Many of the most interesting, creative people I’ve gotten to know over the years grew up without a television. Maybe creative development really is stifled by being spoonfed entertainment that leaves no room for an imagination. This is not to say those who grew up with television can not be creative, but one has to wonder exactly how much it hinders the development of the imagination.

Jason Russo grew up in a religious household with 2 brothers, a sister and no tv. The son of a psychiatrist spent the better time of his youth in graveyards, woods and strip malls in upstate New York before music consumed much of his life. At the young age of 19, Russo found himself touring alongside his brother Justin as guitarist for critically acclaimed Mercury Rev during their peak, before focusing entirely on his own eclectic psychedelic rock band Hopewell.

With six releases since 1998, Hopewell has developed a reputation as a wonderful live band while gaining a legion of devoted followers while touring with such legends as My Bloody Valentine, Mike Watt, and Brian Jonestown Massacre.

During spring 2009, the talented Russo teamed up with Alexandra Marvar to begin work on a new musical project by the name of Common Prayer. Leaning more towards a ramshackle folk than the dark psychedelics of Hopewell, Common Prayer’s first record There is a Mountain has been a breathe of fresh air in 2010, garnering praise from many critics.

Having just wrapped up a trip to Europe that included shows with the legendary Neil Halstead (Slowdive, Mojave 3), Jason and Alexandra are back to New York with shows lined up at The Rock Shop (8/13), Union Pool (9/3), Glasslands (9/16).

Growing up listening to Mercury Rev and then following his path to Hopewell and Common Prayer, it was an honor to be given the opportunity to ask Jason Russo a few questions about his path towards music.

From what I remember, you have a pretty religious upbringing. Can you elaborate on how that may have guided your musical direction at an early age?

Good memory! How has it guided me? Hmm. A religious upbringing meant that I was not exposed to popular culture as much as most kids. We didn’t have TV for example. Perhaps that prompted me to dive head long into the r&r lifestyle as a teenager? More importantly I think it gave me a perspective on common human drama. I learned early on that all love songs were metaphors for a larger human need.

Though we didn’t know each other, we grew up in close proximity in the suburbs of upstate New York. Did you have any favorite hangout spots?

A lot of my hanging out was in parking lots, strip malls, train tracks, graveyards etc. Or the woods. I spent a lot of time in what was left of the woods back then. Do you remember the Rhinecliff Hotel? That was a favorite of mine. They let us drink waaaaay before we were legal.

Were there any local bands that you were into that may have helped you push harder into your own musical career?

Yes! Agitpop. They were from Poughkeepsie (the big town next to my hometown Hopewell Jct.) and they were on 120 Minutes (!?) They toured with Soul Asylum and the Replacements. I eventually lived with the singer and he sort of introduced me to the business of music, for better or worse.

What was the first instrument that you played?

Guitar. It’s also the last instrument I will play.

I know your brother Justin is very musical, but how about the rest of your family?

Non musical. My Mom sang a lot in church but my Dad is tone deaf. My other brother is a boxer and my younger sister is, among other things, a mechanic. Apparently, way back we had a great uncle who nearly toured with Tex Ritter, but my great grandfather wouldn’t let him go. There was a sculptor in that generation as well.

What do you think draws you most into psychedelic music?

It’s open ended-ness. Psychedelic music is speculative music. I need a fair amount of wonder and unpredictability to not get bored.

If you could put together your dream band, who would be in it?

Hmmmm, not sure about individuals. My dream band would definitely involve an entire marching band though. At my beck and call.

You’ve been playing in and around New York for a long time. Who’s the best band that never made it?

Grand Mal. Hands down.

In the last year you’ve played all around, with both Common Prayer and Hopewell including a couple outdoor festivals. Where’s your favorite place to perform?

Well Common Prayer likes ramshackle type places. We just played in a converted coach house in Brighton, UK. The stage area was full of partially functioning music equipment and toys – we had a field day. Hopewell just played at Governors Island, that was fun as hell. In a different kind of way.

What have you been able to accomplish with Common Prayer that you couldn’t musically with Hopewell?

As Hopewell progresses it’s gotten more accomplished in it’s abilities – we can make any kind of music we want now – Common Prayer is more spontaneous – like a splatter painting. Its more impulsive. It has become a place where my catchier little songs have found a home, Hopewell is on a longer darker mission…like Star Trek…Hopewell may never come home and Common Prayer never leaves the house. Capiche?

You’ve shared the stage with icons like Neil Halstead and Flaming Lips. Who’s the most exciting person you’ve been able to meet in your life?

Hmm, in my life? I have hung out with a lot of Trappist monks in my time. They are totally surreal and usually really really old. It’s exciting in a slow way. Otherwise, yes, Wayne Coyne is entertaining and thoughtful, Anton BJM is seriously engaging and Neil H. is very cool—he took Alex and I surfing and then out to high tea in Cornwall. He’s a stand up guy.

How has Alexandra influenced your songwriting methods?

[laughs] Well, she keeps an eye on me to make sure I am not getting ahead of myself. It’s a hard thing, when you write songs, to stay away from being cheesy. Alex has a good perspective on that sort of thing and I trust her taste. She adds an element of chaos too…a good foil in other words.

Common Prayer – “Us vs Them”

Hopewell – “Stranger”