BODY LANGUAGE - The Soul-Lit Sounds of an Electrified Brooklyn
Interview by Craig Chapman & Robbie Bowes-Edwards with Body Language’s Matthew Young.
“My lifestyle and sense of aesthetics are brewed from the architecture, culture and fashion that I see every day, I would like to think it just sinks into my pores.”, says Matthew Young, one part influencer of the Brooklyn foursome Body Language.
Body Language claims a plethora of influences that have developed their synth-pop sound, an undoubtedly valid claim. Indie rock, jazz, soul, and the ever-changing Brooklyn cultural landscape are just a few external influences on their soul-lit sound. But Body Language also reveals that more subtle inspirations from fashion, personal hobbies, and just plain people watching have their say as well.
Am I remembering correctly that you all live together? If so what is that like having to be roommates and band mates? That's one big relationship to hold together.
3 of us did live together at one time – Grant, Angelica and myself (Matthew). It was a really productive time period because we were so enclosed together. We had a lot of time to bounce ideas off each other. Now Grant and I live together and have another home studio, things haven’t really changed that much though.
I have lived in Ft. Greene and Park Slope.... For me Brooklyn is a part of my soul, what is Brooklyn to you and more importantly what role does living in Brooklyn play in your music (and what part do you live in)?
We live in Clinton Hill, Angelica lives in Crown Heights and Ian lives in Bed- Stuy. I would say that Brooklyn influences me everyday and I didn’t realize how much until I went back to Oklahoma (my home state) a week ago. My lifestyle and sense of aesthetics are brewed from the architecture, culture and fashion that I see every day; I would like to think it just sinks into my pores.
You have lent your talents to a huge variety of artists. Who are some of those artists and personally who are your favorite artists out now? What are you obsessing over right now?
We always tend to obsess about past artists in general but we are all also into totally different music. I think we basically listen to the entire music spectrum collectively. I would say I am a bit obsessed with Purity Ring and The New Stay though.
Do you have a ‘dream’ collaboration? Who would it be with?
We just did a show with Janelle Monae and I would have to say I was star-struck, I think we all were. She is such an amazing performer and that extends to her entire band as well. They are really bringing classic soul back to the kids and they love it. If we could do a track with her and her band I think I would flip.
Your music definitely has a similar sound from song to song but also crosses through many genres. What were some of your early influences as a child / teenager?
Personally I grew up on New Wave (Depeche Mode), Alternative Rock (Filter), Grunge rock, 90s Dance and Trance music (C+C Music Factory, Future Sound of London, Orbital), then drum and bass (Aphex Twin, Squarepusher). I was lucky enough to have a really cool older brother that put me onto really interesting music – especially considering we grew up in Oklahoma. My musical journey didn’t stop there though, I got into romantic solo piano, then jazz, then soul, then disco etc. etc. – the list goes on and on. I feel like an artist should never stop listening to their collective musical history.
Are you all self-taught musicians?
Grant and I went to the Hartt School of Music in Hartford and studied jazz and music production. That’s were we met Angelica. Ian went to NYU for jazz performance.
When writing, do you find your inspiration through other musicians or through other experiences in life (if so which ones)?
Personally when I sit down to write a song, I don’t think about other artists at all. I actually find this to be quite damming in a way and the results always end up contrived. The best way for me to take influence from an artist is to absorb myself in them and hope that they rub off on me somehow. That being said, I tend to get inspiration from the drama that’s happening in my life at the moment and whatever compels me to write another song.
We (LX GOODS) have a series we call 'Practice Space' where we go with an artist to a place where they go to write, gather inspiration, and create new music. Where would you go for this?
An old gothic church, a park, an airport, a ferry… Sometimes I enjoy getting subject matter from watching people go about their lives – it’s interesting to make up narratives as people pass me by.
Do you incorporate fashion and music together? Or are you a more jeans & t-shirt type of group?
We tend to dress as colorful as possible to match the vibe of our music. I believe that unity and aesthetic collectiveness is integral. However, we don’t put too much thought into it at the moment – why does fashion have to cost so damn much?
Do you have any favorite places to visit on tour? Why?
Usually when we are doing really long legs of the journey we try to stop in the little towns we always stop in. They are almost like a time capsule, they never change and almost transport you back to the last time you visited them. One of these is Kearny, Nebraska and another is Hebron, North Dakota. The latter greets you with a ‘Welcome to Hebron’ sign placed in the middle of a graveyard. Creepy.
Besides making music, what are some of your favorite things to do?
Biking around Brooklyn is amazing. You can pass by so many people doing so many things. Cooking is fun too.
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