Stuttgartbased trio EAU ROUGE is gearing up for a single release on May 13th, along with a full length release Nocturnal Rapture this summer. As they gear up for their massive full length drop, we had a chance to talk to the trio and ask them questions about their musical influences, their goals, and their music.
Hi there, how are you and what are you up to today?
We are pretty good, thanks! We are just getting all ready for our gig and our upcoming studio session next week! Besides that, Spring is slowly making its way to Germany and we’re not gonna miss out on that!
To those not familiar with you, how would you describe your sound?
We make Noise – Pop. Add some electronic influences, a hint of trip hop and shoegaze and you’ll get EAU ROUGE.
Can you the name albums and artists that have influenced you the most?
We all come from different directions but Nirvana’s Nevermind was a milestone in our lives. A strong lesson in authenticity. The Police – Regatta de Blanc, it shows: Three is enough! On top of that, this album is one beast of rhythm and still serving the songs.
Also Cat Power’s ‘You are free’ and ‘Sun’. It just seems every song means so much to her…and her voice is incredible.
Which other artists are you into at the moment and why?
We’re really into Miike Snow. Electronic music but the way they introduce real drums? Very innovative. All the albums suck you in. And if you haven’t seen the Genghis Khan video, I don’t want you to get it on with nobody else…
What would we find under the category of “Guilty pleasures” in your music collection?
You might find some Lionel Ritchie in someone’s shelf…. Or some Limp Bizkit?!? Wes Borland is worth to listen to, also that Kylie Minogue album with ‘Can’t get you out of my head’.
The UK music scene is certainly always changing. Some might say that at the moment it’s more electronic oriented. Do you think this makes it more difficult for indie/alternative acts to get recognition that it would have done ten years ago?
Definitely. Ten years ago, people were looking for that specific Indie / Alternative experience. Now it has shifted more towards beats and stuff. So it is our job to give the audience something a jukebox, a DJ can’t provide. Every artist has to find this special something. For us personally, a concert in which the band gives it all, blood, sweat and tears, this is still magical. No computer can do this. We’re looking for a bond, both, being on stage or in the audience. This is why we do what we do. This is why we play. This is why we go out again and again and try to get the audience on our path. To make it a Golden Night.
If not the popularity of electronic music, what would you say some of the challenges indie bands face today in the music industry today?
Modern technology has made it a lot easier to produce music and to throw it out there. One might say this is modern punk – no (or little) skills needed. But the consequence is a huge amount of artists, of releases, of styles. So again, find what makes you shine brighter!
Where do you gather song writing inspiration?
Feelings I guess. I mean…what else?! 😉 And the lyrics follow the melodies and sounds. The music already sets a scenario and tells a story on its own. Then we write the lyrics to accompany that.
Take us through your songwriting process. Are there any particular steps you take when put music together?
Most of the times Bo or Jonas come up with a piece of melody, a riff, something. We pass it round on the internet and everybody puts out what he thinks could fit. Like a sorting out process. Then we come together and in these sessions it all comes together. That’s where you first feel the sparks and get all excited!! 🙂
What’s the best gig you have ever done and why?
We’ve had a lot of wonderful gigs but our gigs in Austin and LA, two weeks ago… That just blew our minds. First time a gig out of Europe, first time US. We played SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST and the energy we found there was a huge boost. So many people and they’re all ready for good times. And although we didn’t think it could get any better, LA was an even bigger blast. This city is magic. You know it from the movies and all of a sudden you play this club in which Ray Charles once played…. You are consistently pinching yourself to wake up!
And the worst?
A gig is a very personal and intimate experience. You put your heart on the table and reveal it all. So when no one shows up because promo completely failed it’s a huge bummer.
If you weren’t a musician what would you be?
…Trying to become ones.
Do you have any particular gigs or festivals that you dream about playing?
Coachella or the Burning Man would be insane!!!! And Glastonbury and Leeds / Reading, obviously!
If you could perform alongside any other band or artist, who would it be?
David Bowie. An honour of unbelievable extent.
Among the living – Warpaint. Probably fun to hang out with those gals!
Do you have any information regarding upcoming releases, projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?
Our new single “Hunting Melodies” will be officially released on May 20, there will be a video for it aaaand we are playing The Alternative Great Escape Festival in Brighton the same day, so you better keep that day in mind! … As well as September 9: Our first album “Nocturnal Rapture” is coming out! We’re going to play a lot of shows and festivals in summer so make sure you check our Facebook and stay posted!
