Interviews Archives - Page 5 of 9

Interview with Digital Farm Animals

Music junkies looking to the UK, and London in particular, for inspiration will likely fix their gaze on Digital Farm Animals. Their eclectic mix of bouncing nu-wave is lighting up the blogosphere Stateside and making London locals proud to call them an export. As 2014 approaches, fans can take the opportunity to catch DFA come into their own as a live act. As for more tracks, we are likely to see some insanely great collaborations with new vocalists on their forthcoming full length. If your M.O. is to “feel good” this fall, then keep the Bugged Out EP’s summer vibes in the air.

Check out our chat with the band below and grab a free download of the new EP via Digital Farm Animals’ Facebook page here.
UK dance act Digital Farm Animals dial up guest vocals from songstress Holly Partridge & Rudimental collaborator MNEK outfitting them with shimmery 80’s R&B-leaning synths and a limitless spread of end of summer beach vibes. “Bugged Out” is the new EP from Digitial Farm Animals.

B3SCI: First, we have to ask. Where/when can we catch you spinning?

DFA: Well we’ve actually taken a break from playing live over the last few months as we’ve been focusing really hard on getting material together. We played a few one off gigs…did a really cool show last month supporting De La Soul at Soho House (Where I strangely had a drink with MF DooM….that was pretty cool).

Now that the first EP is out & we’re underway with some pretty cool stuff to follow up with, we’re going to start putting a lot of time into our live side of things. There will definitely be a lot more on the performance side in 2014. Watch this space.

B3SCI: What influence has growing up in London played on your music?

DFA: I’m lucky to have travelled quite a bit growing up & London undoubtedly has one of the best, if not the best scene in the world. There is so much experimentation happening & so many really unique artists popping up everywhere…It’s meant that I’ve always been able to listen to such a variety of music. I also think that right now people are looking to the UK, and London in particular for inspiration. People are interested in that Burial, 2-steppy sound. That’s a sound that I’ve been fascinated by since a kid (when it was huge back in the 90’s) & it’s definitely helped shape my sound.

Aside from the music itself, London is a great place to be as an artist…there is so much opportunity for collaboration…it can also be overwhelming at times.

B3SCI: How do you see American Disco, R&B and Funk influencing this Bugged Out EP?

DFA: It’s funny – I mentioned above that Garage/2-step has featured a lot in my influences & then I’ve gone and put out quite a synthy/80’s sounding EP. Whilst I’ve always had a few funk/disco records around, it’s not something that I’ve gotten that into. I mean I love disco, but I just haven’t really spent time studying that scene yet. What I have always loved though is the 80’s New Romantics sound – artists like Duran Duran, Art Of Noise, Gary Numan etc. I was playing a lot of that around the time of writing this EP…but I suppose I’ve tried to give my own take on it.

It’s always a difficult balance between adopting elements of influence & adding your own contemporary spin.

B3SCI: The cover and colors of the new Bugged Out EP conjure up west coast / Florida keys. Did geographic location have any influence on the sound of this album?

DFA: Well I was actually in Australia at the time of writing a lot of this EP & whilst Melbourne is nothing like Miami! It is sunny & beautiful. I definitely wanted this EP to have a sense of ‘feel good’ about it. To me those colours capture the essence of how I felt when writing the EP.

B3SCI: The opening track “Adore You” has a particular positive tone to the lyrics. Was this a result of the collaboration between you and Ofei?

DFA: When we started writing Adore You we had it in our minds that the track should be really positive, but also emotional at the same time. We also wanted to keep the lyrics/concept really simple. And so whilst the production & melody is quite sad, the outcome is still positive – which was an interesting way to write. Ofei is exceptionally talented & a really interesting guy to work with. We are actually in the process of writing some more material together right now.

B3SCI: At what point during the funked out production on “Buggin Out” did you know Tyson was the perfect vocalist for the job? With his star on the rise, he has been described “the new disco ham, with plenty of cheese” by the Guardian.

DFA: Tyson is THE MAN for funk vocals. It was a no brainer.

B3SCI: How might you say Kitsune and Ed Banger have influenced your record making / branding process?

DFA: Ha.. it’s weird you ask that I’ve just pulled out a Cassius CD this morning after about 3 years. I’ve always followed Ed Banger really closely. It’s a legacy of amazing electronic talent & so it’s it’s definitely influenced me in some way over the years. I love Mr Oizo!!!

B3SCI: What can we expect from Digital Farm Animals in 2014?

DFA: Wow…how the hell is it nearly 2014!? We’re really really excited for next year. There will be lots more music to follow this EP & I’m already in the studio working with some amazing artists (including a few out in the States). So definitely more music….but we are looking to make our Live Show really fun & interactive too so that’s a real priority for us too. 2014 will be busy!!

B3SCI: What’s in store for your full-length debut?

DFA: We like to experiment with quite a few different styles of music & whilst its unusual for an artist to cross genre’s…I don’t know if we could stick to just one style…so it will definitely show a number of sides to what we do. Of course there will be themes running through the record, but we’re going to make sure its interesting. Lot’s of amazing vocals, weird synths & hopefully great lyrics are my criteria -outside of that I’m not setting any boundaries.

