Following on from their much-loved LP 'Sexpop 2' in 2022, Austin-based outfit Sexpop are back once again to deliver their woozy new single 'Who To Call'.
Continuing that bright and riveting synth-funk aesthetic they have earned a solid reputation for over the years, 'Who To Call' makes for a vibrant return to form throughout. With its warm and shimmering textures, breezy atmosphere, and stellar vocals layered throughout, they are certainly looking to turn some heads with this one.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with bandleader Blaise Eldred to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Piano was my first instrument I learned and I was immediately hooked. I would listen to my mother play when I was young, she was my inspiration to learn classical music and become more focused on technique and performance. I would come home from church and try to play the songs I had heard there. I was doing piano recitals all my life until college. In college, I took more of a stride towards jazz and learning about its history. I found new ways of expression through it and embedded it into my songs over time.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I was into all sorts of music as a kid. Mainly Zeppelin and Earth Wind and Fire, Chili Peppers, Rage Against the Machine. my taste was all over the place, i think i've had every faze a kid can go through. I did listen to some metal at some point, but I'm far from that now. In Highschool I got really into Michael Jackson and Prince, more funk was being introduced to me and I was obsessed with it. Really started taking inspiration for the first Sexpop album.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Stadium Arcadium by Red Hot Chili Peppers. I remember memorising every song on that record. It was my siblings favourite as well we were all super into them at the time. We would quiz each other on the song titles by playing the first second of a song and have to guess which one it was.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
“I Wanna Be Your Lover” by Prince. The groove is monumental to sculpting my style and the falsetto vocals are super incredible. I remember telling myself I want to sound just like that. I was learning how to play guitar at the same time around the age of 15, that's when I was getting more into funk riffs and attempting to express myself as Prince would.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I like to listen to music that I have never heard before. I use this app called Radiooooo. I hope I'm spelling that right. It would let you choose a place on the map and a year to go along with it. I got really into recognizing which parts of the world made which kind of music. I spent a lot of time in the 80’s era part of the app, and South America along with Europe and Africa. Most of my habits are to try not to force a song out, and ideas will come when they come. If I get inspired by something, ideas will come quicker.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I really enjoy Mk.gee at the moment. His newest record is very beautiful, dark tones, and super catchy melodies. a lot of the sound is broken down and there is this feeling of not over complicating things, something i'd like to get better at. I've been diving back into Earth Wind and Fire again because it is probably the best music ever written. I recently saw them in concert and got to meet them backstage which was insanely cool.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
There is this underground vapor wave artist known as ‘18 Carat Affair’ who is probably my favourite vapor wave artist ever. Check out the song Sandals International. It's got a really cool switch up in the middle of the song, kind of his signature.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I enjoy playing in front of others and connecting with an audience through music alone. Getting a crowd to move is my all time goal in life and so far so good. Its the best feeling in the world. I'm always going to continue to learn how to better my music and take mental notes in songs that I enjoy for specific parts.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Rude musicians, they are frustrating. We're all trying to do the same thing, so having mutual respect is very important to me. Listening and learning from each other is the best outcome for a music scene.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
If you want something, go all out. Do whatever it takes to achieve it. There's not enough time to sit and wait for something to happen. Write songs, form a band, book shows. Things don't just come to you out of nowhere. You have to work hard for them, and in the long run it will come.
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Sexpop's new single 'Who To Call' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.