Once described on Earmilk as an "eccentric fairy-tale-er", Wise Blood is a band from Pittsburgh with the ability to make incomparable pop music. Saying "pop" doesn't justify the band's diversity because every track creeps on something different and throws the band to another genre. However, there is a pattern of hip hop samples, gospel cries, noisy synths and concentrated vocals that occasionally turns into rap.
I've been a Wise Blood "groupie" ever since an accidental stumble upon "Loud Mouths" in the beginning of the year. Now after 8 months, I finally saw Wise Blood perform at The Morgan on September 3rd. Thanks to Joshua (Manager of Wise Blood), I was able to ask Christopher Laufman (Wise Blood) some questions about his fanatical band.
Before anything started, Christopher apologized for his exhaustion. This man was physically drained from flying back to NY and playing an afternoon set underneath the blazing sun. Take a look at his hectic tour dates. Even with all that, I had a great time speaking to him and here is the written interview for our special Earmilk fans.
How would you describe your music?
I would describe it as.. I don't know, just very very good music. Future music is what I say sometimes. I want to just organically combine, sort of… I really don't know how to describe it.
No genres?
I don't know, I am going for something but I don't really want to call it a genre. I'm unsure about that.
How did all of this start then?
I basically made some of the music that I like. I put it on the Internet and it got picked up by a bunch of different places then signed to this label and got a manager, this and that. From there, it's been fun and things are going well.
Can I ask, how many are in your band?
It's just me and two other guys.
Do they go with you when you tour and all that?
Ya! We just met almost a year ago, the label actually hooked us up since I needed people to do live shows with me. I didn't just want to be at a computer pressing buttons and singing. It wouldn't be as good so we got more people.
You're with Dovecote now, how did they find you or did you find them?
They found me through different, well, Josh heard about me and picked it up. During CMJ, we met up with Dovecote and from there, we have been working together. They made a good offer and I accepted.
Are you going to be at CMJ this year?
Yes!
A discussion about California went off and Chris mentioned they were there for the tour.
How do you like touring?
It's kind of rough, I'm not a big fan of touring but there could be some fun things that happen.
Fun stories?
When we were in North Dakota, just driving to Vancouver, we stopped and there were a bunch of bisons. No one was around and this one bison almost killed me. I had scars all down my arms and all that.
What happened to the bison afterwards?
Luckily, it stopped. I was on the ground all huddled, it was about to maul me.
Wow! That didn't sound fun at all. So you have two EPs out now, the recent one is called These Wings. How are they different from each other?
This new one is just a mess. I don't know.. yeah, it's a mess. This is sort of like a LP because there's only one or two songs that I'll always like from the rest. As a whole, it's not what I usually do. My album is going to be really focused, like a concept album.
Do you have a release date for your album?
No, not yet. Early next year, like January or February. Before SWSW.
Which ones are your favorite from this EP?
I think "Fantasize" and "I'm Losing my Mind" are my favorites.
What are your inspirations since your music is so different from everything else?
My inspirations.. Are like wanting to do higher art. I know I'm not doing that now but I want to. I can't really think right now but Fellini movies are very big inspirations. These videos on YouTube on executions in the Middle East are inspirational.
What are you currently listening to?
Zomby! Dedication by Zomby is what I've been listening to a lot.
How about growing up, who did you want to be as an artist?
I guess I like Joy Division a lot. Sort of like that, grow to be 27 and kill myself, leave behind a legacy. Joy Division is a inspiration.
What about rappers? Your music has a hip hop feel.
ASAP Rocky, right now I really like.
I read somewhere you going to get rid of vocals for the next album, why is that?
I don't know if I'll do that but probably. It'll be interesting, kind of like Zomby.
Last words to Earmilk?
… You should listen to my music and get ready for my new album!
As mentioned, Wise Blood will have a full album in the beginning of 2012. Stick around because it will seduce all of your music senses. For now, get his newest EP These Wings or stream it.
"Loud Mouths" is still a favorite of mine.
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