BIINDS is a collaborative audio/visual project created by Nicolo Sommer (vocals, keyboards, guitar and bass) and Christy Taylor (vocalist, gadgets and field recordings) with a large number of guest collaborators throughout the band s’ lifetime. They are based all over in Germany, the UK, the USA and Peru bringing an international viewpoint on music and music making. This transformative band changes throughout time but in a way that feels original and explorative.
Their music sweeps through your ears like a breathe of mother nature combining a epic-ness with a strong and sometimes sub-conscious undertone.
They have been kind enough to give us an interview.
Facts
We almost collaborated with Kevin Moore (ex-Dream Theater).
BIINDS can never be spelled ‘Biinds’.
There is a song in Spanish on our newest release.
Questions
What is the biggest inspiration for your music?
Christy: Scientific advances, and exploring nature.
Nicolo: Everyday life. Travel, nature, hot dogs.
How and when did you get into making music?
Christy: In January 2012 I decided to try writing a song, so I did. I enjoyed the process so I kept doing it.
Nicolo: It probably started at 15 when I heard alternative rock for the first time. I wanted to play guitar and sing punk rock.
What are your 5 favourite albums of all time?
An extremely tough one, but here you go.
Christy: 5. The Mars Volta Ð Deloused in the Comatorium 4. Chad Vangaalen Ð Soft Airplane 3. Tom Waits Ð Rain Dogs 2. PJ Harvey Ð White Chalk 1. Tomahawk Ð Anonymous
Nicolo: 5.A Winged Victory For the Sullen- self-titled 4.Bjšrk-Vespertine
3.Filter- Title Of Record 2.Mit Gas – Tomahawk 1.The Fragile – NIN
What do you associate with Berlin?
Christy: German people and beer.
Nicolo: Kebabs, Hipsters and Butch girls
What’s your favourite place in your town?
Nicolo: (Berlin)Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain for nights out, Wilmersdorf for peace and quiet
Christy: (Kentucky, U.S.) Beaver Creek. That’s where I do most of my fishing.
If there was no music in the world, what would you do instead?
Christy: Visual art. I like doing taxidermy, and I like sculpting.
Nicolo: Write a book or paint.
What was the last record you bought?
Christy: “Oddfellows”- Tomahawk
Nicolo: “Syro”- Aphex Twin. Really curious what he has come up with after 13 years.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Christy & Nico: Mike Patton.
What was your best gig (as performer or spectator)?
Spectator: Faith No More. Not a massively produced light show or a lot of people in the audience, but an amazing performance. Those guys know how to entertain. / Performer : Probably our latest gig at Madame Claude.
How important is technology to your creative process?
Christy: My creative process wouldn’t happen without technology. That’s pretty important.
Nicolo: I’ve been thinking about that a lot and I’m trying to remove myself from depending on too much technology, but it’s almost impossible with this project since a lot of our music is made or recorded with a computer. For the next album, I’d like to move away from that a bit.
Do you have siblings and how do they feel about your career?
Nicolo: My brother has always been very supportive of my music.
Our Favourites:
BIINDS – The Pleasure of Finding Things Out
BIINDS – Cæsura
vimeo.com/44024009
BIINDS – Siân
vimeo.com/69907523
Links: Soundcloud | biinds.com| facebook | Interview with BIINDS by Digital in Berlin
