Bands that evoke an abstract sound are a rarity to come across, yet Espresso, a band hailing from Los Angeles, has found a way to compose otherworldly instrumentations. The masterminds behind Espresso include Alex (bass), Dashley Dupuy (guitar), and Colin Martin (drums). Their latest cohesive project, Bobe, is an example of the band’s dexterity and their ability to transverse listeners into another realm through the medium of sound. The guitar fuzz entrenched in a variety of their songs on Bobe bring forth a perplexing tempo that will gravitate a listener's’ attention. The genre-defying Espresso is currently crafting on some new projects, as well as planning some tours out of the LA area in the summer. As their Facebook bio says, Espresso has successfully accomplished the ability to “melt minds and cream jeans” via the arrangements and melodies on Bobe. Espresso talks to Electric Daze about playing backyard parties, the making of “Twealer,” and the songs that made them realize the power of music.
Electric Daze: For those who are barely discovering your band, what track would you first recommend they listen to?
Espresso: Ballad of Bobe, because not only does it bang, it encapsulates all of our different styles.
ED: And what brought all of you together to collectively form the band?
Espresso: We were in a band together a few years before with a few other people that broke up, but the three of us missed playing music so we all got back together to form this band. That was about 2 and a half years ago.
ED: The LA DIY scene often gets a bad rep due to the kids that perpetuate certain stigmas, how has LA shaped who you are as a band?
Espresso: First and foremost... LA city bangers. Because the history of our favorite bands, that have a profound influence on us, happen to be from our city. The LA scene itself has shaped us as a band because we've learned to play under any circumstance, from raw backyard parties to sick ass legit venues. And from crowds that act like statues in a museum, to crowds that go wild like "Night at the Museum" (Starring Bend STILLer)...but there is nothing STILL about it)
ED: Are there any misconceptions associated with LA bands that you’d like to break?
Espresso: Some LA bands think they're too cool, but ay, we're down with everybody.
ED: What was the process behind creating your song, “Twealer”? What makes the song special to you?
Espresso: It started with the bass line, Dashel put a ska guitar part on top of it, and Colin came up with the vocal and drum parts. The whole middle section was created to fuck with people, especially live. The trombone was added last when we hit up Cole Davis through one of our friends. We thought the song needed something extra like that. The song is special to us because it provides nutting capabilities.
ED: For kids who are barely looking to play the electric guitar, would you recommend the Fender strat or the telecaster?
Espresso: Telecaster.
ED: What is the most gratifying aspect of being able to make music with some of your best friends?
Espresso: Being able to come up with ideas and not being worried about judgement. Also, playing shows is always sick because no matter where you are, you're going to get real steamy because you're with your best friends.
ED: What’s a song that recently moved you enough to realize the power behind music?
Espresso: Here's eight: Stayin' Alive - Bee Gees, Lady Day and John Coltrane - Gil Scott-Heron, The World is a Ghetto - War, I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor, When the Music's Over - The Doors, Homeboy- Psycho MC, Chickenhead - Project Pat, Walk in the Park - Beach House.
ED: When recording music videos, do you have the concept of the music video already ingrained in your brain when you’re writing the lyrics? Or is it just spurred upon by spontaneous thoughts?
Espresso: Kind of, when we are filming we use a lot of on the spot ideas. A general idea is always in place though.
ED: If you’re going through a musical rut, is there anything you do to get inspired to go record?
Espresso: just smoke about it..
ED: Do any other artistical mediums inspire you (art, film, literature)?
Espresso: Definitely, Alex (Alzin) loves to draw, Colin is in a movie club with some of his friends, POV Nog, and Dash is a genuine craftsman who constructs stage pieces.
ED: After you finalized “Bobe”, did you get a cathartic feeling when you were able to listen to the whole project in full?
Espresso: Ahh g, we're not religious, but after the album we felt a great psychological relief when it was finished.
ED: What’s next for you guys? Any new projects we should look out for and maybe shows outside of the LA area?
Espresso: We are going to start working on new music, and continue to play shows, in and out of the Los Angeles Area. If all goes as planned, we'll be going up California at the end of March, and a tour this summer.
Follow Espresso on Facebook and Tumblr at @espressoband3, and on Instagram and Twitter at @espressoband
