Introducing: The Drift

I have an admission to make; until very recently, I’d not heard of The Drift . But, a slot on the Explosions in the Sky curated ATP event this month and finding themselves in my town of Cambridge the same week, it made me investigate their music. And what music it is. Evocative post-rock that features heavy use of brass instruments, giving their music an added dimenson and separating it in a genre that’s starting to sound tired. I caught up with guitarist and keyboardist Danny Grody to find out what’s behind the band.

For people out there that have never heard of you. Give us three reasons why they should…
Reason 1: Something different, something new)))))
Reason 2: We reciprocate!
Reason 3: Just because

Can you recall the moment when you first decided you wanted to become a musician?
Wish I had some epic account of the moment, but to be honest ever since I can remember. It’s just a blur….

Where do your songs come from? What’s your inspiration?
Each other I suppose. We all have varying influences that often converge in surprising ways. Say we start with a melody line on guitar, then the trumpet finds a space to relate and the next thing you know we’re having this conversation that does it’s best to make sense of itself. Things happen very intuitively with us so recording our practices is vital as a way to not let a fleeting idea pass us by.
We avoid making too many concrete structural decisions early on in our writing process as a way let things breath a bit and take on a life of their own. But in the end it always comes down to negotiating that balance between order and a certain amount of chaos. The pendulum can swing any which way.

What was the first gig you ever played and was it a success?
Hmmm…. good question? I believe it was at the SF Art Institute at an event. It was outdoors and with our original bassist Trevor Montgomery on electric bass. We also did not yet have Jeff on trumpet so it was much more stripped down and considerably heavier in the sense of volume. People seemed to dig it actually. It was really encouraging come to think of it.

What’s been your most memorable on the road story so far?
So many it’s hard to choose, really. It’s a cross between getting side-swiped by a trailer minutes before crossing through the border from the states into Canada on our way to Montreal touring with MONO,
being held at customs for nearly two hours, and just making it to the show in time to play – one of the best shows all tour! The other was touring Japan (again with MONO). It was incredible in it of itself – the people, the food, the insanity of Tokyo.

How much artist control do you possess over your music? Are you interested in how the album looks and how you’re marketed?
Pretty much total control. Jeremy Devine who runs our record label Temporary Residence has been a friend and supporter for many years now. He’s really in it for all the right reasons and is successful I think as a result. Yes, the design of an album is key to us. I guess you could consider us “old fashioned” in the sense that the material/physical aspect of a release is on par with the music it supports – It’s really a extension of the music in many ways.

What music are you enjoying right now? Any recommendations for our readers to check out?
Speaking for myself, I’m really digging Toumani Diabates new record “The Mande Variations”. Just the most lovely Kora palying ever! Also loving the “Nigeria Special: Modern Highlife, Afro Sounds, Nigerian
Blues 1970-1976″. Amazing warm rhythmic music made during a particularly fertile period in Nigeria’s musical history. Bon Iver’s new one is gorgeous. So simple and direct. The Budos Band. Kids from NYC keeping it real! Oh… there’s too much.

Name your Top 5 records.
CAN “Ege Bamyasi”
This Heat – Peel Sessions
Miles Davis “Get Up With It”
Fela Kuti – everything!
Arvo Part “Tabula Rasa”

What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
Starbucks! Shhh, don’t tell anyone.

Tell us a joke.
Where and how do hippies have sex? In tents man, in tents!!!!!

Look out for a live review next week…

Links
The Drift [official site ] [myspace ]