Archive for May, 2020

Getting to know UNFITS

Posted: May 27, 2020 by Soda in Interview, New Release, Pop, The Unfits

Sometimes dedication that starts with a grain of sand can turn into a whole beach. And in the case of UNFITS, they are creating their own island. Check out the wonderful interview below (courtesy of a mystery guest) with lead Unfit El Seuño for a glimpse into his and the bands world. They also seem to have a hell of a new single and video on their hands. Get clicky and check it all out below!

1) You’ve spoken in other interviews about the theory that we are all living in a simulated reality. Can you tell us more about this theory and how it impacts your music and videos?

At this point it is more than a theory, it’s a probability. Meaning, it is statistically more probable that we are living in some form of a computer simulation than living in base matter. I think both the scientific community and modern video game development makes it irrefutable that we are probably living in some form of a simulation. That then begs the question of whether this is the only simulation or whether there is a multi-verse with many simulations. It reminds me of the famous poem by Edgar Allan Poe “A Dream Within A Dream.”  If that’s true, then I am a dream. That’s why my name is El Sueno.

2) What went into the decision to film the “Satisfy Me” video in different countries around the world? Which of the destinations was your favorite filming location?

Having been to 50 countries so far, we have such a wanderlust spirit. I literally want to go to all 215 countries as soon as we are able to travel when the COVID-19 pandemic is over.  It made sense to travel to 7 countries for the music video because the synopsis is that the lead protagonist is being inserted “experiences” via computer chips that he can’t distinguish from reality. In keeping with that theme, we wanted a wild range of experiences from bathing in an active volcano in Tuscany, racing race cars through the Dolomite Alps, riding giant squids in Moorea, swimming with giant tiger sharks in Tahiti and shooting RPG’s with the military in Ukraine.  The French Polynesian islands are my favorite.

3) Tell us about the band’s writing process. Which comes first, the music or the lyrics?

Sometimes the words come first, other times the melody comes first. There is no rigidity in songwriting, everything is flexible. Sometimes it’s neither the melody nor the words and it’s an idea or concept that comes first. Everything comes from the endless sea of consciousness and every writer is merely a conduit, not the originator of the song.

4) Do you find yourself revising a lot, or do you like to write automatically?

I am constantly revising everything. Nothing is ever “done” in art, the time in creating merely expires. That’s what makes a life in the arts so appealing, the dynamic flux and continuous tweaking of everything.

5) How do you feed your imagination?

Through creative visualization, travel, literature, experimenting with other instruments, watching documentaries, women, friends, speed, adventure. The point is that imagination likes momentum. It could be physical momentum or mental momentum. Imagination likes to jump into an already moving stream.

6) Have any of the other performers and artists you’ve met given you any words of advice that you’ve particularly taken to heart?

Sometimes performers tell other performers to “imagine the whole audience is naked” in order to overcome stage fright. I tried imagining the audience naked once and was very sexually turned on and it did nothing for battling stage fright. So I think that is bad advice. On a more serious note: demo your songs on a piano or acoustic guitar. If it can hold an audience’s attention at the most primitive level, it will certainly be compelling when all the production and arrangement is completed.

7) What are your feelings about performing live? Do you have any heroes who inspire you to perform a certain way?

What Ed Sheeran is doing live is really amazing and inspiring for me. I am also a big fan of Matthew Bellamy and showmanship in general like Hugh Jackman.

8. What are your top five albums of all time?

> Dr Dre, 2001
> The Clash, London Calling
> Bob Dylan, Bringing It All Back Home
> Michael Jackson, Bad
> Beatles, Rubber Soul

9) Who’s an underrated songwriter, in your opinion?

Carlos St. John, Towns Van Zandt and Kid Cudi.

UNFITS

TLQ Threesome Vol. 1

Don’t pinch yourself, this is not a dream and you are very much awake. The Lickerish Quartet have arrived to whisk you off to a magical place. The odds are good if you are taking the trip you are very familiar with the pedigree in which the gentlemen that make up TLQ carry along with them. And though this band is not about looking into the past, but rather, a very bright future I do believe they are firmly aware of how to tickle longtime enthusiast’s earholes. Thusly, the universe was gifted Threesome Vol. 1. Although only an EP (hang tight, more on the way) it is transcendent in every way imaginable. The three headstones in front of The Lickerish Quartet are Eric Dover, Roger Joseph Manning Jr., and Tim Smith. All powerhouses on their own and together an unstoppable cavalcade that ooze creativity and a knack to really bring the listener on a musical journey. A fine point to make about the 4 songs featured on this EP is that, although the arrangements are superb in every fashion the band manages to deliver it all with such a fun candor only leaving you wanting to take the ride over and over again. And you’d think that only 4 songs may seem served only as an appetizer the meal is quite satisfying. Having 3 voices all worthy of the lead singer role certainly does not hinder the band at all. However, I do not want to take away from the fact that Singer/Guitarist Eric Dover is, was, and apparently always will be a beast of a singer. From every high and every low the guy just delivers with such a gusto you’re almost left dumbfounded. You also have the sweetness put forth in every Roger Manning syllable that you can’t help but smile along with him. And quiet honestly, Tim Smith has never sounded better. All of this is rolled up into one giant ball of meticulous arrangements both vocally and musically. From the fun piano intro and danceable vibe of  “Fadoodle” (look it up) all the way down to the hypnotic last moments of first single “Lighthouse Spaceship”, which unto itself is an epic and manages to collect all the components of the EP into one fantastical cocktail. With all of this said, my personal favorite track (currently) is track 3, “Magic Number”. There is a smoothness there that really hits you where it counts and is quite honestly mildly reminiscent of Chris Isaak’s unforgettable “Wicked Game”.  With all of this said, the sophistication and attention to detail of this debut offering from these seasoned vets does not disappoint. And really, did we think it would? Threessome Vol. 1 is out this Friday, May 15th.

TLQ HQ

Eric Dover - M-S-G Episode 20

I’m very excited to present to you my interview with Eric Dover. This was a tremendous honor for me. We covered a great chunk of The Lickerish Quartet and talked a bit about the past and the future. Eric was great to talk to and gave a great interview. I hope all of you dig this. Thanks so much Eric, stay awesome, we need ya!

*UNFORTUNATELY I was unable to upload this to YouTube due to technical difficulties (very unhappy about this). Please enjoy the interview over at SoundCloud, there is also a free download. Thanks! (link below)

MUSIC-SURVIVAL-GUIDE Episode 20 (Soda w/Eric Dover)