B3SCI: What current song are you dying to remix?

DFA: CHVRCHES – The Mother We Share

Digital Farm Animals (Facebook)

Rating 8.3

reviewed by b3

10-03-13

Interview w/ Little Daylight

Interviews Pop Rock

Brooklyn based collective Little Daylight have hit the scene with an indie-pop roar in 2013. Their first single “Overdose” was a beacon of early ’13, and following they debuted their live show at SXSW with subsequent touring with Charli XCX, Bastille, and Marina and the Diamonds. It’s no doubt this trio have been hard at work in anticipation of their debut, and recently released, Tunnel Vision EP. Team B3SCI recently had the chance to catch up with the band to briefly chat about a forthcoming album, life on the road — and of course NYC in the year 2213. Have a look at the conversation below.

B3SCI: We have to ask… is the band name based any bit off of the 1871 fairy tale by George MacDonald titled Little Daylight?

LD: Now the cat’s out of the bag! Yes, we were drawn to the idea of lightness vs. darkness that is inherent in that fairy tale. This juxtaposition tends to find its way into our music.

B3SCI: The band made it’s live debut at SXSW this year. How was the experience being initially exposed in such a crowded festival style environment? How would you best explain your growth as a band since?

LD: It was awesome for us to be able to debut the band live at SXSW. We knew there would be the opportunity for a good amount of exposure in Austin, so we rehearsed a lot leading up to it. We set up a few warm-up shows under a different name in New York to get the kinks out. The whole experience went great and since then we finished and released our EP and have done a bunch of touring, with Charli XCX, Bastille, and Marina and the Diamonds. We are also at work on our full-length, which should be ready to release just in time for SXSW next year.

B3SCI: Speaking of touring with Bastille and Charli XCX, have things been any different on the road most recently now with the Tunnel Vision EP upfront on people’s minds?

LD: Yes, definitely. We can tell that a chunk of the audience now knows the songs from the EP. It’s a great feeling to play to people who know and love the songs and sing along.

B3SCI: Is there a particular track on Tunnel Vision that the band hold especially close to their heart? Is there a story worth sharing?

LD: “Overdose” definitely holds a special spot. It was not the first song that we wrote together, but it was the first one that demanded to be released. We had a bunch of songs recorded and ready to go, but we all knew that “Overdose” was something special. Once it was finished, we knew it was time to release it and begin the Little Daylight story.

B3SCI: Give us one guilty pleasure that has an influence in your writing today…

LD: Are there really musical guilty pleasures anymore? Lorde is on Z100, in between Katy Perry and Daft Punk. I think we’re living in a post-guilty pleasure world, which is a beautiful thing.

B3SCI: We’re hooking you guys up with a roundtrip ticket on our (very real) B3SCI time machine. Where are you going and why?

LD: The year 2213, New York City. Curious if it will be under water then.

*Interviewed by Brian Litwin

Little Daylight (Facebook)

Rating 8.3

reviewed by b3

09-28-13

Interview w/ Bo Saris

Interviews Pop Soul

Here at B3SCI we love nothing more than a great soul artist. With only two songs released to date, London based (by way of Netherlands) soulster, Bo Saris is one we’ve been keeping a close ear on. The recent Universal Republic signee has set the blogosphere a stir with his more than authentic Motown friendly blend of retro pop. And from our recent conversation with Bo Saris we’ve learned there’s so many more layers to know. Check out his debut EP The Addict this October and have a look at our recent chat with him below. Also for those of you in the UK, don’t miss his upcoming performance October 18th at St. Pancras Old Church in London.

B3SCI: Was there a point in your life that you knew American bred soul and pop music was the perfect sound for Bo Saris?

Bo Saris: I never really thought about it so I guess you could say I fell in love with that type of music naturally, I just connected with it without having a explanation for it.

B3SCI: We’re sure that you get this question a lot, but being from the Netherlands… how is it your sound feels so genuine and authentically from the golden age of Hitsville USA? It’s like you actually lived through it five decades ago…

Bo Saris: First of all, if that’s how I sound to you guys then I’ll take that as a huge compliment! In a way I did go through it by just growing up with that music being played in the house a lot & I could identify with it from the start.

B3SCI: You’ve collaborated with the likes of Bondax amongst others? Do you dabble much in the world of co-writes and music production?

Bo Saris: I do more now & it’s good fun! At first I wasn’t familiar with top lining/writing on dance music, I wasn’t even familiar with remixes being made of my music until last year’s remixes of “She’s On Fire”, which I loved! I guess it made me realize that it doesn’t hurt at all to become more diverse in music when you collaborate & that two styles can blend very nicely. Till now I’ve worked with Chase & Status and Bondax in the UK and both sessions were really cool & great experiences. At the moment my main focus is on the EP & upcoming album but I’ll definitely do more collaborations in the near future.

B3SCI: Has there been any other projects you were involved with that fans may come to find as a surprise, before you found your voice…stylistically?

