In Conversation With #227 - Native Sun
New York City alt-rockers Native Sun have just released their new EP ‘Off With Our Heads’ via indie label Grand Jury - home to the likes of Hippo Campus, Hovvdy and Jordana.
Harkening back to a time when rock n' roll meant something, the group have not only reinvigorated, but conquered the New York music scene. Their livewire local gigs are simultaneously welcoming and rowdy and made them a can’t-miss fixture of city nightlife - with several tour supports ticked off alongside the likes of White Reaper and Geese, as well as dates with acts including Sunflower Bean, Bodega, Gustaf, and Wavves.
They took a moment to talk to us about the EP came together.
Hey there Native Sun- how are you? So your EP is out now - how does it feel to have it out there in the world?
Fall in NYC hard to complain! In regards to the music ... cathartic release - blood, sweat, and tears. After living with these songs and having them be a part of our DNA for the past few months, getting to share a collection of songs we are truly proud of for the first time has been a satisfying emotional process. While at the same time starting to peek through the next door of where we can take all the glimpses opened up musically or subject matter-wise by these songs.
It is called ‘Off With Our Heads’ - what is the meaning behind that?
A self-critical manifesto examining the instinctive reflections, situations, and experiences modeled by the confused & self-sabotaging nature of our current world and how it is thrusted upon the individual whether it be voluntarily (or usually involuntarily).
Where was it recorded? Any behind the scenes stories from the creative process you are happy to share with us?
The songs were recorded at Studio G in Brooklyn straight to tape in a live environment with the mission to sonically document an experience, time, and place. Produced by NYC punk legend Walter Schreifels (Quicksand, Gorilla Biscuits, Rival Schools) & engineered by Jeremy Snyder (worked w/ IDLES, Fontaines DC, Ba,bara), they played a pivotal role in constantly pushing us as songwriters to get these songs to stand as tunes that could be from the past, present, or future. There’s always those special consequential moments that end up giving sensibility and true sincerity to the recording process, for example Walter would instill confidence to trust our vision/performances which in the end presented the honesty in the music. One of my favorite recording moments was the ending of “Sister” in which the take that makes the EP, Nico our drummer thought he had messed up...after listening back that mess up gave the track attitude a la Charlie Watts and still gets us giddy every time that part plays.
What are the key themes and influences on the EP?
Integral themes that come out in the record are self-reflection, death and the change it brings, social unrest, loss of affection, anxiety as hypochondria, and twisted love letters to New York City, it’s history, and artists such as David Wojnarowicz, Jim Carroll, William S Burroughs (to name a few) that inspired some of the writings. Socially clever and sly backdrops to timeless rock n’ roll that combines the full sound of bands like The Rolling Stones, The Who with the streetsmart attitude of bands like The Ramones, Velvet Underground, and The Stooges.
If the EP could be the soundtrack to any film - which one would it be and why?
“After Hours” by Scorcese which adapts The Wizard of Oz and thrusts it into the seedy late night moments of New York City and the unforeseen characters/adventures that come with it. Besides subject matter and a relatableness to the environment it explores, the film’s visual aesthetic captures the colors and tones that we as a band are naturally attracted to (i.e. the low light night time shots in our most recent video for “When She”).
Do you have a favorite lyric on the EP - if so, which one and why?
“Politicians, stupid senators never said anything to me about my life. Black and white, all the night working for an ending that’s too much fun?”
Honest, direct, and relatable what more do you need?
Now the EP is out there - what next?
Our state of mind has been one of continuity and a mentality of consistently pushing ourselves. This fall and winter we’ll be heavily playing the EP around NYC and some other cities in the States, looking to honker down after that and finalize what will be the next material. Also, keep ‘em peeled as we’re starting to lockdown plans to make it over to the UK for the first time in early 2023.
