A place far, far away awaits us. In space, there is a planet called Former Terraformer. The latest single by Pain In The Yeahs, “Former Terraformer”, is a blend of Dark Pop and Sci-Fi imagery. Hope you’re ready for a thrill ride, we had the pleasure of interviewing Pain In The Yeahs, and here is what they had to say:
Q: Please give us a background on how Pain in the Yeahs got started?
Pain In The Yeahs: I grew up playing in hardcore bands, but I always wanted to make more new wave influenced music. I didn’t have any musician friends that were into that sort of thing at the time, so I decided to create a situation where I could do it all myself.
Q: What are currently some of the most important tools and instruments you’re using?
Pain In The Yeahs: Midi is a huge part of my initial arrangements, but those are sometimes replaced with guitar or bass guitar. I adore Korg Arps and anything that sounds like a digitized organ. Older Roland drum samples often have the feeling that I’m going for. I have a Fender Telecaster that has been my go-to for many years.
Q: Could you describe your creative process on the basis of a piece or album that’s particularly dear to you?
Pain In The Yeahs: With the Former Terraformer EP, it’s the first time I’ve used multiple tracks to relay a concept, that concept being feelings of isolation tied with Sci-Fi imagery and scenario. This has been particularly rewarding for me because I’m able to channel particularly vulnerable feelings through that of a character. To quote Oscar Wilde, “Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.
Q: When did you start writing/producing music – and what or who were your early passions and influences?
Pain In The Yeahs: Other than yelling in hardcore bands throughout the 2000’s, I made my first solo demos in around 2007/2008. They were very crude and influenced by the simplistic grit of The Cure’s Pornography album. I made them using free recording software and a barely running laptop. I also took a lot of influence from early 00’s electro clash and bands like The Faint, and I think my history with heavy music is why my songs have a bit more sonic aggression to them than the genre normally does.
Q: With more and more musicians creating than ever and more and more of these creations being released, what does this mean for you as an artist in terms of originality?
Pain In The Yeahs: I think the idea of what a musician does and even their ideal trajectory has changed dramatically. I often say, “You can’t have another Bowie, you just won’t.” Things move faster now, and the amount of content is staggering. I think sometimes being the loudest person in the room is mistaken for originality, and I’m perfectly content just making my songs for people that connect with them. I just want to enjoy the process and make things worth making.
Q: What are some of the areas where you currently see the greatest potential for originality and who are some of the artists and communities that you find inspiring in this regard?
Pain In The Yeahs: I think open minded collaborating is valuable. It can be hard at times and not everyone has the same mentality, but if you find like minded artists whom you can share methods and workflow with, you will not only learn a lot, but you’ll likely be inspired more often. Shout outs to the artists Kyd Barrett, VSSL, Fevr, Ohhaimichelle, Ilija Spasovski, Deficit, and Miniskirt. I’ve had many inspiring conversations with these people.
Interviewed by Shertara Brazil
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