Arable Desert
What is your earliest memory of music?
My dad bought this 2005 indie rock album compilation, and we’d listen to America by Razor Light in the car together. My dad has really great taste in music and introduced me to a lot of funk and soul bands from the 60’s and 70’s. He has a great record collection.
Who and what are your main influences?
Dr John, his album Gris Gris, it was way before its time. He pushed the boat out in a more conservative time, wearing headdresses, feathers everywhere, referencing voodoo. He’s a musician that has got confidence and knows his musicality. Other than that, I’d say Frank Zappa, Ennio Morricone, Bootsy Collins, and Ohio Players.
What are you listening to at the moment?
I’m really into The Growlers. Twin Peaks are really cool. I’ve also been listening to The Garden, and am excited to hear their new album. And always Dr John, of course.
What is your process when creating music?
I normally jam around on an instrument, doesn’t really matter which one, if I find something cool I build around that and start layering other instruments. Then record and mix it. Lyrics always come last, I find that the hardest. For me the music comes without thinking, the lyrics come later.
You have a new EP coming out on the 30th of March, what was the inspiration behind this and what can we expect from it?
It’s definitely not like anything I’ve released before. It’s a lot cleaner. Previous songs have been moodier and darker. This music feels more suited to listen to in a hot climate. It’s sunnier and more fast paced, snappier drums, and rhythmic guitars. Before I felt more pressure from other people’s opinions, but now I’m making music for myself first and nothing is holding me back, so it’s definitely more experimental.
From tequila fueled rants to cowboy hats and matching boiler suits, your live shows are quite the experience, which do you prefer, recording or performing live?
Well, it’s two totally different experiences. Recording, you can make mistakes, delete them, it’s about your idea becoming a reality. Whereas live shows there’s room for improvisation and reaction, you can feed off the crowd. Recording you get in your own little bubble, but touring allows you to gauge the response. I’ve finished recording and am excited to get on stage again, we have a few shows coming up in London, Paris, Lisbon, Brighton, and Manchester. We like to mix it up, obviously we take performing seriously, but we try not to take ourselves too seriously. Watching people pose and shoe gaze isn’t fun for anyone.
Images courtesy of ARABLE DESERT
interview HANNAH GLENN
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