Toronto act nTTx has released it's first single "Falls Beautiful" from their debut EP. The project consisting of Gord Clement (former singer/songwriter in Atomzero), has taken his music to a melodic, vocally driven form of EBM with some synthpop and disco influences thrown in. Mainman Gord Clement discusses the single, new music direction, and future.
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
Gord: nTTx is just me in the studio, I actually started back in the late 80’s with just one synth, a drum machine and a mic but I didn't do much with it since I was more involved in the pop-punk scene at the time, and just did it as a side hobby shared with friends. (Where I lived, electronic music was not popular at all) This current formation was intended to be a side project of mine off of Atomzero, but Peter and I disbanded over unresolvable problems. So nTTx became my focus.
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
Gord: In the 80’s I called myself NTT, so the ‘x’ is just a growth that started and I never got to see a Doctor about. Eventually it became an unextractable part of me that writes lyrics. It is just a way of spelling Entity.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
Gord: I call Toronto my home base. The scene here is kind of struggling, EDM has taken over EBM in many places we used to call our dark corners. The bands here all seem to get along well, with little to no animosity towards each other and we have a few good clubs still giving us stage time. DJ run nights still draw more than live bands at times, even big acts, so I’m not sure what is happening here.. but the people that do show up are fully involved and awesome! We have great promoters here such as 132 Productions that have given up and coming bands a stage to play on. Local bands that are awesome are Glenn Love and Peter Turns Pirate who are both playing Aftermath Festival in Toronto this year. For traditional gothy goodness, Double Eyelid. I recently did a remix for them which should be out soon. Scrape is also another local industrial act that puts on a great live show.
4. How would you describe your style? Which bands influenced your music?
Gord: I’m not one of those artists that get offended by people saying I sound like this or that band or worry about staying steadfast to one specific genre. So many different bands and stylistic choices go into my music from the obvious EBM to disco to gabber to punk… I want every song to stand for itself and have a variety of sounds and moods. Bands that influences me? I hate to sound cliche but number one has to be Kraftwerk, when I first heard Trans Europe Express back in 1978, I was hooked. Then came DAF, blending my punk heart with my electronic brain. Then came Nitzer Ebb and Front 242 further pushing the boundaries of aggro electronic beats to my consciousness. Finally I had Depeche Mode show me texture, romance and passions could also be expressed by samples and synths.
5. What's the story behind your single for "'Falls Beautiful"? Why was it picked out to be a single and will there be a video accompanying it?
Gord: I am really fucking clumsy at times so I... no, seriously I wrote the chorus first, and the rest just fell into place. I guess it is something about loss and deception, but my lyrics are usually written from an unconscious stream and somehow come together in the end. Almost like a in trance state where they just appear in my head. I’m kinda lucky that way. Falls Beautiful stood out early because it was a great example of what I want nTTx to be...a simple arrangement, driving rolling drums and bass, with heartfelt singing. A lyric video will be up on YouTube in the next couple of weeks and I am working out details on a full “proper” video to be shot soon.
6. How would you describe your new EP as a whole and when can we expect to see it's release?
Gord: The EP will be 4 original songs, plus some remixes by bands I like, and it will be out around September to go along with the live shows… oooh lights and lasers and fog machines!
7. What should labels/zines/promoters know about your band? Why should they be interested in it?
Gord: Music is my full time job. I love to perform live and hope to bring my show to the masses. I take pride in putting on a great show with fully programmed, synchronized lighting. I’ve spent a lot of time programming and designing my own unique lighting show. My goal is to have people leave saying ‘that was fucking awesome’.8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
Gord: When the EP is released I will be performing live. Joining me on stage will be Lance from The Grey Disorder (on synths) and Mike on drums (previous live drummer for Atomzero) Playing live is my passion and I bring a full show. Lasers, programmed lights and the whole shebang! I believe just because it is a club sized show, it doesn't mean it can't feel like a stadium show! Further after that, I will be releasing EP after EP unless management or whatever decide on a “normal” album.. but I’m managed by my cat Sir BooBoo Shadow and sometimes he just sits in a shoe box and glares at me.
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Gord: nttx.bandcamp.com (Free Dowload) - iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Deezer, Rdio, Beats Music, Tidal and most streaming services.
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
Gord: Don't pick it, it might get infected.
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