Bo Saris: No I think that for most people it’s quite obvious that its soul music that has inspired me the most. They may be surprised by the different styles of music I’ve listened to & liked which was very diverse. For example “Rage Against The Machine” which I liked as kid to or “Frank Zappa” the weirdness/humor sometimes in his music I really enjoyed. And yes, in my teens I was a massive hip-hop head both underground & the more popular stuff. Snoops “Doggy Style” for instance was one of my favorite records back in the day, still is actually when I listen to it. But maybe that’s not such a big surprise given the fact it had such a huge “Clinton’s Funkadelic” vibe which is basically the kinda stuff I grew up with too. Soul,Funk & Jazz were my main influences so even Miles/Coltrane/Parker were well appreciated in our house. So as I said quite diverse.

B3SCI: You are currently based in London. How ids things on the UK music scene, and do you gig often? When will you come play a show in the United States and are there any plans for SXSW?

Bo Saris: Yes I’m based in London & I love it because it’s a vibrant city where lots of creative people live & work. It’s definitely the right place for me just now. We’ve gigged a few times, but that’s something we’ll start doing more & more in a few months time. I’ve just announced my first proper headline show in London on October 18th at Old St Pancreas Church. I needed an album finished and to release some songs first. Now that the album is done I’m able to really focus on the live side. Hopefully we can start doing gigs in the US real soon. I’d love to play SXSW!

B3SCI: “She’s On Fire” and “The Addict”. Two great songs that we’ve had the pleasure of hearing from Bo Saris so far. What more can we expect on your forthcoming EP? Is there a name for the EP and a release date?

Bo Saris: The Title of the EP will be “The Addict” It will contain “The Addict”, “Little Bit More” and another track I picked only for the EP!! Some great producers have done some remixes, including a Todd Edwards mix of “The Addict” which will also be on there. The release in the UK is planned for October, it’s definitely getting released in the US as well.

B3SCI: Is there a particular track on the EP that you feel especially proud of as an artist? Is there a story with it worth sharing?

Bo Saris: Well actually there’s a story behind all the tracks for me. So it’s hard to just pick one. But if I had to I would choose “The Addict”.
There’s something about that song that makes me emotional sometimes because of the fact it’s drawn from my real life experiences, which most of the songs are but when you write something about the pain & struggle your friends go through, you share that pain, it’s just something that crawls into your soul & it makes you show a more vulnerable side, which is a good thing I believe.

B3SCI: There’s so many colorful tones and lush arrangements on songs like “She’s on Fire” and “The Addict”. Where does the writing process typically begin for you? Do you have a ‘go-to’ instrument that you first like to write and arrange with?

Bo Saris: I play a little guitar & piano and that’s helped but also being in the studio with a producer creating a track, laying down a groove on the spot works very well for me. I’ve had producers send me tracks and that’s also worked for me. As long as the music triggers me then melodies & lyrics come out quite easy. There are many different ways of writing for me. For example, when I got the music for “The Addict” from my record producer Andrew(Dre) Harris I knew exactly the kind of melody & story I wanted to write. And so did the guy who I wrote the lyrics with bye the way, Jones Wetterberg.

B3SCI: We have to ask, what would you say to the Godfather of soul, James Brown if you’d ever had the chance to meet him?

Bo Saris: I would say: Let’s make it funky Godfather!! Yeahhh I feéééél good!! And of course I would want to give him a big hug & say thank you for what you’ve created & added to music history.

Bo Saris (Facebook)

reviewed by b3

09-25-13

Interview w/ Max Frost

Interviews Pop Soul

It’s been a big year for Austin singer songwriter Max Frost. Post-SXSW buzz, his track “White Lies” became a blogosphere hit. Since then, this 21 years young musician has signed with Atlantic Records and will be touring this fall with Gary Clark Jr in support of his forthcoming debut EP, Low High Low. B3SCI writer Brian Litwin recently had the chance to catch up with the young pop star in the making to chat about his massive year, song concepts, Geddy Lee, Texas BBQ and more! Have a look at their chat below.

B3SCI: Please introduce yourself to the B3SCI audience.

MF: Hey! I’m a 21 year old singer/multi-instrumentalist/producer born and raised in Austin, Texas.

B3SCI: We are picking up some soul, funk and pop influences? Who specifically would you consider your main influences?

MF: I wouldn’t say I have a ‘main’ influence. I draw from lots of music that I’ve loved over my life that spans from Albert King to Bob Dylan to Led Zeppelin to OutKast.

B3SCI: Are there any influences of yours that may come as a surprise to fans?

MF: I’m a huge Rush fan! Haha…

B3SCI: What can we expect from your debut EP Low High Low out October 8th?

MF: Five songs that represent my musical evolution over the past few years and also give a window on the styles I’m developing for the upcoming album. The theme came from the emotional content of the songs as well as the lo-phi against hi-phi production style.

B3SCI: “White Lies” has gained critical acclaim from reputable online press outlets. It’s an extremely nice mix of radio ready dance and catchy pop music, but there is more to it. What was the catalyst that spawned White Lies?

