#boyfrndz

TSH: How key is the aspect of improvisation when Boyfrndz form new music?

Scott: It’s always a variable. I've never had the patience to sit and just write a song straight through, nor the egotism to believe I’d be able to see whatever idea through better by myself. So we instead just start with an idea and throw shit against the wall, see what sticks.

TSH: In what ways was the writing process for ‘Impulse’ unique for the band?

Scott: We wrote the entire record in a month’s time, without any road testing. We'd always just wrote as we went, over time. Once we accumulated enough material, we'd just go lay it down. This time was a push. We'd also been writing with a second guitar player in mind for the last couple records, this time only with a full time keyboardist, which changed the landscape pretty dramatically. It was a welcomed change.

TSH: With the record being recorded at Uniform Studios with producer Jeff Zeigler, what sort of benefits were there with Jeff on board?

Scott: Jeff is great fun to experiment with. He really just enjoys his toys, so to speak. I can only imagine what it'd be like to have more time to dick around with the various synths and pedals. He also pushed me to use a number of different guitars to achieve different textures, which was great. For the most part he let us be ourselves, and let the music be itself.

TSH: What sort of new stylistic choices do you feel came into play with this record?

Scott: We felt it played more toward what we sound like live. A heavy melodic wash. Jeff did great to capture that. Again, the full time addition of Ben on keyboards stylistically changed our sound a great deal as well.

TSH: What do you feel was the key element whilst forming the song ‘Little Secret?

Scott: The opening riff. I'd written that part a while back, and knew I wanted it to be the focal point. I wanted to be able to create an atmosphere where the rhythm section could carry my vocals through the verses. The guys nailed it.

TSH: What sort of ideas do you draw on to pen a track like ‘Anything is Everything’?

Scott: That song started with Aaron's drum beat, the odd time instrumental sections. He really wanted to use it and the two chords I use, the dissonance and release of it just set in perfectly with his idea. When Ben came through with the Siel it just blew us back. It all came pretty naturally.

TSH: How did the uncomfortable nature of recording in a different city translate into interesting results?

Scott: Basically every night we slept in a different place in town. It was us trekking around from place to place or bar to bar in the evenings leaving Uniform. A lot of mornings in Reading Terminal. I think it worked its way pretty effectively into the sound of the record, and our overall performance. You can’t just feel comfortable at home. It’s always in the back of your mind.

TSH: How did the concept for the video for ‘Ghosted’ come about?

Scott: Honestly, we didn't have anything to do with the concept. The label basically sent us the rough treatment from the guys who wrote it, we ok'd it and off they went. We loved the idea of a less serious video. Our music comes off super serious, while were not particularly serious people. So it was a welcomed change for us to have someone interested in putting it into that context.

TSH: What do you feel you’ve learnt in particular from doing a lot of independent touring?

Scott: A lot about community. The web of friends and connections we've made over the years really will last a lifetime. You learn what it takes to actually do the thing. It isn't easy. It’s incredibly humbling. There are a lot of people that think they're big shit because they can bring their friends out to local shows. These people in new towns have no idea who you are. They may never care. There’s touring bands coming through every fucking night. Those early tours playing night after night to no one, or not many, really show you how dedicated you have to be. How un-special you are. Also how much harder you have to work as soon as you get home. It’s a beautiful thing. It’s really hard, but it’s a fucking blast if you have a good head on your shoulders.

TSH: How does playing with a sense of humour allow you to excel?

Scott: Playing music is fucking fun. At a certain point, you lay down the desire to be the biggest band, and you just play whatever the fuck you want. Those epiphanies are priceless. I don't know how much we've excelled, but we're still having fun, so we'll keep doing it.

TSH: What music has been on heavy rotation during your touring drives?

Scott: Robert Glasper's "Black Radio". Delicate Steve's "Wondervisions". J Dilla's "Donuts". Queens of the Stone Age's "Like Clockwork..". Kendrick Lamar's first two releases always. Hiatus Kaiyote's records as well. A lot of Steely Dan on one tour. Tons more over the years.

TSH: With regards to the band’s progression to date, what’s pleased you most?

Scott: Our ability to keep writing at all, really. It’s pure luck. We've just written and released so many albums in five years. I’m just happy to still be writing at all.

TSH: What sort of distractions do you wish to avoid?

Scott: Reading reviews, or YouTube comments.

TSH: Does listening to James Brown still relax you?

Scott: It’s more emotionally inspirational than anything. He was the master.

TSH: What are some of the best live shows you’ve attended in recent times?

Scott: Hiatus Kaiyote at the Parish. Queens of the Stone Age at the Majestic. Thundercat at Holy Mountain.

TSH: Who is the band’s ultimate guitar hero?

Scott: Probably Josh Homme. There’s too many.

TSH: Outside of music, what brings about most happiness for you?

Scott: Rock climbing and riding my motorcycle. They both help me clear my head like nothing else.

TSH: Finally, what opportunities do you relish and look forward to as you venture ahead?

Scott: Any opportunity to play in front of anyone, anywhere, and the ability to write a new record at all.

Boyfrndz - “Ghosted”