Alternative indie rockers DEEP TALK go into such talk about themselves, local bands, music craftmanship, plus more below.
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
Christina: My partner and I were passing through Portland where Jordan, my partner's friend from college, offered to show his favorite spots in the city. Food and more importantly music were big themes and afterwards, I sent him a folder with some song ideas. Around then I moved to New Zealand for a job opportunity and was living alone for the first time. I loved it and spent a lot of time writing music with Jordan. We’d build songs together using a shared Soundtrap project. Nowadays we use Splice, which allows shared Logic files. Jordan had a great ear for missing pieces in what I sent and often inspired total rearrangements. I’ve moved back but we still do long distance songwriting since I now live in San Francisco. It’s always an intense wave of activity when he visits because there’s so much to do - rehearse, record or play a gig(s), write, take pictures, all that. It’s fun though - I hope we get to tour next year. Jordan: It’s been really fun and different. The online collaboration setup has really loosened up what’s possible with our arrangements, and we complement each other really well. It lets us experiment a lot more, and the results have been really positive. It’s fantastic being able to get together in person sometimes too of course!
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
Christina: Like most new bands, we had a shared doc with a list of potential names. I always like two word band names but didn’t want to go the “The” route. “Deep” popped up first, and soon we came up with “Deep Talk.” The name “Deep Talk” seemed perfect since most of my songwriting happened early in the morning or late at night, when most deep talks happen. Jordan: Yeah, we bounced ideas back and forth for a while. When Christina shared this one, it really felt right, and I kept coming back to it.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
Christina: I’m in San Francisco and Jordan is in Portland, so we get twice the music scene. From the Bay Area, I’d recommend Flora Flora, Grooblen, Kerros, Loserlees, Fauxes and Columba Livia.
Jordan: The Woolen Men, The Mercury Tree, Fells Acres, Three For Silver, Human Ottoman, Alien Boy, Mascaras… Tons more. I haven’t been to a lot of local shows since covid, but hope to get in the groove again soon.
4. How would you describe your style?
Christina: Alt pop indie rock. Stringy synths and violent guitars. Style-wise for these next few releases, I envision they're from the perspective of a Prohibition jazz singer prima donna’s romantic rejection and spiral of longing - and rock. That wasn’t my intent when writing them but during the rehearsing and recording process it seemed apt. Jordan: Throw everything at the wall and see what sticks. The ad hoc nature of this project makes it really wide open for experimentation in different styles and sounds. If we think it sounds good, we keep it.
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
Jordan: We’ve released five singles (and a B-side) so far, all we’ve recorded long-distance from our homes over the past couple years.
Christina: We’ve released a handful of singles that were a dreamy, creepy alt pop. Expect an emphasis on bass - snaking bass lines and a low voice. And melancholy or tragic lyrics most of the time. But it’s all lifted up by a fun drum and synths or rhythm guitars driving the songs forward.
6. Do you have any new music in the works?
Jordan: Yes! We recorded four songs as a full live band in SF last December, which we’ll be releasing throughout the year. It’s conceptualized as an EP. We went in a much rawer, guitar-rock direction on these songs, and I think people who are used to our other songs are going to be surprised.
Christina: I’m really excited for the songs we have coming this year - we’re releasing a few singles with the Animal Farm [link] a London-based label. It goes more towards fuzzed out guitars and loud drums. I love Courtney Barnett, Camp Cope, Wet Leg - and you hear that in these next few songs.
7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
Jordan: We’ve got three shows planned at the end of May in SF!
Christina: We have to make the most of us being in the same city! We have 3 shows in 1 weekend. A nice 40 minute set at Milk Bar in San Francisco, an acoustic 20 minute set at a street fair on Valencia in Mission, and then a 30 minute set Saturday at Eli’s Mile High Club in Oakland hosted by Psyched Radio! We’re playing with great people like Mitch Rocket, Country Risqué, Rosie Plaza, Diesel Dudes, and Bongfather.
8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
Jordan: Our focus this year is releasing the aforementioned new songs, playing shows, and growing our fanbase. We’re excited to see where the muse takes us.
Christina: This year I really want to focus on engaging with the local music and art community. So more shows!
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Jordan: We’re on all the streamers (Spotify, Apple, Youtube, etc.), Bandcamp, and Soundcloud! No official merch for sale… yet.
Christina: No merch yet but soon!
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
Jordan: Enjoy the ride!
Christina: It’s best listened to when walking! P.S. Thank you for the interview!
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