MF: “White Lies” was created as an experiment like most of my songs. I drew the concept from experiences I’ve had in relationships and stylized the song with the idea of creating an old school song on a modern groove.

B3SCI: You recorded all the instruments on “White Lies”. What was your favorite instrument to play on this track?

MF: Playing the bass was the best part for sure. It’s really the most important part and provides the motion of the groove and keeps the song funky against the electronic vibe.

B3SCI: You go on tour with fellow Austin native, Gary Clark Jr. starting on September 26th at The Wiltern right here in LA. You have a major label deal and you are only 21. Life must be pretty crazy right now, how are you handling all of this?

MF: I’m just trying to stay focused on my work and not lose sight of the passion that got me here in the first place. The momentum is great and I’m trying to enjoy everything in stride, but what’s really important to me is continuing to create music that I really love and am proud of making.

B3SCI: What is one artist, dead or alive, that you would want to hang with?

MF: I would kill to be able to go back and just be in the room while John Lennon wrote a song.

B3SCI: The Hype Machine backing seemed to help you get noticed by the overall music world. Do you have any advice for other up and coming artist on how to get your music out there so the “right” people can hear it?

MF: Be patient. Only put out what you think is your best work. Surround yourself with people who truly love what you create. Respect everyone. Be humble.

B3SCI: Last question – Tex Mex or Texas BBQ?

MF: BBQ all day!

MAX FROST ON TOUR

All dates w/ Gary Clark Jr. except *

9/21 Utopia, TX Utopia Fest*
9/26 Los Angeles, CA The Wiltern Theatre
9/27 San Diego, CA House of Blues
10/2 Oakland, CA Fox Theater
10/5 Austin, TX Austin City Limits Music Festival*
10/10 Salt Lake City, UT The Depot
10/11 Denver, CO Ogden Theater
11/11 Boston, MA Royale
11/12 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
11/16 New York, NY Terminal 5
11/20 Minneapolis, MI First Avenue
11/22 Indianapolis, IN The Vogue Theatre
11/23 Columbia, MO The Blue Note

Max Frost (Official)

reviewed by b3

09-23-13

Interview w/ Black Light Dinner Party

Interviews Pop Rock

The anticipated debut album Sons & Lovers from NYC collective Black Light Dinner Party sees release this coming Tuesday, September 24th. B3SCI correspondant Brian Litwin recently caught up with the band for a quick chat in run up to the big release. Sample the album below and also check out the new video for title track “Sons and Lovers”.

B3SCI: How did Black Light Dinner Party come to be?

BLDP We were each producing music independently, Flying Lotus kind of stuff. We would bounce ideas around with other but, when we wrote “Older Together”, that’s when it became real.

B3SCI: The band seemed rather elusive a couple years back and now you guys seem much more out in the open. How has this “unveiling” factored into the success?

BLDP It’s a bit of everything. Transparency would have felt wrong given the circumstances. The way things played out, we couldn’t be more excited.

B3SCI: What does a ‘Black Light Dinner Party’ look like and what food is being served?

BLDP You’ll have to use your imagination. We can’t tell you that now, that would spoil all the fun…

B3SCI: Please tell me how you guys got in contact with porn star Ron Jeremy in the video for “Gold Chain”?

BLDP Dan our bassist had his number in college. We would call him at parties, as a joke, and we’d end up having long, thoughtful conversations with him. Ron is outgoing and articulate.

B3SCI: Can you give us a little insight on your upcoming debut album Sons & Lovers? What can fans expect? What was the recording process like for you?

BLDP Sons & Lovers is a collection of our best work since the very beginning. We didn’t really have a concept in mind other than the track that set us off wanting to start a band. “Older together” was the spark and Sons & Lovers is the fire.

B3SCI: The production on tracks like “Older Together” and “We Are Golden” is superb. What synths are you guys using? Is there one piece of gear that you cannot live without?

BLDP Thank you! We have a Korg Poly-61 that was one of the early house synths. Juno 106 is a great resource. Also, Joel has an Italian Oberheim that is special. GForce is making some amazing softsynths too. We can nerd out on this all day.

B3SCI: Is there a particular track from the album that you guys take away as a particular achievement?

BLDP In many ways “Lift Away” was the steepest to climb. I think “Sons and Lovers,” the track, is the most impactful for us. “We Are Golden” hits closest to home.

B3SCI: Do you have a musical guilty pleasure?

BLDP We love Katy Perry, though I’m not so sure we feel guilty about that.

B3SCI: We’re hooking you dudes up with a ride on the B3SCI time machine, where/when are you going to, and why?

BLDP 1972, Abbey Roads studios so we can hang out in the studio with Pink Floyd while they make The Dark Side of the Moon.

