ELECTRIC KIF

How did you start?

The band started as a trio at FIU – Florida International University – with Eric (guitar), Digo (bass), and Ale Fernandez on drums who would move to Costa Rica a few years later. Eric and Digo had some ideas for some experimental rock tunes, and thats what eventually became the “sessions” album. Since then the band evolved and became a quartet with Jason on Keys and myself (Armando) on drums. As this formation the band has an EP and a brand new full length album called “Heist” released. Pretty different from the original “sessions” stuff, but still has some of the sound and spirit that inspired that first record.

Where are you based?

Miami, Fl, my hometown! Although I was born and raised here, Jason is originally from Philly, Eric from France, and Digo from Mexico.

Please give an example of your music writing process?

We usually will meet up at one of our houses or a studio, and start a groove based on a simple idea from any of the guys. We’ll ride it out until it feels right, then focus on creating a melody. From there the sections that surround the original idea usually create themselves organically. Also tunes will usually take shape once we start performing them at shows. Section lengths will change, groove feels will change, its all open to be made better on a nightly basis. Lastly, tunes take a little more shape once we start recording them. The instrument sounds, pedals, effects, etc. are pretty important to what we do.

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What are you working on right now?

At the moment we’re gearing up for a tour up the east coast hitting a bunch of cities. You can follow us on electrickif.com, or Facebook, instagram, twitter!

We’re also beginning the process of creating our next album, which we could not be more excited about.

What is your gear setup?

I currently use a Pearl Custom Classic Kit, with Meinl Byzance series cymbals.

Digo is using a custom SVL bass guitar and a Mark Bass Amp/Head.

Eric uses a Suhr Guitar and a Fender Amp.

Jason is rocking the DSI Prophet keyboard, Fender Rhodes, Moog Little Phatty, and the Hammond SK2.

What do you like to do outside of music and does it affect your music?

Each of us are pretty different in that regard. But we definitely spend a lot of time at our friends shows in Miami. The scene here has a lot of killing bands, and we love hanging, supporting, grabbing a beer and talking with the crew.

How would you describe your music genre?

Post-Nuclear Music.

Do you know any music theory?

All four of us studied music in college/university. Myself and Jason graduated from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. Digo graduated from Miami-Dade School of Music, and Eric graduated from music school in France.

What are your plans for the future?

We plan to continue making music together in an organic way, but to continue growing/evolving as a group while we create. We want to cultivate the musical chemistry that we have together with original music . We want to play anywhere and everywhere, because at the end of the day that’s what we do best. The live performance is strength of this band for sure.

How did you get into music?

We each were inspired by a many different sources at first but; parents, school, older brothers, uncles, Jimi, Yes, Jaco, Rage Against the Machine, Led Zeppelin, just to name a few reasons.

What are you listening to at the moment?

Radiohead, Solange, Atoms for Peace, Animals as Leaders, Lemon City Trio, Tame Impala, Weather Report, Rage Against the Machine, Charlie Hunter, Laura Mvula, Punch Brothers….. There’s a lot of dope music out there.

Who are your top 5 influences and icons?

Tough to name a top 5, but: Jimi Hendrix, Radiohead, Yes, Jaco Pastorius, Rage Against the Machine.

When are you playing next?

We go on tour from June 13- July 2 up the east coast of the U.S.A! We’ll hit NYC, Philly, Nashville and many more…… You can find all the details on ElectricKif.com or on our Facebook page – Facebook.com/electrickif