By: Lisa Steinberg
Photo Courtesy of the Artist
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) Our sound is a mix of 80’s and 90’s new-wave, post punk, EBM, industrial and dance.
We really like to blend contrasting things within a song – darker track with beautiful floating vocals or the lyrics that sound beautiful and floating but the actual words are dark and sinister. It’s the contrast that interests us.
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) Crystal Castles, Pastel Ghost, Sidewalks & Skeletons, Boy Harsher, Depeche Mode, The Cure, Korn and Pantera. It’s a wide range. [laughs]
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “The Color.”
A) “The Color” was actually the first song we recorded. I had the track ready for Jessica at the studio. She listened to probably half of the song and said “I have it.”
She got on the mic without even writing the words down and sang two or three passes of the song. What you hear on the final version are those vocals. That was it. We really felt like at that moment we had something special.
Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) I think it’s a few things. Jessica paints beautiful imagery with lyrics (for example) “the night is so clear” – you can see that in your head. It’s also the feeling of wanting to dance and vibe, the track builds to the chorus and suddenly she is using a shouting voice telling you to “shake shake shake out the color.” At this point, the whole place is jumping. A vibe for everyone to connect.
Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?
A) We shot the video in Chinatown in San Francisco. I suppose the black heart balloons could signify love or happiness and the deflating/drowning of them could be dying or love lost.
We did purposely chose not to do any singing or performance in the video. It felt more striking that way. Also, we are weird, haha.
Q) What are some themes you explore on your debut EP Catacouture?
A) Death, love, loss, heartbreak, occult themes. All the usual suspects of this genre.
Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) Our writing process is done in an interesting way. We don’t sit around and overthink it, everything is very much in the moment.
I will generally have a collection of four to five songs ready and Jessica will come in never having heard any of the songs. This is done on purpose, so that as she is hearing the song for the first time she is reacting to it in a very visceral way. As I play the tracks for her she might get on the mic right away or she might make notes and then we listen to the next song. It just depends on what strikes her. We are both involved in every aspect of our music but in general Jessica writes most of the lyrics.
Q) Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) Not really, we both have tons of lyrics saved in phone notes. But 99% of the time the lyrics for a new song happen fresh with that song.
Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?
A) I generally do all the production, mixing and mastering. Jessica has input and great ideas as well. As I said above, we are both involved in every aspect of our music. There are no rules.
One thing we definitely do is set deadlines and we don’t spend time overthinking things. You have to get things done and move forward.
Q) My favorite songs on the EP are “Cry4Her” and “Immortal Lovers.” Which track(s) hold a special place in your heart and why?
A) Oh awesome, thank you. I think we would both say “Cry4Her.” When we got the chorus to work, one of us came up with the “she’s me” part and then I put that guitar hook in the chorus. We both just really loved the song. It has this fun dance feel.
Jessica really nailed it with the vocal melody and hooks. Performing it on our recent UK tour everyone really loved it live.
Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to Catacouture as a whole – either as an emotion or message?
A) The message within the lyrics is deceptively vague at times, it can be whatever you feel. We would like you to make your own determination, something that is unique to you, that’s a real connection, between just you and us. We have gotten hundreds of messages from people all over the world expressing how they feel about one of the songs or what the lyrics meant to them or that it helped them through a bad time, etc…That is really so meaningful to us.
Q) You’re currently touring with Ashbury Heights and join Die Krupps for their Spring tour. Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?
A) The AH tour was amazing. They are such great people and really amazing live.
With ghostbells we have done the UK and The Castle Party Festival in Poland.
They are all amazing places. Wherever we can meet people and connect with the music that is our favorite place, truly.
Q) What has the fan reaction been to hearing the songs off Catacourture live?
A) Truthfully, it has been nuts, so many people singing the words to the songs, knowing the parts, etc.
Chatting with everyone at the merch booth after the shows we started to learn just how many people were really listening to the band.
We have been blown away by it.
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) Sidewalks & Skeletons, Pastel Ghost, Boy Harsher, Twin Tribes…. the list goes on. We are open, shoot us an email haha.
Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) Crimes and Crystal Castles…I really love the gritty simplicity of the songs from a production stand point.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) THANK YOU!!! You really have no idea how much it helps and means to us when you comment on socials, chat at a show, buy merch, etc.
We make the art to share with all of you and we are so grateful that you have let us into your musical lives.
Thank you. So much more to come. See you on tour.
*All Questions Answered By Jim Finley*