Best of 2018 #1 Slothrust – Double down | Zum Jahresende freue ich mich, dass einige Acts meine Lieblingssongs des Jahres ausführlich vorstellen. Los geht’s mit Slothrust und ihrem Neo-Grunge-Pop-Feuerwerk „Double down“. Im Interview beantwortet Leah Wellbaum alle Fragen zum Song und ihren musikalischen 2018-Highlights.
How did you write „Double down“ in the very beginning?
I wrote “Double Down” with my friend Jon Buscema. I have written a lot of moody material and we thought it would be fun to try something really positive and empowering— a song about finding inner-strength and embracing personal magic.
What can you tell us about recording the song?
We recorded the album version of this song at Dangerbird Studios with producer Billy Bush. This was a fun one to work on because we played around with different percussion sounds and ways that we could alter acoustic instruments and blend them with electronic sounds in a unique way. Recording this track was our first time really utilizing MIDI and various synth sounds. It was a welcomed challenge.
What’s your personal favorite moment of the track?
The guitar solo. In particular, the whammy bar moment. I recorded this using the Tom Anderson Raven Superbird guitar, which has an amazing tremolo system that allows you to do dive bombs without going out of tune.
How can I understand the lyrics?
Empower yourself. Don’t mind the haters, they are small in the end. Strength comes from within and everyone can be their own best friend. We are all magic in our own way.
What’s your favorite one-liner of the song?
“Dismantle you with your own tools” is a reference to a quote by the feminist scholar, Audre Lorde that I have flipped on its head. It was the last lyric added to the song and it really ties everything together for me.
Why did you choose to open the album with „Double down“?
We liked the idea of starting the record with “Double Down”, the most pop-forward track, and ending with “Travel Bug”, which is the most stripped down song on ‘The Pact’. I recorded “Travel Bug” by myself in my house with only a classical guitar, whereas “Double Down” is a highly produced studio recording. We love them as bookends to this record and have a similar lyric in both songs about rolling dice and getting snake eyes every time. Using this same lyric against completely different musical pallets was exciting to me. I love Easter egg moments on records as well as drastic juxtaposition.
What can you tell us about the music video?
I wanted to levitate. We aren’t a band that does a ton of stuff that is on the nose so we figured if there was a time to do it, this was it. I’ve always wanted to fly and have dreamt about flying my entire life. I am fairly certain I was a bird in past life.
At what point of a concert do you play the song?
On our last tour we did it toward the end of the set. It’s all about getting the energy right and vibing with the crowd.
What songs would you put around „Double down“ on a mixtape?
I like the idea of having “Travel Bug” be the song following “Double Down”. On the front side of it, it would be cool to have “Sunflower Blues” by John Fahey.
At what moment should I play the song?
When you wake up in the morning it’s a good way to get the day started right.
What song touched you most this year?
“2009” by Mac Miller.
Which 2018 album would you like to find under the Christmas tree?
‘This Time’ by Donna Missal.
Which video clip did you really like?
I have been loving the Tiny Desk sessions recently— in particular the Mac Miller session and the Tyler Creator session. I dig seeing hip hop stripped down like that.
What was your unforgettable music moment this year?
Our sold out show at Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn was amazing. It was incredibly exciting to sell out a room with a 700 ticket-sale capacity.
Who should release an album in 2019?
Mannequin Pussy, And The Kids.
Anything else to say for the end of the year?
We hope everyone can continue to put themselves in other peoples’ shoes and practice peace, kindness, and non-violence.
Wenn das nicht ein schönes Ende des Beitrags ist…Ihr wollt mehr erfahren? Dann guckt euch hier die Video-Review zu „The pact“ an. Hier seht ihr Slothrust im Januar auf Tour:
30.01.19 – Köln – Blue Shell
31.01.19 – Hamburg – Molotow Skybar
01.02.19 – Berlin – Privatclub