School Of Seven Bells
School Of Seven Bells' Benjamin Curtis talks about new album 'Disconnect From Desire.'
Disconnect From Desire is the sophomore release of New York threesome School Of Seven Bells. The follow-up to their debut, the critically acclaimed Alpinisms, Disconnect From Desire looks to capitalize on success and evolve the band to a new level. We recently had a chance to shoot Benjamin Curtis a few questions about the new album.
HEAVE: I read an interview with NME that said the band is ready to evolve on the new record. Evolve in what way?
Benjamin Curtis: In every way, hopefully. There is no choice for us but to evolve. It's not really any kind of rejection of what we've done before, but more like shedding the skin of a new band, and realizing that we can do anything we want to do.
HEAVE: The release of Disconnect From Desire is only a few weeks away. What emotions go through you from the day you are finished recording, up to release to finally the week or so after it’s been out?
Benjamin Curtis: Well, there is a certain finality when you get the mastered record in your hands. It's a relief, really, because what's done is done, and it's a hugely satisfying thing to finish a project as big as an entire album. We don't really worry about any sort of commercial expectations, so there's no worry about how many we'll sell on the first week. Having said that, it is really exciting. You really never know what people are going to think, or if it's going to hit the spot for people or not. So far, I'm really happy to hear all the amazing things people have to say about this record. It's nice to make a connection.
HEAVE: What's the symbol on the cover of the record?
Benjamin Curtis: It's made from the words Disconnect From Desire. We're really interested in iconography in general, as is Bryan Collins, who does all of our artwork. The idea was to make a symbol that is unique to the statement, which I guess could be called making a Sigil. That concept is a little complicated, so I'd recommend looking that word up, but don't be put off by the witchy/new age connotations. It really is an interesting idea. It's essentially sitting down with something you want to express, be it a thought or a wish, and reducing it and focusing it into a symbol that is your own, which you then set free into the world. I'm sure we've all found that focus and intention can be a powerful combination in our lives.
HEAVE: There are tons of layers going on in your music - how does your writing (both lyrically and musically) go from initial idea to final product?
Benjamin Curtis: What does it take to get there? It's a lot of back and forth. Everything influences everything else, and the process is really mysterious. It's a bit like throwing a lit match onto a pile of black cats. Everything just reacts. This time around there wasnt' too much of a rule as to how a song started, but most of it was written on a European tour during the spring of last year.
HEAVE: You are currently overseas and returning to the States in September. Is touring what you like to do, or just part of the job?
Benjamin Curtis: I've been doing it for so long, I can't imagine not touring. I feel really lucky that I've been able to see the world playing music, and I'm really lucky to be able to say it's part of the job. So, both, I guess.
HEAVE: Smaller club with a few hundred people or a giant festival in the middle of the day with thousands of people who may or may not be fully listening?
Benjamin Curtis: I love playing clubs. I always will. But, strangely enough, we've found our music really works well in big open spaces, so I'll have to choose the festival, as long as the sun is straight in front of us. I sunburn really easily.
HEAVE: The entire world is going to listen to one School Of Seven Bells song together. Which song is it and why?
Benjamin Curtis: There's a song called “I L U” on our new record, and the chorus is "I want you to know that I loved you". It's actually a pretty sad song, but since we've all got such a short time here on this planet, I think it's probably not a bad idea to say it all together at least once.
Posted by Wes Soltis on Jul 02, 2010 @ 7:07 am
