Start Listening To: Art Moore
Mini super group Art Moore burst on to the scene with serene self-titled debut album.
Can you tell us who you are, where you’re from and about the music you make?
We are Art Moore; Taylor Vick, Sam Durkes and myself (Trevor Brooks). We're from different parts of California but most of our time spent together as a band has been in Oakland at my old studio. We make dreamy songs that will wash over the listener like a cosmic shower.
How did Art Moore form?
The initial idea of Art Moore started between Sam and I (Trevor) while on tour, Sam drums for Ezra Furman and I run sound. We developed a good workflow in the studio recording Ezra material and we would often talk on tour about starting a new project. I've been friends with, and a big fan of Taylor's music for a few years and she got to meet Sam when she added some backing vocals to the Sex Education soundtrack that we were working on with Ezra. We asked Taylor if she wanted to sing in the project and she was all for it. The world was never the same.
Originally you set out to make music for a film or tv project. When did that idea morph into Art Moore?
We were only a few songs in when we realized we had built the momentum to keep working until we had a full album. We just naturally fell into the headspace of a band making a record because that's what we're all so used to doing.
How are you feeling about releasing your debut album?
We're feeling very excited about it. Can't wait for people to hear all the songs together.
How do you produce your music?
The process so far usually starts with Sam and I (Trevor) demoing instrumental songs individually and then Taylor will write the lyrics and vocal parts to the demos. Once songs are mostly written in the demo process we get together in the studio and start tracking the final version. We usually start by laying down a scratch guitar track and then tracking drums or drum machine. Once we have a good foundation Taylor will track a scratch vocal so we can layer synths and guitars with vocals in mind. After that we like to add a lot of layers and ear candy and then we pull back where we see fit.
Can you tell us more about the lyrical themes on this record?
Taylor Vick: Some of the themes include loss, daydreaming, friendship, and nostalgia
What was your favourite & least favourite part of making your new album?
Taylor Vick: Favourite part was being free to experiment and create for the sake of creating, with no real agenda besides that. Least favourite part was the lack of natural light in the studio and limited air flow lol
Do you have any favourite individual songs from the album or do you feel this is a record that needs to be listened to start to finish?
Taylor Vick: My favourite songs are A Different Life, Sixish, and Inspiration and Fun
What do you love right now?
Taylor Vick: The Rehearsal on HBO, sourdough toast with butter and raspberry jam, and learning about Human Design
What do you hate right now?
Taylor Vick: My new air mattress has a undetectable hole in it that is pretty frustrating
Do you have plans to write more music together in the future?
Sam Durkes: Yes, hopefully soon.
Having an extensive catalogue already between you as individuals, how has it been working on something completely new without the pressures of previous projects? Or did you feel pressure?
Sam Durkes: I think it's been freeing. Since we wrote and recorded the whole thing during the gnarliest parts of the pandemic, the pressure to create just wasn't there. We did it because we wanted to. Get it out, because the future is uncertain.
Is there any new music from 2022 you have been enjoying?
Sam Durkes: Oh yeah definitely. A.O. Gerber's new song "Hunger" sounds amazing. Black Country, New Road's "Concorde" is sweet. MJ Lenderman's "Hangover Game" rips . To name a few.
Do you have plans to tour?
Sam Durkes: Catch us on the U.S. East Coast this September with Ezra Furman.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
Sam Durkes: Thanks for your time.
