With their latest EP ‘Remedy’ released the trio band Son Lux joins us for an interview.
Founded in 2007 by front man Ryan Lott, the band expanded into a trio in 2014 with Ian Chang and Rafiq Bhatia joining. With their latest EP ‘Remedy’ out now, the trio joined us for an interview discussing the sound of the latest EP and what it represents.
Hi, how are you guys?
Hanging in there
So, what was the source of inspiration for your latest EP ‘Remedy’?
We made ‘Remedy’ in the week following the election. For us, it was the only way to cope; it was our way of trying to make sense of the new reality around us, of reaffirming our values, and of redoubling our efforts.
What made you decide to donate all the money made from the EP to Southern Poverty Law Center?
The SPLC is an organization dedicated to serving the most vulnerable members of American society. They do everything from monitoring hate groups to providing teaching materials to decrease bias and promote tolerance. They also litigate anti-discrimination cases — the founders were civil rights lawyers working in Alabama in the early 70s. You can learn more at splcenter.org.
In the immediate aftermath of the election, we saw the SPLC immediately step up to catalog and spread awareness about the uptick in hate crimes, intimidation, and abuse. We’ve also seen how they work on the person-to-person level by hearing about how they’ve engaged with friends of ours who have been targeted and threatened. And it’s important to us that they’ve been working effectively at this for decades now. In general, like with anything else, I think those of us who are relatively new to this kind of engagement have a lot to learn from people who have been in the trenches for a much longer time.
In the third track of the EP ‘Stolen’ Arrington de Dionyso played a custom instrument bromeophone, what was the experience like working with a new instrument and how do you feel it fitted your style of music?
Our music is often built around a sound that fascinates us. Sounds that feel personal, unprecedented and ephemeral are particularly interesting, so it makes a lot of sense to work with sonically adventurous musicians. Arrington has a unique approach to making music, and often sounds ancient and new at the same time (he also throat sings and plays a variety of wind instruments).
We love the EP and the artwork for it. Did you set out to make an EP with certain messages or did it come out from just jamming around?
We hadn’t planned on any specific message or format, so it came into focus of its own accord. More than anything, it reflect where we were at emotionally at the time.
Would you say the EP is a statement of rebellion against the current political power or a commentary?
Yes, it is both a rebellion and a self reflection
Last but not least, If your EP could change one thing in society what would it change and why?
Complacence.
To find out more about Son Lux click here to follow them on Facebook.
