Can you tell us about the bands you were in before you started Fool’s Ghost?
Fool’s Ghost: That would be a very long list but the most notable groups are Breather Resist, Young Widows, Liberation Prophecy, and Sandpaper Dolls.
How did Fool’s Ghost come together as a duo, and where does the name come from?
We went through a very difficult family loss that led us to start writing together. It was also a way to create music in a more self-reliant way.
Nick — how did you learn guitar and then bass? How did you get your first guitar? And do you still have it? Do you find you write more on guitar or bass?
I learned mostly by ear with some lessons when at age 12. My mother made me learn on an acoustic first and I still have that guitar today. At the time I really didn’t like that, but it helped to build strength in my fingers as opposed to going straight to an electric.
Nick — do you still have the Custom First Act Delgada Bass? It looks almost like a Gibson RD Artist Bass?
No, that bass was traded for another Gibson Rd Artist Bass. I played it for a while but it never felt as good as my RD.
Amber — How did you develop your vocal range?
I started singing when I was about 3 years old, and haven’t stopped. I was classically trained in high school and college.
What was it like the first time you performed together as a duo?
It made sense.
You just released your latest video “In Between”. Tell me the backstory behind it?
For us, ‘In Between’ is about the liminal state between life and death. It’s about transitioning and surrendering.
Being in Louisville have you looked into playing either Louder than Life or Bourbon and Beyond music festival? What’s the local scene like there?
We would be happy to play either if we’re invited. There’s always a lot of great music happening in Louisville, sometimes you have to dig a little deeper to find it.
Where do you see yourselves in 5 years?
Five years older, still creating and living.
Anything you like to say in closing?
Thanks for your interest, it’s appreciated.
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