Lotus – Frames Per Second

By starrymag | January 8, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) On this album, the sound is Funk/Jazz/Space Disco/Psychedelic.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Talking Heads, Herbie Hancock, Todd Terje, Tortoise

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your album and documentary Frames Per Second.

 

A) We decided to film Lotus performing an album live in studio and capture an in-the-moment sound for the group. That directed some of the sound decisions, not using overdubs and having improvisation be a part of the album. So, we went in to the studio and had the cameras rolling for two days and just tried to record as much as we could in that short time.

 

Q) What made you decide to release a documentary along with the album?

 

A) Releasing a documentary alongside the album was a way to pull back the curtain and show we were actually playing live instead of some sort of digital process. And since the music is instrumental, I think having a visual component can help make a stronger connection to the songs. It is also a way to have a different sort of “concert” that is more intimate and up close rather than onstage with a light show going.

 

Q) The album features a whopping 19 instrumental songs! How did you decide to include so many tracks?

 

A) I think we wrote around 24 songs, but we liked all 19 that ended up on the album. So, we just decided to record as many of those as we could.

 

Q) What is your song writing process?

 

A) Jesse and I (Luke) write demos separately. When they get to a certain point, we’ll send them to each other for ideas on editing the arrangement or trying different parts. Once we are both satisfied, we bring it to the rest of the band. Then, during full band rehearsals, we iron out the parts and feel out changes in the arrangements. When we are rehearsing you kind of just feel that song is working or not.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music? 

 

A) We produce all of our albums.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live LOTUS performance?

 

A) A live Lotus performance draws on songs from our entire career. It is mostly on the higher energy end, built for dancing, but we also dip into more emotional moments. You can expect improvisation and a great light show.

 

Q) What songs off your album Frames Per Second are you looking forward to performing live?

 

A) I’m looking forward to performing “Aquamarine” and “Gunk.”

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to your new album as a whole?

 

A) I hope listeners go on a fun journey and be drawn into the Lotus world of sounds.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you? 

 

A) Red Rocks outside of Denver is one of my favorites. I grew up not far away from there and had my high school graduation at Red Rocks. Being in the natural environment where I grew up gives it that special significance.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) I’d love to collaborate with Kevin Parker or Anderson.Paak.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) I’ve been digging Flamingosis “A Groovy Thing.” I like how he re-contextualizes old funk and soul samples.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Live music for us is an interaction, not just a recitation. The connection with a fans is an extension of that.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Thanks for supporting a hard-to-classify band! I hear from people that this is the 50th time they’ve seen Lotus, or 100th, or 150th! That seems crazy, but it feels good to provide a soundtrack for some people’s lives.

 

 

All Questions Answered By Luke Miller (guitar, keys)