Having already established themselves on the scene with a breadth of rich and illuminating efforts these last few years, Portland-based outfit Small Leaks Sink Ships return once again to deliver their wondrous new album 'Low Tide'.
Featuring the previously shared gems ‘AEIOU’, ‘Floating’ and their vibrant cover of Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’, this new ten-track collection makes for a wonderfully broad and immersive listen. Filled with rich and tantalising textures and shimmering hooks at every turn, 'Low Tide' sees them continue their ascent as one of the more innovative names doing the rounds right now.
So with the new LP available to stream now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has been inspiring them most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Judd: The first instrument that I fell in love with would probably have to be the piano. We had a small one in my house growing up and I was so fascinated with the way it sounded that I used to just hit one key over and over and listen to how one note could sound so different depending on how it was struck.
London: Drums & all percussion instruments.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Judd: I was a weirdo and I loved classical music from as far back as I can remember. I used to get my mom to buy be records when I was like 3 or 4.
London: I was really into punk rock and rap.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Judd: The first one I bought was a compilation of classical music with Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven and the others I can’t remember. The first Tape Cassette I had was by an R&B group in the 90’s called Shai.
London: The first album I owned was 2pac, all eyes on me but the first record I ever bought was Green Day’s Dookie album.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Judd: So many… but Idioteque from Radiohead was the first to come to mind.
London: There are quite a few actually, but I remember the first time I heard Do Make Say Think’s Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!, I right away wish I had written it.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Judd: My meditation practice always gets more serious when I begin to write and I also Start taking lessons for at least one instrument. I find taking lessons always gets ideas flowing.
London: Sometimes I’ll meditate before getting started or just allow myself to get out of my own way beforehand so that I can fully let go during the process.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Judd: Young Fathers is a current favourite, along with Gogo Penguin, Coltrane, and Ted Hawkins is one of favorite new discoveries of old music I hadn’t ever heard before.
London: NNAMDI, G Jones, Young Fathers, Jean Dawson, Shlohmo, Let’s Eat Grandma.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Judd: Sigor Rós
London: Young Fathers
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Judd: The Spiritual Connection I receive when writing new material and the feeling of being connected to everything and playing shows are the most rewarding.
London: I’ve realised over the years just how deep of a language music is and communicating through that medium is the most rewarding thing in the world.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Judd: Money haha
London: Not being satisfied with the outcome of certain songs and jumping through hoops to try and make parts work with one another. It can be a very square peg-round hole scenario.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Judd: That all musicians are obsessed with getting as many people as possible to listen to their music, but music is most healing for the person that is making it and whoever needs the same healing you got from writing this song or that song will find it.
London: Don’t focus too much on perfecting any one piece, because at the end of the day, you’re probably the only one who notices that 5% polishing you did to complete it.
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Small Leaks Sink Ships' new album 'Low Tide' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.