Editor’s Note: It was a fantastic time getting to interview Adam Deitch(drums) of the legendary funk band Lettuce for Madness To Creation. On May 8th, Lettuce released their latest album entitled “Resonate” and Relix has described Lettuce in the following manner: “Lettuce walk a musical tightrope(on Elevate), mixing their horn-laden bops and soulful grooves with adventurous synth sounds and world music influences”. Lettuce is composed of Adam Deitch on drums, Adam Smirnoff on guitars, Erick Coomes on bass, Ryan Zoidis on keys/brass instruments, Eric Bloom on trumpets/horns, and Nigel Hall on vocals/clavinet/keyboards. They have performed with the who’s who of recording artists such as Kanye West, Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Questlove, Justin Timberlake, The Fugees, Eminem, Dr. Dre, Britney Spears, Skrillex, Solange, Gary Clark Jr, and so many more world-class recording artists/musicians. With “Resonate” fans can expect jazz chords, psychedelic passages and a mix of go-go, soul and hip-hop in their arrangements. In 2019, Lettuce was nominated for a Grammy for “Best Contemporary Instrumental Album” with their album “Elevate”. In this interview with Madness To Creation, Adam Deitch discusses “Resonate”, the funky arrangements and mental health awareness. Fans can find Lettuce at the following locations:
https://twitter.com/lettucefunk
Madness To Creation: “Checker Wrecker” is incredibly funky! Take us into that music video and the writing process behind that song.
Adam: It came from an improvised jam in soundcheck. We are very influenced by go-go music from DC, so writing in this fashion is a direct result of our love for that music. Legends Big Tony and Jungle Boogie blessed the vocals and percussion respectively.
Madness To Creation: From the record Outta Here, which was released in 2002, to your recent release of Resonate, what has been the biggest growth you’ve seen personally as a musician and for Lettuce as a whole?
Adam: Becoming better writers and being less afraid of completely improvising a section of a song. We also have become tighter as friends and running a business. New management is also a factor in our growth. Shout out to Regime 72.
Madness To Creation: Lettuce is known for their legendary live shows, what are some pre-show rituals that you do and what is your favorite memory from the live show?
Adam: Back of the bus hang and setlist creation. High fives and an occasional Buddhist chant.
Madness To Creation: What’s one thing you feel you excel at as a musician and one thing you would like to work on as a musician?
Adam: I excel at knowing I need to improve. I’m always looking for new approaches, beats, bass lines, horn lines, guitar and bass parts, melodies, and ways to connect with each other and our audience spirituality.
Madness To Creation: Ten months ago, you released the live from Red Rocks video for “Trapezoid,” take us into collaborating with The Skyline Drumline and playing at Red Rocks, was that out of this world or what?
Adam: It was an honor to rock with those guys. Chris Dighero, the drum line leader, is a class act and wrote a snare drum piece the day after I showed him the tune.
Madness To Creation: To let you know, we cover mental health awareness at Madness To Creation, what are some things that help you get through when times are difficult and what makes you happy?
Adam: To concentrate on the bigger picture and less on individual faults. We are in that room with instruments and a sound system to bring JOY to the people, make them FEEL something, make them dance AND think. The stage is a place to put out positive vibes that bring up the human spirit.
Madness To Creation: If you could tour with any funk band live or dead (or no longer making music together), who would it be and why?
Adam: Earth, Wind & Fire. We know every nook and cranny of their music. We all bond over their greatness. Tower of Power as well. And Stevie Wonder.
Madness To Creation: If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be?
Adam: Bootsy Collins and Herbie Hancock. Our heroes.
Madness To Creation: How have you adjusted your social media to help with the Covid-19 pandemic?
Adam: We have been putting out past live shows, albums, live streams, Q & A sessions and offering lessons to our fans. Everything we can do to help people get through this.
Madness To Creation: What’s the first thing that you want to do when this is all over?
Adam: Get in a room/studio with the band and record some vibes!
Madness To Creation: Let’s say many years down the road, Lettuce calls it a day, what do you want your legacy to be?
Adam: That we brought people together, influenced young musicians to play funk with their friends, and brought love through music! We also formed a deep connection with many of our musical forefathers and hopefully made them proud.
Madness To Creation: Take us into the first gig as Lettuce or with Lettuce?
Adam: Was probably at a college dorm in or around Boston. We always got the party started quickly!
Madness To Creation: Song or album that you love no matter how many times you listen to it?
Adam: Thrust and Flood by Herbie Hancock
Madness To Creation: What else do you want to add in regards to Resonate, anything that we haven’t covered yet?
Adam: Resonate is a sonic message of unity. Brothers making the best music of their lives as a unit and having the right team to get it to the people that need some FUNK in their lives.
And there you have it! Check out “Resonate” by Lettuce via Spotify in its entirety below!
