Joining us at Musicserf today is Dani Llamas — princess of New York shoegaze underground and mastermind behind Laundry League and Friendfiction.
Tell us about your life in New York. Would you agree that where you live defines the music you make?
Well, I moved to New York from Miami for school, and I love living in New York now. I definitely think that living where I lived has influenced my music very much, but I'm not sure I can say it completely defines it. Each place offers different things to influence someone, and not everyone in the same place may not sound the same!
Was there a specific song that made you want to pursue music? When and where did you hear it?
There was a specific song - "De-Luxe" by Lush. I was maybe 13 when I heard it, I was at my house playing RockBand 2. It was unlike anything I had heard before!
Today many teenagers wish for a Lil B kind of fame. Before, every school kid asked his parents to get him an electric guitar, but now all they want is a jacket or kicks like Yung Lean's. Do you like what's happening in music these days? Is #tumblcore your thing?
Well, I can't say its any different than whats been happening in music before. History definitely repeats itself and in music there are idols. There will always be musicians that we idolize. I guess I have no feeling about it one way or the other. I cant say I listen to a lot of #tumblrcore though!
Tell us about your Friendfiction project. Will there be new releases?
Friendfiction is a side project for my more distorted, guitar based music. A lot of Laundry League is dreamy, synthpop stuff so I thought it should be separate. I'm actually working on a new Friendfiction EP now!
You know, recently several shoegaze old schoolers announced comebacks (The Jesus and Mary chain, Slowdive). MBV even had a new album out last year. Did the world really miss some noisy guitars or is this just a coincidence?
I don't think it was a coincidence. Shoegaze has definitely had a reassurance recently and I think people have been missing these bands a lot. I know I missed My Bloody Valentine! And I loved MBV! I'm glad that shoegaze has been gaining momentum recently because it is a genre that is very dear to me!
On 'Ribbon' you have a short noisy bit called 'Johnny Greenwood'. Is that a love letter?
Well... I wouldn't say its a love letter... hahaha. It's a tribute I suppose! The song came from raw data from files I was putting into Audacity. The file was called Jonny Greenwood so I kept it! But I guess it also doubles as a tribute.
Describe your favorite sound. What color is it?
My favorite sound... hmm... I think it would have to be a drink pouring into a glass. Its slightly clear. Maybe champagne colored?
You often cover songs of popular artists, like MIA, Grimes, or Lil B. What motivates the choice of songs? Are you paying tributes or giving in to trends?
Well, I like to pay tribute to artists I really genuinely enjoy! I guess you can say they are "trendy" artists but I wouldn't want to say I'm just giving into a trend. I cover artists I really respect and enjoy.
What was the last thing you heard about Russia? Well, except for Ukraine-related stuff.
The last thing I heard about Russia... Probably something about the Olympics. And Pussy Riot.
And what about Russian music?
Russian music... well, I do know that there seems to be a shoegaze scene in Russia! I can't say I know too much about popular Russian music, unfortunately.
Tawakk
