According
to legend, the band started over a 48-hour challenge. What was the challenge
and who put you up to the task?
At the end of 2006, we were
both performing as solo artists, and both had the urge to step out of our
boxes. We wanted to collaborate for fun, so we picked a weekend and took
a train upstate (NY) to Paul's parents' house to create something in his dad's
studio. We decided that we would make an ambitious mini-album, with the
one rule being no plain acoustic guitars. We wrote the song titles on the
train ride up, and jammed for a long time, cherry-picking the best nuggets from
our recorded sessions. We then shaped and edited into what is now our EP
"The Adventures of Mr. Pumpernickel and the Girl With Animals in her
Throat."
Given
that it was a sheer dare that the band came together, do you ever stop and
think that it was fate that led you to this path? Like all of this was supposed
to happen?
Definitely!
Hailing
from Brooklyn, how has the borough inspired your work?
Probably mostly through
encouragement and excitement of like-minded artists. The energy of a lot of
people around you creating new things and working really hard.
With
a plethora of bands coming from Brooklyn, how does Savoir Adore stand out from
the pack?
We don't really know! We
try to make an exciting blend of music, and that's done well for us so far.
With
so many bands from Brooklyn all competing for the same goal, there also seems
to be a big camaraderie among the artists. Do you think it is because everyone
is chasing the same dream?
I don't think everyone is
chasing the same dream exactly - but I think there is a lot of camaraderie
because we are all going through similar experiences, crossing paths all the
time. I think a common interest in experimentation and the excitement of being
part of a musical neighborhood leads to that sense of collaboration and
community. We've experienced it quite a bit here and it's lovely.
The
bands sound is very European and very pop but also very New York, what inspired
your work?'
That blend is probably a
result of our collective musical backgrounds. We were both raised with
classical training, but also with a lot of exposure to all eras of rock &
jazz. Also, a lot of our songwriting and production comes from pure
experimentation so the inspiration is often subconscious…taking our influences
and mushing them together in odd and fun ways.
Since
2009 you have been steadily creating a buzz for yourself but in 2011, you were
one of the big breakout bands of CMJ. Now that people are really starting to
pay attention, how does all of this feel?
It
pretty much feels the same… we're just continuing to make our music the best we
can! It's of course a great feeling to know that more and more people are
listening to our music, but we try not to think or worry about it too much.
You
signed with Neon Gold Records, what is it like to be apart of the Neon Gold
family?
We put out our vinyl 7"
of "Dreamers" with Neon Gold and I think it is the most perfect fit for
that song. It couldn't have gotten out into the world in a better way.
Besides being part of an amazing series of releases, it's also been a pleasure
playing Neon Gold shows and events this year… it really is a family of
inspiring and creative people.
What has been the
biggest highlight about being in this band so far?
Being able to share our music
with lots of people, and performing in beautiful venues.
Where would you like Savoir Adore to take
you?
Adventures around the world,
and collaborations with other artists in all mediums!
