Introducing: School of Seven Bells

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We like School of Seven Bells. One part Secret Machines (the best bit) plus a set of twin vocalists (no, really a twin set of vocalists) who’ve crafted an album, with their debut Alpinisms, full of wonder and intrigue.

It’s already out via Full Time Hobby, and I have a sense that it’s going to be a sleeper hit – something that people will talk about in hushed tones. It’s shimmering beauty sounding like a lost Cocteau Twins album that’s been remastered for the 21st Century.

So, in a bid to understand a bit more about the band, we caught up with Benjamin Curtis to give us some insight…For people out there who have never heard of School of Seven Bells. Give us three reasons why they should…
Benjamin Curtis, Claudia Deheza and Alejandra Deheza

Can you recall the moment when you first decided you wanted to become musicians?
Not really, it’s always been there. It’s funny actually, because in a way it doesn’t really feel like a choice.

Where do your songs come from? What’s your inspiration?
Our lives, looking at situations from another perspective, great books, great songs, etc.

Name your Top 5 records.
It changes daily, but at the moment it would be Harmonia (Harmonia), Scary Monsters (David Bowie), Between (Between), A Rainbow In Curved Airt/Poppy Nogood and the Phantom Band (Terry Riley), Tago Mago (Can)

What was the first gig you all ever played and was it a success?
Our first gig was at Tonic in NYC. It was one of the last shows at that amazing club. It went really well!

What one piece of criticism has stuck in your mind and was it justified?
We do our best to avoid reading any press. You have to take the bad with the good, if you do. We’ve seen some nasty reviews, but nothing could ever really bother us.

What one thing has caused you to waste your free time in the past 6 months?
Interviews.

If you weren’t making music, what do you think you’d all be doing?
Probably nothing.

What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
Buying tickets for a ticket scalper. I felt really bad afterwards…

We’d like you to make us a mix-tape. Pick five tracks with a theme of your choice.
Devotion – Between
You’re No Good- Terry Riley
Electric Counterpoint- Steve Reich
Hallelujah – Can
Oak of the Golden Dreams – Harold Budd
I guess the theme is really beautifully long songs that would never fit on a single tape. I think this would be a double mixed tape. We like things that last a little longer. Why hurry?