I recently had the chance to interview the singer of one of my all time favorite bands, Brandon Curtis of The Secret Machines. I discussed his new single, “Like I Can” as well as the state of things at TSM headquarters and the status of the group’s facial hair.
With the release of your last album “Secret Machines”, you said that the process was invigorating because it was like recording a debut album all over again because you worked with new guitarist Phil Karnats. How do you think your relationship as a band has changed now that the 2008 “Secret Machines” album has been out and you are now recording another album?
After having played together for a while i think we have reached a new comfort level. This new level of familiarity with one another has allowed a little more breathing room in the recording process. Which, I suppose, is why this record is taking so long for us to record. I believe we have sighted new ground and we are in the process of discovery.
Is this experience comparable to recording your sophomore album “Ten Silver Drops”?
Not really, TSD was recorded in a big studio, mixed by a famous mixer, released by a major label. This time we have recorded ourselves in our own homes, engineered and produced by us. Quite a bit different experience, actually.
Having worked with Benjamin [Curtis, Brandon's brother and former guitar player for The Secret Machines and now Phil [The new full time guitarist for The Secret Machines] in the band as guitarists, how are they different as guitar players?
well, they are both amazing guitarists and are two of my closest friends. but they are as different as night and day. couldn’t really be more specific.
The sonic experimentation on “Secret Machines” [TSM's 3rd album released in 2008] particularly on “The Walls are Starting to Crack” was mind blowing, can we expect more of these psychedelic centerpieces on the new album?
Of course. I think what I have envisioned for the next record is the same sort of sonic textures but instead of the free floating nature of “the walls” I want to infuse that ambience into a more recognizable structure.
Are there any overarching themes that you want to explore on the new album?
Doubt, anxiety, separation, loneliness, fear. the normal stuff.
Cover to The Secret Machines' Latest Single "Like I Can"
There are some great string flourishes on your new single “Like I Can”, will there be string arrangements on other songs on the new album?
The strings for “Like I Can” were arranged by the great Tony Visconti. It as a pleasure to work with him on that. a real legend and a true gentleman.
As for the next record, there are no strings planned as of yet.
Any word on the title of the new album?
The working title is “The Secret Machines, the Lizard and the Moth”
Your album art for the single “Like I Can” is vibrant and fractured, is there any special symbolic meaning behind it?
The art was done by George Salisbury, and of course. it is a visual representation of the sonic vibrations of the song “Like I Can”
Any news on a tour in 2010?
None yet.
Do you anticipate that you’ll be working with Blasco, most known for being Interpol’s touring keyboardist, when you tour your upcoming album?
No, he is a new father and I think is working on his own projects at the moment. we wish him the best.
Any favorite love songs (or maybe anti-love?) worth mentioning now that we’re approaching Valentine’s day?
I think my Valentine’s song would be “Celebrity Lifestyle” by the Swans. going out to - you know who you are…
Now that Brandon and Phil are sporting some fine facial hair, are there any plans to peer pressure Josh into sporting some fuzz as well?
No, we are all cleaned up for now. All proper and presentable.
