With their new album 'Hang Ten Colors to Catch the Sun', Los Angeles-based artist ttwig has built a fully immersive universe. Inspired by lockdown reflections, sun-drenched drives down the Pacific Coast Highway, and the surreal beauty of California’s coastline, the project unfolds like a 40-minute lucid dream. Laced with vivid 35mm visuals and textural sound design, each track feels like a postcard from another dimension.
At the heart of this technicolour trip is 'I Wanna Be A Dog', a playful, heartfelt ode to living in the moment and surrendering to instinct. Anchored by a bassline you won’t forget and delivered in ttwig’s signature semi-British drawl, the track captures both humour and longing with a psychedelic wink. It’s music that echoes Toro y Moi, Crumb, and Tame Impala, yet exists entirely in its own universe; blending memory, emotion, and escapism into something beautifully strange and oddly familiar.
So with the new record out now, we sat down with ttwig to find out more about their origins and influences over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The trumpet was my first instrument. I picked it up when I was 10 years old. I was obsessed with jazz in 4th grade. Instead of playing outside during recess, my friends & I would chill in our Jazz Band teacher’s (shoutout Mr. P one time!) office & listen to music. Afro-Cuban Fantasy by Poncho Sanchez is a special one.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I grew up listening to a radio station called Q104.3; a classic rock station in NY. They played all the classics; The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin etc. Alongside that, my parents would play everything from Steely Dan (my dad’s favorite band) to Billy Joel (my first concert) to Bob Marley. I listened to a ton of pop-punk from like 12-14 (New Found Glory being my favorite in that genre to this day) & then fell in love with Hip-Hop around 15 (A Tribe Called Quest being my entry point). From then on I got into all genre’s, thus birthing/solidifying my “Ellen DeGenreless” mindstate.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I think the first CD I ever bought with my own money was God’s Son - NaS. I bought it at a Borders (R.I.P.). I think I grabbed the edited version by accident hahaha.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I answered Obstacle Eyes by Morgan Delt in another interview so I’ll give another. My Song by Labi Siffre… it’s such a beautiful, triumphant & cinematic song. It makes me feel something every time.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Not really you know… I think the best music comes from being in a flow state where you’re not in your head. I’m always writing down words & phrases & ideas, so many times I will just go back to those & find inspiration from there.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Man, this band called SOYUZ is amazing; they’re from Belarus. Really beautiful compositions and mixes. I’ve also recently discovered an artist called Ruby Plume; really loving her tunes (they get super stuck in my head). I tend to revisit & listen to a lot of older music as well ie: The Cardigans, & Third Eye Blind to name a few.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Probably Radiohead.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Nothing beats the process. I love grabbing an idea from the ethos & making it a tangible thing. Also writing lyrics. I love writing lyrics so much. It’s gotten to the point where I’m so tuned in to the micro-improvements that switching a word like “a” with “the” can be night & day to the feeling of a song.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Mixing bass.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Music can only be discovered if you put it out there.
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ttwig's new album 'Hang Ten Colors To Catch The Sun' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.