BLDP (Facebook)

reviewed by b3

09-19-13

Interview w/ BASECAMP

blahblahblahscience Electronic In the Mix

Words and Interview by J.L. Greene

Described as R&BDM, Nashville based BASECAMP springs from Music City with a unique sound that combines everything you love about EDM mixed with the best of R&B. As the story many times goes, the band began with a few friends (also seasoned musicians) in the music scene hanging out and talking music. With a passion for the supreme, BASECAMP is a very unique amalgamation that leaves a lingering impression. In an email interview, I got to ask bandmates Aaron Miller, Aaron C. Harmon and Jordan Reyes a little bit more about their brand new baby.

BASECAMP’s self-titled EP is out now and you can have a listen below. You won’t regret it.

B3SCI: Tell me a little bit about how you guys joined together to form BASECAMP. Did it start organically?

Miller: We had a bunch of mutual friends and had worked together on a few projects for other artists in Nashville, and I guess one day we just sort of threw out the idea of doing a little side project together. Didn’t really have any plans of making it any sort of official ‘band’ thing, just thought it would be fun.

Harmon: Yea, the way everything clicked felt very organic.

B3SCI: Can you tell us a little bit about your backgrounds? Where are you from… school, etc.?

Harmon: Jordan and I are originally from Vegas. We grew up together.

Miller: Originally from California, but I grew up mostly in Nashville. I think we all kinda skipped the college thing. Hopefully that doesn’t come back to haunt us.

B3SCI: Why BASECAMP musique? Is there a specific reason you chose the French spelling?

Miller: There’s no particular reason, I guess. I think ‘basecampmusic’ and ‘basecampband’ were taken or something. Haha

B3SCI: For people considering checking out the EP, how would you describe it?

Miller: Well we started the project initially to try and get some placements in film & tv. So I guess we were leaning in a slightly more ‘cinematic’ direction at first. But yeah, I don’t know. I think my favorite genre description we’ve gotten thus far is ‘R&BDM’. Haha, seems to be the most fitting I’ve heard.

B3SCI: There’s a certain R&B aspect to the songs, especially in “Emmanuel”. Coming from Nashville, that’s pretty different. Why did you decide to pursue it?

Miller: We didn’t really consciously ‘pursue’ the R&B thing. We didn’t really set out with a strict set of guidelines, we just did what we liked.

B3SCI: How would you say this project is different from your past work?

Miller: I feel like we just had a little bit more fun putting this EP together. We did a lot of experimenting and playing around. And it’s really the first collaborative project I’ve been a part of, so there was definitely a feeling of having to figure each other out and build up a creative chemistry. There was maybe a little head butting here and there, but that’s natural (and typically healthy).

B3SCI: The EP is also a synthesis of so many other different sounds, making it a pretty epic experience. Can you describe the process of incorporating them all into the final product?

Miller: I think that goes back to the ‘experimenting’ thing. We had a limited amount of gear to make this record with, so we had to resort to a lot of unconventional means when it came to getting the sounds we wanted. Which in hindsight, I think was a really great thing.

B3SCI: How do you think you’ve grown musically as you worked together on the EP?

Miller: Again, this is the first serious collaborative effort we’ve all made thus far, so I suppose it’s forced us to learn how to make healthy compromises and find a good middle ground. That said, I think the most growth came from finding our balance with each other. Really excited about the new material we’re working up.

B3SCI: Can you tell me a little bit about your creative process? What does that look like?

Miller: Typically we start with the music. We build a track together, and once it’s to a certain point, I’ll take it home and start writing the lyrics and melodies. Then from there it’s lots of tweaking and polishing.

Harmon: Lots of tweaking.

Reyes: Yeah, usually changes pretty drastically from the initial idea.

Basecamp (Official)

Rating 8.0

reviewed by b3

08-29-13

Interview with Parks, Squares and Alleys

Interviews Pop Rock

We recently interviewed (totally by e-mail by the way, we didn’t fly to Russia for it!) new favorite of the site, the Far Eastern Russia-based artist Parks, Squares and Alleys. Among other things we talked about being a musician from and in such an exotic place and the varying degress of impactfulness that being from such a remote geography can have. Check out our conversation below and sample PSK’s brand new (and awesome) track “Forest”.

B3SCI: Being from a bit of a remote part of the world (Khabarovsk in Far Eastern Russia), is it freeing at all as a musician? What are the expectations like of bands from your part of the world? Describe what it’s like to be a musical artist from Khabarovsk, Russia…

PSA: There are a many cons of being musical artist from Far East. Actually, a lot of people from Western Russia do not really know where Khabarovsk is. It’s quite sad. Truth be told, this area is isolated from the rest of country. Sounds bad, but the internet solves geographic problem. Also many people like far eastern music and they find it very charming and mysterious as the sounds from the deep of forest.

B3SCI: The intentional obscuring (or at least omission) of a newcomer musician’s background and biography has become a bit of a trend in the last couple years. In that way, not much is known about Parks, Squares and Alleys, was this intentional, accidental, a result of the band’s exotic geography?

PSA: I don’t try to hide any information about me or Parks, Squares and Alleys. I think it’s mostly result of the band’s exotic geography. I understand why an intentional obscuring has become a trend, but it doesn’t really work in my case.

