Monday, August 24, 2015

5 QUESTIONS FOR DEVEREAUX

This song / video are super fun. Check it out while you read this interview. 
Thanks again to H. Sims for the inside scoop of fun / funky. ::: HERE.

1. How does Devereaux feel about the hot, hot single: "Bikini"? 

I feel pretty good about it!  It's really wild that a song I crafted based on a week at Folly Beach in 2001 is having a little moment in 2015.  It's a little curious, too, that this particular track is a point of interest for listeners. Like, obviously I like the track. I put it on the record; however, I also made it track number two.  

I don't know how the kids consider their track orders on albums these days, but where I come from, if you're putting a cut on spot number two, that's just a little breather before you start dropping the bombs.  Blur's "Song 2," is an exception, I suppose.  Ah, shit.  Wait.  "The Way You Make Me Feel" is number two on "Bad," also, and that track is fire.  I have no idea what I'm talking about.  I guess "Bikini" is just the shit.  One must go 2, but only in theory.


2. What exactly (and metaphorically) is 'Pineapple Flex' and how can the world experience this special thing? 

"Pineapple Flex" notes the progression forward from my first EP, titled "Cacti Pace." With the title "Cacti Pace," I was referencing my naive and mistake ridden process that was me penning entire pieces of pop-oriented music primarily by myself for the first time.

"Cacti Pace" is about how slow and dumb my process was, as if I were wandering about a patch of cacti in the arid desert, very concerned and carefully trying to wend my way through the needles whilst avoiding the getting stabbed.  

With all that in mind, "Pineapple Flex" is the idea that I've progressed and arrived at a slightly more refined execution.  It's still spiny, but it's sweeter.  It's more appetizing and it's more confident. It's stronger and it's sexier.  I'd hope you would want to touch it. 

To experience "Pineapple Flex," one simply must press play on your mobile device or home hi-fi.  Perhaps accompany your listen with some fresh sliced pineapple and a crisp bottle of Apollinaris. Couple the duo with a nice, light, relaxed googling session, and you're well on your way.


3. Why is the bass riff for "Bikini" so funky?  

Cool answer: "cause it post to be."

Real answer:  One day, in or around September of 2013, Madonna's "Lucky Star" slipped onto my car radio frequency as I was cruising. I had heard this song countless times over the years, but in this particular instance I was utterly transfixed by its drums and bass.  I was kind of looking around for a audio trajectory to follow for the bass and percussive elements on my next record, and I knew that this track was the blueprint I wanted to consider when thirsty for inspiration. 

I also realized I knew next to nothing about Madonna's catalog besides the myriad radio singles peppered about the 80s and 90s. So, I dove into her real hard.  I downloaded the first album and spun the record tirelessly. I wore it out ragged like Donald Trump's hair. All day. Turns out I would be and still am in love with this album.

Fast forward to about November 2013 when it's time to download Madonna's second album, "Like A Virgin."  I looked into who produced this album and the first person listed is Nile Rodgers.  God, damn it.  That makes sense.  No wonder I always had such a penchant for "Material Girl."  Is that dude just responsible for everything awesome?

In conclusion, though, the bass is so damn funky because it was inspired by "Jellybean," Nile, Madonna, and New York City in the 1980s.


4. Has 2015 been a relatively fun, challenging, or mysteriously wonderful kind of year? 

All three, my man. On top of pushing "Pineapple Flex," I maneuvered into a new job and became a dad and my world is just straight up weird. Write that shit down: W-E-I-R-D.  I'm also super stoked about October 21, 2015.  It's my 34th birthday.  That's also the day Marty McFly goes into the future.   I've been waiting for this since I was 9 years old.


5. Who came up with the concept for the "Bikini" music video?

That'd be that @rotarychicken.  That boy is way up.

This advertisement from 1993  might make the whole thing seem a little bit clearer, though: