On Song :: Ex Libras

Ex Libras, one of the most intriguing and sonically interesting UK bands we’ve heard in quite some time released their debut album Suite(s) this week. We caught up with the London based trio to find out a little about their musical influences and current listening habits…

Download the tracks ‘Radar’ and ‘Dumb Numbers’ for free by clicking this here link. The rather ace video for ‘Radar’ follows on from this interview…

What was the first song that really caught your imagination?
John Barry – James Bond Theme Tune. I’m a massive Bond fan and listening to the tune for the very first time just made me feel like I had a license to kill.

What was the music your parents liked and do you think it’s influenced you at all?
Most definitely. Growing up, my parents would be listning to James Brown, Nana Mouskouri, Aretha Franklin, ABBA, Stevie, Isaack Hayes, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Lata Mangheshkar… the list goes on! All of which, in some way, has influenced my musical pleasure now.

What posters did you have on your wall as a kid?
Wasn’t much of a poster kid but the select few were Michael Jackson, Snoop Dogg and Louis Armstrong.

Which songs or albums would you play at a party?
Too many to mention! Prince – Get Off, Jay Z – 99 Problems, La Caution – ‘Thé à la Menthe, High Contrast – Hometown Glory. Anything to throw some shapes to! Then to wind down post-shapes anything from Max Richter, Nina Simone, Nat King Cole, Olafur Arnolds etc.

Which songs remind you of a rainy day?
My rainy day song is: Eric Satie: Gymnopodies No1. Any piano music played with this kind of subtlety and minimalistic emotion always reminds me of a rainy day on a sunday afternoon.

Which album do you seek solace in when you are feeling sad?
Cinematic Orchestra – Every Day

Which album would you play when you wanted to get down to some lovin’?
Dunno’ about a whole album but I’d definitely have some dirty bass Dubstep, some Prince and Sade on the playlist.

What music was, or would be, the “first dance” at your wedding?
Reso – Smash yer face in!

What was the first gig you went to as a paying customer?
Michael Jackson at Wembley – the History tour in ’96.

Name the one song you think everyone should hear.
Hans Zimmer – Journey to the end of the line. Wouldn’t be for everyone but everyone should hear it at least once.

Which one artist do you think not enough people know about?
Could be quite a few… Fat Freddy’s Drop – a funky, reggae, ska’ish, soulful band from New Zealand.

What’s the best thing you’ve heard recently?
“Wow… Top Punch” Replacing ‘wicked’ ‘Cool’ ‘sick’ etc in conversation. It’s just ridiculous, and you sound like a knob, but do have a go.

Dead or alive, what 5 acts would you have play with you at a festival?
Battles, Radiohead, Oscar Peterson, Buena Vista Social Club and Cinematic Orchestra.

We’d like you to make us a mix-tape. Pick five tracks.
London Elektricity – Will to Live
Maceo and the Macks – Cross the Track
4 Hero – Golden Age of Life
Hatiras – Open Up Your Eyes
Dolly Parton – Jolene

And finally, who would win in a fight: a stoat or a goat and why?
A Stoat mos def! They may look harmless, but have you seen the fangs on that mofo!