B3SCI: The quality of the melodies and arrangements and writing on songs like “Youth” indicate quite a bit of songwriting skill. How long have you been writing? What inspires you as a writer? Is there a particular place or instrument or set of sounds?

PSA: I started writing songs 5 years agо, and it was always very exciting process. But I didn’t care about lyrics, I thought that melody is much important. Now I’m trying to write a gentle poetry and express my feelings in songs. I get inspiration from everything: music, places, people, books, films and especially my memories.

B3SCI: What, for you, defines a great song? What makes for a great melody?

PSA: I like songs that touch me from the first notes. You can always hear if artist puts his soul into the song. That’s why not only sequence of notes makes great melody.

B3SCI: What’s your impression of the current state of independent music in the English speaking world? (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc) Any trends or particular sounds or artists that are particularly special to you right now?

PSA: Every day I discover new artists, but there are few bands that have a big influence on me. I’m huge fan of twee-pop bands of Bristol record label “Sarah Records”. I do love old Manchester groups like The Stone Roses, New Order and The Smiths. Also I always get inspiration from young modern bands like Gauntlet Hair, Chad Valley, Yung Life, Washed Out, The Mary Onettes, etc. And, of course, where I would be now without music of “Captured Tracks” label.

B3SCI: What’s next for Parks, Squares & Alleys? Any definite plans to release any new music? Any particular direction the writing of newer material has been taking?

PSA: I’m recording material for new LP that includes singles “Youth” and “Forest”, newer tracks sounds like dream-pop of 90s, you know, with old fashioned synths and chorus guitar. Also I have some plans to featuring with chillwave project “Sugar God” from Moscow.

B3SCI: Do you have plans to tour and perform any time soon?

PSA: There will be gig in Khabarovsk very soon, and I have plans to perform in Vladivostok in autumn. There was a lot of talks about tour, but I don’t even know when it will happen. Maybe in winter. I want to visit Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kiev and other European cities.

B3SCI: We here at B3SCI are hooking you up with a roundtrip ride on our very real time machine. Where are you choosing to travel to and why?

PSA: I would travel to NYC in 1985 to get in avant garde community, work with Sonic Youth and meet other talented artists of that time. The people of art are foundation of human freedom.

Parks, Squares and Alleys (Facebook)

reviewed by b3

08-13-13

Interview with The 1975 in Los Angeles 7/24/13 [Audio]

blahblahblahscience In the Mix Interviews

The 1975 made their Los Angeles debut known last Wednesday night at the world famous Troubadour in West Hollywood. The band were dialed-in that night and performed an inspiring, airtight, confident set; consisting of tracks from the ’75s four EPs (all released within the past year) as well as new material from their forthcoming Mike Crossey co-produced self-titled debut album (due in September via Vagrant/Interscope). Highlights from the night included “Head.Cars.Bending”, “The City”, “Sex” and set closer “You” as well as new album cuts like “Girls” which singer Matt Healy describes as (like much of the album) ‘made to sound like an 80s movie’.

Unbeknownst to the ’75 (or not), the guys are making moments. Whether winning over the likes of Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones, or turning heads at Glastonbury, The 1975 are poised and ready to take over the world; and they are doing so on their terms first. Prior to the band’s sold-out Troubadour set, we talked with Mr. Healy; discussing everything from the band’s history and philosophy, to their current state of mind and, finally, what fans can expect from their new album. Listen to the interview below and have a look at The 1975’s new video for their forthcoming single “Sex”.

The 1975 (Official)(Facebook) (Read more about The 1975 on B3SCI)

reviewed by b3

08-02-13

Interview with DE$iGNATED

Electronic Interviews

DE$iGNATED is the new project from young and talented electronic duo Nima Bazrcar and Rory Bowyer. First hitting the scene with their single “Valentine” featuring vocals from Kyiki of Crystal Fighters, the UK-based pair return with a brand new track called “The Cure”. Sample “The Cure” below and check out this recent Q&A with DE$iGNATED and B3SCI correspondent Brian Litwin.

B3SCI: There’s not much known about DE$iGNATED. Can you introduce yourselves to the readers and tell us a little about how DE$iGNATED came to be?

Nima: Hi my name is Nima, I’m 18 years old and I live in South London, I am 1/2 of DE$iGNATED.

Rory: Yo, my name is Rory, I am 18 too and I live in Hampshire, I am the other half of DE$iGNATED.

Nima: DE$iGNATED started last summer, when I thought it would be a cool idea to start a duo with my friend Rory (who was living down my road at this time) as we was always chilling together, making beats listening to the same music.

B3SCI: I love this time of year when almost every weekend there is a different festival happening somewhere around the world. Is there one in particular that both of you think stands above the rest?

Nima: I’m not too sure as I haven’t really experienced a festival, Gottwood & Outlook look very good though, I would love to go to Outlook next year.

Rory: I haven’t been to alot of fesivals, but I’ve enjoyed attending Reading festival yearly.

B3SCI: Being so young, have you both always exclusively created electronic music? Have you ever wanted to experiment with another particular instrument or style of music?

