On my quest of finding new maritime music I found this artist that has a pretty unique sound. Elephant Skeletons mixes his live instruments with electronic beats and makes and pretty good blend of dance music. We asked him a few question about his new album and his music in general.
Where does the name elephant skeletons come from?
The name elephant skeletons was originally going to be the name of one of the tracks on zazzerzaz vol.1 prior to settling on a name for the project. My friend Hoo and I were going to collab on the track and call it “elephant skeletons”. I really liked the name and decided to call the track “signs & symbols” and call the project “elephant skeletons”. As for the meaning behind the name I liked how it sounded big and old. I like elephants and I like skeletons… And the double ele’s. some people have told me to them the name means the skeleton of the elephant in room thus resolved issues and whatnot.
Tell us how you got started in the electronic music side?
I have been playing in bands for years and I still really love making music with my friends and band mates (wet grow light, Mazord ) however scheduling can often be a challenge when working with other humans. After a longing to create and perform more I spent a lot of time in my home studio in 2013 creating electronic music. My goal was to create at least 2 hours of original music then take the best hour of it and start gigging in 2014.
What motivates you to do this type music?
I love sound. I can’t walk by a potential sound making object without testing it out to see what it sounds like. Bowls, scrap metal, wood, strings, wind instruments and of course any electronic gadgets. Since I don’t have 8 arms creating electronic music is great way to hear more of the sounds I like at once.
Being in the maritimes whats the hardest thing you see for electronic music?
Right now…… The snow lol. But seriously the snow does make it difficult to travel to gigs. My last show in P.E.I Taco Supreme and I drove in a snow storm to get there. Taco fell asleep, visibility was terrible and I missed the turn off and the drive took way longer than it should have. Actually when I went on tour to Quebec / Ontario in November we left in a snow storm too. So yeah, snow is the hardest part about it other than that the Maritimes has been very supportive for what I’m doing. Great people on the east coast. Lot’s of love.
Talk to us about your new album Vol III?
I’m really happy with how Vol. III came together. I find it’s a more accurate snapshot of what I do live than the previous ele skele releases. Lots of sax, vocoder and robo jams.
What are your favorite track of this album?
Hmm hard to say, I don’t think I can pick a fav. I’m happy with the whole album really.
Since you can play instruments do you feel is easier or harder to produce electronic music and why?
I find it feels natural. I include a lot of different instruments I play in Ele Skele tunes. As I mentioned above it’s a great way to hear more if the sounds I like at once. So yeah, knowing how to play instruments makes it a lot easier to create the sounds I desire.
What can people expect from your live show?
Saxophone, Vocoder, beats, lights, sunglasses, and as much zazzerzaz as I can fit into a set.
Where can people find your music?
Www.elephantskeletons.bandcamp.com
Www.facebook.com/elephantskeletons
And
Friday feb20th at babas in Charlottetown with Whaleskin and Ugly James Franco
Saturday feb21st at plan b in Moncton with Infinity Goat
Saturday March 14th at license to chill in Halifax with the Metro-gnohm and wasko av
