What is your name and role within the band?
Bret Bender: I play keys/guitar and sing.
How did you start?
We were both itching to start a band at about the same time. We would meet up in the practice rooms of our college in Arizona and show each other songs on piano and guitar. Within two weeks we were out playing open mic nights and having a blast.
Where are you based?
We still call Phoenix home but live in Los Angeles now.
Please give an example of your music writing process?
We sing and make weird noises all the time just in our daily life. Every once and awhile we’ll spit out something we like and shout to the other “write that down”, and then we’ll work to build on those ideas to make them into songs. After that we go back and forth showing each other different production ideas to see if we can get jazzed about the same stuff.
photo credit Freddie Paull
What are you working on right now?
Currently recording a new ep hopefully to be released in the fall.
What is your gear setup?
Two midi keyboards that hookup to laptops. We’ve got all sorts of fun software instruments that emulate old moogs, the juno 60 etc… Martin acoustic guitar most of the time that I plug into a fishman amp.
What do you like to do outside of music and does it affect your music?
We are big advocates for animals and have been vegan for over 2 years. Our political views can come out in our songs but for the most part they are woven in subtly and hopefully not too preachy.
How would you describe your music genre?
Gallery synth pop
.
Do you know any music theory?
Yeah took three years of piano and we both have some choir experience. But we’re both definitely “by ear” learners verses notation.
What are your plans for the future?
After we make our first $100K we’re going to start adopting children so they can be trained as assassins.
How did you get into music?
Loved making noise on the piano. There was something so fascinating to me about sitting on that bench and making stuff up. It still fascinates me.
photo credit Freddie Paull
What are you listening to at the moment?
Radiohead, Autumn, Sylvan Esso, Drake.
Who are your top 5 influences and icons?
Ben Folds influenced both of us during high school. Beatles, Bernie Sanders, the Zombies. Martin Luther King jr.
When are you playing next?
Lost Lake Festival in October is the only thing on the books atm cause we are in recording mode but more dates will book up soon.
Please feel free to include any extra info.
One in the hand wishes they were two in the bush.
https://www.facebook.com/TheBoganVia
https://www.instagram.com/boganvia/?hl=en