Nima: I was in a band called “KINGS OF THE CITY” playing keys and co-producing since I was 13, I’m dropped from the image of the band and I dont play keys for them anymore as I am concentrating on this project but I still do co-production fo them. Before that I started making grime when I was 11 and never stopped making tunes really. Rory comes from a band background, playing in a couple indie bands (last one called KoHo Knights) until taking up production a year and a half ago. I miss Rory’s band gigs, they were really fun.

B3SCI: How does your collaboration process as a DJ/Producer duo work? Is it easier for you two to create a track together or separately?

Nima: We tend to create tracks separatley, rather then together, we find it easier this way as we are both producing in our bedrooms and so it isn’t the best enviroment.

B3SCI: We were blown away with “Valentine”. Is there a story behind the lyrical and musical genesis of the track?

Nima: Erm sort of, it was one of the only tracks me and Rory have fully created together in a room, it was created last summer when we was starting up DE$iGNATED in our first batch of tunes, it was meant to be an instrumental only track with chopped vocals, but I thought it was right to be restructured and have a singer fit on it. The lyrical aspect comes solely down to Kyiki on this one, she knew where she wanted to go with it and I was very happy with the end product.

B3SCI: Who brought in Kyiki from Crystal Fighters to work on “Valentine”?

Nima: We got hooked up with Kyiki from a very nice and helpful A&R from my college, I go to the Academy Of Contemporary Music in Guildford and they have been very helpful towards the project and I am greatful for that, Rory is going there from September too so we should be together more.

B3SCI: We also recently interviewed producer Kyogi, who threw together a great reworking of “Valentine”. Can we expect more tracks between the two of you?

Nima: We’ve talked about collaborations before, but decided on its not the right time at the moment, so maybe one day in the future!

B3SCI: What’s DE$iGNATED listening to right now?

Nima: Hybrid Theory’s “So High” is my jam right now, I have quite a wide musical taste but I’ve been pretty addicted to garage for a long time.

Rory: Been listening to alot of Kaytranada, I’m mainly listening to alot of old school garage at the moment.

B3SCI: In the ever-evolving genre of electronic music, is there anything that you guys anticipate as the next ‘big sound’ to catch wave?

Nima: Post Future HouseStep.

B3SCI: If you had your choice of having anyone come in to remix one of your tracks, who would it be and why?

Nima: Oooh there’s a few people, I think if I wanted anyone right now for a remix it would be Flume, You never know what to expect with his songs, they are truly amazing.

Rory: Two Inch Punch would be sick cause his remixes are sick and that.

B3SCI: What does the future look like for DE$iGNATED?

Nima: Hopefully looking well, I live by the saying “hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard”, as long as we work hard enough I think we can achieve our goals and aspirations with this project.

DE$iGNATED (Facebook)

reviewed by b3

08-01-13

Interview with Jagwar Ma

Interviews Rock

Sydney, Australia duo Jagwar Ma first hit the radar in late 2011 and have made considerable noise leading through 2013 with their, Madchester-esque, guitar and beat saavy psych-pop. Hot on the heels of their Time and Space Dub Sessions EP, the band has recently released their debut full length Howlin (Mom+Pop/Marathon) to much critical acclaim. B3SCI correspondent Brian Litwin caught up with Jagwar Ma vocalist Gabriel Winterfield to ask him a few questions about the Australian music scene, dream collaborators, props from Manchester ‘chief’ Noel Gallagher and more. You can check out the interview below, and for those of you in Los Angeles, Jagwar Ma will be headlining a mustn’t miss set at The Echo on October 4th. Tix and info here. We’ll see you there!

B3SCI: The name Jagwar Ma is definitely one that catches the eye. Is there a worthy story for it’s origin?

Jagwar Ma: To be honest the story changes slightly every time I tell it. I guess that always happens with things you can’t really remember. But The name comes from the combination of a close friend’s suggestion, a found object and Jono’s (bandmate Juno Ma) surname which is a type of Stallion from the times of Gengis Khan.

B3SCI: It’s refreshing to see such a well done music video as the one for “Man I Need” (watch it below). Is there any general idea or concept that you are conveying throughout the video?

Jagwar Ma: Like anything creative there is a concept that goes with the artwork. We wanted to see animated versions of ourselves. I know Fantasia was thrown around as a reference, as well as a few other things. Despite various youtube comments though, we’re not satanic illuminatis. rofl…

B3SCI: What does it feel like to have Noel Gallagher’s bode of confidence?

Jagwar Ma: It’s a great honor to hear of Noel Gallagher’s digging of our music. Though we do worry that it might put pressure on us! I should also add that in that same quote I believe UK band Temples were also mentioned.

B3SCI: Howlin’ is your recent 2013 album release and it could very well make it on to some top albums of 2013 lists. Where was it recorded, and going into the studio did you all have a general idea of how the album was going to come out… and how great it would be?

Jagwar Ma: Haha well I love your confidence in some of those calls, very kind indeed. I wouldn’t say that we knew how ‘great’ it would be, but I do know that Jono and I certainly had feelings and vibes that we wanted to evoke through our music. We recorded some in Sydney at Jono’s studio and even some parts in my bedroom style studio. We did some other stuff at a friends farm house in France, and then other parts we went to Berlin to work.

