In Conversation With #093 - Asylums
Alt-rockers Asylums dive head first into observing the modern world with their latest album ‘Genetic Cabaret’. Vocalist Luke Branch took a moment to talk to us about parenthood, working with Steve Albini in Chicago and how the album came together.
So the album is out there, how does it feel?
It always feels great to get new work out into the world, it's some sort of closure on a creative cycle and feeds the beginning of another
It is called ‘Genetic Cabaret’ - does that hold a certain meaning?
It's open to interpretation, it fits the body of work nicely.
The album is being released through your own label ‘Cool Thing Records’ - what stressful situations have you encountered handling it all yourself? Especially in the middle of a global pandemic.
I won't lie, it has been challenging but everything we have experienced is insignificant when measured against the real difficulties others have faced in various industries. We are adaptable and we have adapted.
Where was the album recorded? Any behind the scenes stories from the studio session that you are happy to share with us?
We recorded in Chicago with Steve Albini, it was the best musical experience I've ever had for so many reasons. Mike recorded one song 75% asleep with jetlag.....but it sounded cool so we kept it.
How does the album differ from your debut ‘Killer Brain Waves’?
It has some of the DNA of both of our previous records, I'd say the intensity is still there but its a more diverse record thematically and musically.
One of you had a baby while writing this album, did it change the way you wrote songs or did you draw on any inspiration from the situation of fatherhood?
Its strange, I found myself gradually identifying with the parents in films and stuff......your perspective subtle shifts in the lead up. I'm pretty locked in to a methodology as a writer but lyrically it did send me into some new areas.
The album seems to take a real hard look at the world, so what at the key themes in this release?
Parenthood, biology, political history, contemporary politics, consumption, mental health, cities, money, architecture to name a few.
Do you have a favorite lyric on the album? If so, which one and why?
It changes from day to day, I think of the words as one long poem.
Now it’s out there - what next?
More videos, interviews, writing, arranging, musical experimentation, online gigs, and the next creative cycle.