Loupe – Tested Waters

By starrymag | April 17, 2024

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) To start with a very non-specific term, the music we make turns out to be alternative pop. Now that’s out of the way, I’ll try to explain the sound the best way I can. We all have a very melodic and rhythmic way of playing which makes the music very transparent and airy. Some of us bring a bit of groove to the table, some screaming guitar riffs, and we each like to make our voice heard, which makes it very dynamic and articulate.

To me, it always feels comforting and easy but also a bit restless and urgent at the same time. Well, I warned you… [laughs]

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) We all have different influences like: Jordan Mackampa, Orchestra Baobab, Gemma Hayes, Lianne La Havas, Khruangbin and Soulwax.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Tested Waters.”

 

A) From the viewpoint of teenage Nina, the songs tells us about a relationship where two people keep pushing each other’s limits to extremes. In Nina’s case, we’re talking about a mother-daughter relationship. “Not that I had a bad relationship with my mom, I was just emotionally all over the place as a teenager and therefore felt like everything she did was just to annoy me or something,” Nina says.

Q) The song came out in January. What kind of fan response have you been receiving to it?

 

A) It is the first song we recorded and released with Nina on vocals, and we are really proud of it. The response to it has been overwhelmingly positive.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) To me (Nina), it really portrays the feeling of longing and desire for something good when in reality you find it hard to show it. Sometimes you push away the people you love by doing the things you think are right for the relationship. It can be really hard to find that middle ground between the two of you.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) Usually it starts with a small idea we write together in our rehearsal room (basic, repetitive, a&b form structured instrumentals with some gibberish vocals). Then we go home to work on our separate parts and come together for the next rehearsal to see what everyone came up with. So, to answer the second question, yes, usually there’s music before the lyrics. Unless Nina came up with an idea herself.

 

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

 

A) We work closely together with our producer Arne van Petegem. He always has a lot of creative sound ideas, and he has inspired us to be more involved in the production and add our own ideas as well.

 

Q) Is this new single a prelude to a full album or EP?

 

A) Yes, it will be part of an EP. We’re also in the process of writing our second album now. [smiles]

 

Q) You just came back from a UK Headline Tour. What were some of your favorite places to perform and what made those locations so significant to you?

 

A) We played some iconic venues, like King Tut’s in Glasgow and Louisiana in Bristol – small, underground venues but so many great artists have played there.

 

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

 

A) Oooh that’s a difficult one. We always talk about a co-write with an artist who’s the complete opposite of us. For example, a co-write with Lola Young or Soulwax or something. That would be very cool. So curious about the results of such a collaboration.

 

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

 

A) At this very minute I’m listening to Bully, just came across this band by listening to their collaboration with Soccer Mommy on the track “Lose You.” I like the attitude on the album Lucky for You. I think I need the somewhat angry attitude but also like the hopeful energetic sound of it.

 

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

 

A) Social media is always a very fast way of communicating. Right after a show people always post video’s and photo’s of the performance and of themselves having a good time, which feels very intimate and gives us the opportunity to start talking. This way we can include them in our band-life and also get to know them a bit better.

 

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

 

A) Having such supportive fans means the world to us. We’ve been really happy to meet you all, both on social media and at our shows. Everyone has been amazing.