B3SCI: I hear all the late 80’s/early 90’s Madchester sounds on this album, but there is a lot more going on here. What are some of your influences that have helped you carve out your sound?

Jagwar Ma: Music is and always has been a part of my life, it’s very very difficult to narrow things down to just a few names without feeling like I’ve left someone or something out. It’s sort of like when you sit around with friends and talk about your top ten films. My top ten changes every week. I guess my opinion on direct musical influences do as well. Funnily enough I think that some of the more obvious pop references have gone unnoticed.

B3SCI: How has life on the road been for the band? Has there been a particular date that sticks out to you guys as a moment you will never forget?

Jagwar Ma: There are so many I lose count. I hadn’t written in my diary in a long time and when I began an entry the other day I literally started with “where do I begin?”. But playing Glastonbury was definitely an incredible experience that will go down in my life as one of best times of my life. I watched Azealia Banks and between one her songs she said “thank you so much, this is a great achievement for me..” and I knew exactly where she was coming from.

B3SCI: It’s hard for us being in California to get the full scope of the booming Australian music scene. Can you shed some light?

Jagwar Ma: I was in LA at the beginning of last year and I walked into a store and in the space of about half an hour I heard Gotye, Pnau and Cut Copy. By coincidence I was driving in my car listening to KCRW and one of our songs came on. At first I didn’t agree with a lot of press talking about the Australian scene, but now I’m starting to think that maybe there is something in the water…

B3SCI: What are some of your favorite acts coming out of AU right now?

Jagwar Ma: There are a few, but I don’t want to say, because I don’t want people to hype them up haha I feel like I’m nurturing new saplings. They need to grow on their own first, before the world discovers them!

B3SCI: If you could pick anyone to be a featured vocalist on one of your tracks, who would it be and why?

Jagwar Ma: Tyler the Creator. But the only catch is that he has to sing. I know that he sings on his records, but I like what he has to say, and I think his voice would really cool to capture in a really raw no pitch shifting/autotune/melodyne way. The true voice as it were..

Interviewed by Brian Litwin

Jagwar Ma (Facebook) (‘Howlin’ on iTunes)

reviewed by b3

07-20-13

Interview with SKATERS

Interviews Rock

Since SXSW (incl. an appearance at our B3 party), NYC based SKATERS have been touring non-stop behind their recent “I Wanna Dance” single. They’ve supported Potugal. the Man and even headlined a 30 dates in one month tour of the UK. We recently caught up on the phone with SKATERS frontman and lead singer Michael Ian Cummings to talk about the band’s forthcoming debut album, this summer’s Lollapalooza slot, their limited edition art-zine Yonks, as well as their forthcoming US tour opening for Palma Violets and more (tour dates listed below).

The band is celebrating an NYC homecoming this Friday (7/19) with a special headlining gig at The Bowery Ballroom. Get info and tickets for the show HERE.

SKATERS (Facebook)

TOUR DATES

09/15 Phoenix, AZ 09/17 Austin, TX 09/18 Dallas, TX 09/19 New Orleans, LA 09/21 Miami, FL 09/22 Orlando, FL 09/23 Atlanta, GA 09/24 Birmingham, AL 09/25 Nashville, TN 09/27 Philadelphia, PA 09/28 Albany, NY 09/30 Boston, MA 10/02 Washington DC 10/03 Columbus, OH 10/04 Chicago, IL 10/05 Madison, WI 10/06 Minneapolis, MN 10/08 Denver, CO 10/14 Seattle, WA 10/15 Vancouver, BC 10/16 Portland, OR 10/18 Berkeley, CA Pub Rock
Red 7
Dan’s Silverleaf
One Eyed Jacks
Gramps
The Social
Drunken Unicorn
The Bottletree
The Basement
Johnny Brendas
Pearlapalooza
The Sinclair
DC9
The Basement
Lincoln Hall
High Noon
Triple Rock
Larimer LoungeBreak
Neumos
Biltmore Cabaret
Crystal Ballroom
UC Berkeley

reviewed by b3

07-17-13

Bruce Raves Interviews Tribes

In the Mix Interviews Rave's Faves

Here’s my full chat with the English rock band Tribes, recorded during my recent visit to Brighton, UK’s The Great Escape Festival (full coverage here). Tribes had a high-profile gig while at The Great Escape, which was two days prior to the late May UK release of their second album Wish to Scream. Expectations were high for the band following their top ten debut album Baby, and this new release is another fine album. Together we talked about the evolution of the band, some specific tracks on Wish to Scream, and also their experience recording the album at the legendary Sound City studios in L.A. Yes, the place that Dave Grohl’s recent documentary was about. We lamented the fickleness of the British press and hit on other relevant topics as well. Have a listen to our conversation below. By Bruce Rave

* Links and playlists from Rave’s weekly new music show can be found on his blog and be sure follow Bruce on Twitter too!

reviewed by b3

07-03-13