Start Listening To: Automotion
Dive into the minds behind the music and discover what makes Automotion a standout in today's vibrant music scene.
Introducing Automotion, a dynamic and innovative band hailing from the vibrant music scene of South London. In this exclusive Q&A, we delve into their creative process, the evolution of their sound, and their new EP, Dissolve. Join us as Jesse, Otis, Finton, and Lennon share insights into their collaborative journey, the inspirations behind their music, and their aspirations for the future. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to their work, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of Automotion.
For those unfamiliar with your music, can you tell us who you are, where you’re from and about the music you make?
Jesse: Automotion is our collective way of being creative through our shared love of music. We all grew up surrounded by the melting pot of sounds from London so we try to synergise all our various influences into our music.
‘Lost in the Spinal Labyrinth’ showcases a significant evolution in your sound. How would you describe the journey your music has taken since your previous releases?
J: I think that ‘Lost in the Spinal Labyrinth’ and the forthcoming EP is not a significant evolution in our sound but rather a refinement on what we have previously been doing. Previously our song structures have had many changes, with each section often feeling discontinuous from the others, with this EP the tracks still have many changes and seem to have even more dramatic dynamics yet retain a sense of continuity in the track.
What was the collaborative process like working with producer Patrick James Fitzroy on this track? How did his influence shape the final outcome?
J: Working with Patrick is great, we have worked with him on stuff before, and he’s a good friend. Patrick is someone who is really great to bounce ideas off of and usually when we compare notes they are very similar, he tends to always get what we want.
With your EP Dissolve set for release soon, can you give us a glimpse into what themes or ideas listeners can expect to encounter throughout the collection of songs? How does the title Dissolve reflect the overall concept or message behind the EP?
J: There is no definitive concept or message behind the EP. The author of a work never has the authority on its meaning rather the work itself produces various meanings via its capacity to affect people differently. That pertains more to the lyrics and titles though, the music on the other hand is not so much about producing effects of meaning but rather producing feelings, sensations, and emotions.
As a band deeply rooted in the South London live scene, how has your environment and community influenced your music and creative process?
J: We have spent a lot of time at gigs across London and have seen some really great bands. I definitely think that watching other people play live has had a massive influence on us, and in a sense, was how we learnt to make music. None of us have too much of an official background in music, going to the Windmill has been our equivalent to music school, we have kind of learnt from each other and from watching those around us.
Automotion is known for its ferocious live performances. How do you translate that energy and intensity from the stage to the recording studio?
J: Moving forward (after this EP) we want to have a wider gulf between live performance and studio recordings. There is much more you can do in the details with recordings that you don’t get live but there is a certain energy you get from live performance that gets lost in translation in recordings.
Each member of Automotion brings something unique to the table. How do your individual backgrounds and influences contribute to the band’s sound?
Otis: I am heavily into synth and sound design so I try to bring that into our recordings and the live set.
Finton: I’ve always listened to a lot of great bassists like Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, and Deon Estus, so I am keen on finding a way to shoehorn slap bass into Automotion songs.
J: My background is in Fine Art, Philosophy, and being a hermit making tunes in my bedroom.
Lennon: From a young age I dreamed about being a guitarist in a band. I had lessons as a kid and then was self taught. My music taste is pretty fluid and changes every few months which helps with new perspectives and breaking sameness.
What do you love right now?
F: Thin Lizzy.
O: Donk.
L: Thai food.
J: A good flat white.
What do you hate right now?
F: Brixton train station at night.
O: Unaligned Chakras.
L: Getting out of bed.
J: Fun.
Name an album you’re still listening to from when you were younger?
O: Winter in America by Gil Scott Heron.
F: In Rainbows to match my commute energy.
L: The White Album by The Beatles.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for Automotion?
O: Hopefully to do a full EU tour one day soon.
F: Breaking even.
L: Play more gigs, write more tunes, play even more gigs.
