SKiPPER! – Stupid Ache

By starrymag | August 7, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

C: Sensitive Spunky Synth-Pop!

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

C: We continually revisit Troye Sivan and Allie X’s sound. Lyrically, I’d say Alanis Morissette.

M: Oftentimes, we are influenced by many artists or what we are currently vibing with. Our sound changes.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Stupid Ache.”

C: We wanted a track about being in a long-term relationship. We hadn’t heard many of those lately. When you are with someone for a while, there can be times when they know you better than you know yourself. “Stupid Ache” is about putting in the hard work and growing together through the phases of dating. In a way, you become used to the person but through it all – you still love every detail about them…even when they drive you crazy. We wanted a track that didn’t romanticize romance, but instead shined a light on a more realistic perspective.

 

Q) How does it show that you have evolved as a group?

M: Recently we were listening to some of our earlier work and laughed. The overall quality and clarity of the production has changed significantly.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

M: It has a nostalgic sound while being emotionally honest.

 

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

C: We decided not to do a music video for this track, but you can check out our recent video of our Synth-Pop cover of Legally Blonde’s “Perfect Day.”

 

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

C: I would say that we don’t need music before creating lyrics. The process varies a lot. Usually, I will write lyrics in my notepad at random times of the day. If I have a good idea and I’m in public, I’ll run to the corner of a room and sing into my phone. I probably look crazy! [laughs] Sometimes I have a fully-fledged melody in mind, sometimes I don’t at all. I’ll then create the basic idea in a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) and send it to Michael. That’s then we beef it up. He’s truly able to make the vision in my mind come to life! Sometimes we write the lyrics together other times Michael will write the instrumental first. One thing is for certain, lyrics are very important to me in our original music. I believe storytelling is a key point in making music. Whatever we do, it’s always collaborative. There is a specific feeling when two minds meet and get excited to create. It’s almost euphoric.

 

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

M: Full! As we said above, Corinne starts the track in a DAW and then sends it to me. I do all the mixing.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future? 

C: Eventually! For now, we are focusing on getting out singles for our fans to continue learning our sound. We want to establish more of a following before we release an EP. That being said, we do have enough material to create one! But in due time.

 

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

C: We’ve popped up in many peoples around NYC, but the most common is The West End Lounge. We have friends there so it’s always a good time. We plan to do a small tour next year out of the city. Michael also works with Jeremy Zucker and Chelsea Cutler as an audio engineer so he’s been everywhere!

M: Yeah. Red Rocks in Colorado was sick. I’ve also worked in Seoul, Amsterdam, Tokyo, Berlin, London, Paris…a lot of places. I worked at Lollapalooza, too!

 

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

C: Oliver! I believe it’s just one guy now, but they used to be a duo. Either way, their sound is so specific and everything they touch has a future disco feel. They almost have an “out of this world” vibe. My favorite track is “Ottomatic.” It’s a JOURNEY.

M: Jack Antonoff is also one of the most talented dudes in the music industry. He’s a big one too. He’s the brains (writer/ producer) behind so many popular songs, was in the indie band Fun. and the lead singer of Bleachers. Currently, he’s part of the group Red Hearse which is SO good. Give the song “Red Hearse” a listen. It’s our favorite.

 

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

C: Honestly, Dua Lipa’s new album is fantastic. We liked the baselines in the album so much that we bought a base! Rina Sawayama has a new album that is really cool and original. Other than that, singles we love right now are Kim Petras’ “Malibu” and Pink Pony Club’s “Chappell Roan.” If you listen, you’ll hear the similarities in their sound and why we like them.

 

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

C: We can visually curate an image and a brand and then immediately share it with our followers. It’s pretty cool to have that type of freedom at your fingertips. Besides that, sharing music and then engagement with said music. We also want to use our platform to stand up against ignorance and hate. It’s important to give back to the people and friendships that built you. As cliché as it sounds, we want our fans to be themselves. We want them to be honest and organic, but to also dance and sing from the rooftops! In fact, a good chunk of our fanbase is part of the LGBTQIA+ community who often are bullied for being themselves – particularly during adolescence. So, when you listen to our music you can laugh, cry, get angry or do all three at the same time! Have pride in your vulnerability.

 

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

C: For our aspiring musician fans – Just start somewhere. At first, the music you create might not be very good. You just have to push past that learning period. Growth takes time. It takes more time than you think…or want. So, just stick with it. If you have the drive and the passion – keep going! I love to get lost in the aesthetic style, too. If the visual creative side entices you, really deep dive into it. And study. Study everything! Be that business or art – be open to learn new things daily. And last, comparison is the thief of joy. Don’t beat yourself up if somebody is in a different place than you. Focus on yourself and if social media is causing you negativity be sure to take breaks.

We hope everyone is staying safe during this quarantine. We’re sending out love and light – especially to our essential workers. Please stay inside! As always, thanks for your loving support. We’ve got a couple killer tracks coming out soon – some more fun songs, bittersweet ones, dance songs, hot tempered songs…just get ready for it all because we’re excited to give it to you!

 

 

All Questions Answered By Corrine Daye and Michael Mason