Neon Neon: Stainless Stylin'
The Dwarf caught up with one half of electronic-hip/hop duo Neon Neon about pedophiles, Bob Dylan and lazy sundays.
What is involved in creating an album for you? Does it mean time out together? Or piecing it together in random grabs of spare time?
It was a bit of both. We initially forced ourselves into a flat in London for several weeks getting the bulk and basics of the record. We then started the recording process but it would not be until almost a year and a half later that it was finally completed. There were so many bits and bobs that needed tweaked and refined. Distance kept Gruff and I from working on it consistently, so we had to wait until we had time to get together in the same room to complete it.
Tell us about the writing and creating of I Lust U...
That song was written one afternoon in the flat we were borrowing in London. Gruff came up with the simple synth phrase that drives that track and I built around that. The lyrics are about a celebrity couple selling their baby photos to the highest bidding tabloid magazine. Which is something that has been disgustingly common in the celebrity community recently.
What has been your weirdest interaction with a fan?
I had a fan one time invite me to his house for an after party. He said tons of people would be there with unlimited booze, so we grabbed our posse and headed to the party. When we arrived it was just him and one other guy. So, to be polite we stuck around for a bit and took advantage of the free booze. About 45 minutes into the so-called party he started to become threatening and saying that my music was shit. The conversation eventually led to him crying about how he “touches young boys” and needed help. I got the fuck up out of there as soon as I could.
Most memorable performance?
The most memorable Neon Neon performance has to be our very first one at SXSW in Austin, TX. Anything that could have gone wrong did. It started with a broken bass string just before getting on stage. We did not have any extras so after scrambling for a while another band let us have a spare. Gruff was putting on that second bass string as I was setting up my keyboards. The power for the stage was from a small generator so it was not sufficient enough power for my Nord Lead, which was my primary instrument. Just as I learned that I heard the second bass string snap! At this point we did not have a bass nor did any one else on hand so we called for one to come from downtown Austin that would take about 20 minutes. We started the set waiting for the bass to arrive so we could at least have a bass for a few songs. We stripped down the set completely until the bass arrived. It was insanely stressful for a first gig but perfect in so many ways.
Who are your influences? Why?
It changes everyday. There are obvious people like Brian Eno, David Bowie, Kraftwerk, Egyptian Lover, Terry Riley, Steve Reich, etc. and less obvious like my grandfather who played guitar every Sunday afternoon growing up. It just goes into the same ear hold and gets processed in ways I can’t really explain. I hear bits and pieces of everything I admire in my music.
Any future plans to tour with the new album? Will Australia be included?
Yes and Yes. I have only had the fortune of doing a handful of shows in Australia and have been anticipating the next visit for quite sometime
Say you’ve just won a big award for the new album, what would your acceptance speech be?
“I’d like to accept this award on behalf of all the Yacht Rock bands who work so hard at being so nautical”.
What is your favourite way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon?
On my back patio in the sun sipping on some good Kona coffee from Hawaii reading a magazine from cover to cover. Then toss the ball with my dog in the park behind my house. Take a walk to Masa in Echo Park and get a deep dish Chicago pizza with a bottle of wine and then retire in bed with a movie. I just did this very day last Sunday.
Earliest music memory?
My earliest memory is my grandfather playing Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Carter Family records after Sunday dinner. The room would be full of people and everyone would just sit and listen as my grandfather dj’d in the corner with his albums. He only owned about 10 so they were on constant rotation throughout my childhood.
What band/artist would you most like to tour/share a stage with?
Bob Dylan. That isn’t feasible is it?
If you had to describe your music as an ice cream, what flavour/combinations would you be?
Piss and vinegar with sprinkles of anxiety.
'Stainless Style' is out now on Lex through Inertia. Neon Neon will be playing in Adelaide (27th Sept), Melbourne (28th Sept), Perth (29th Sept), Brisbane (4th Oct) and Sydney (5th Oct) as part of the Parklife Festival.
