A Few Words with Lewis & Clarke

Lewis & Clarke at The Music Hall of Williamsburg, 5.2.09

Last month Lewis & Clarke had the very sought after honor of supporting Bat for Lashes’ epic gig at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. We had a very insightful conversation with Lou Rogai before the gig about what inspires Lewis & Clarke, Bat for Lashes, nature and the simple things in life. Enjoy the interview below and catch L&C on tour this June in NYC.

What inspires you musically and aesthetically?
I enjoy patterns. Simple shapes and sounds aligned with one another that slowly grow into more complex patterns. Color, voicing, shape. These things are all around us. the bright greens of moss and leaves in contrast of the rain and fog in the woods. I am inspired by my family, and my friends, their music and personalities. It’s like to think of sounds in the same way.

What has been your biggest challenge as a relatively new artist in the state of the music industry?
Shows and recordings do not fall off of magical trees, like ripened fruit. I guess it’s been a challenge to steer the course, and be open to change, but still keep it all relative to the big picture, just sharing music. It takes a lot of nonsense for a song to be heard, but if you remember the meaning of the song, you’ll be alright.

What was it like being asked to support Bat for Lashes on tour? Were you a fan beforehand?

It’s been amazing touring with Bat For Lashes. Top notch human beings, the musicians, the crew, everyone. Musically, I look forward to her set every night, instead of dinner. Natasha and I became friends through a very close mutual friend, and go figure, we all happen to enjoy each other’s music immensely.

What lead you to decide to create music together as Lewis & Clarke?
We all run in similar circles, and like good magnets, here we are. Karen (cello) and I play in Moon & Moon together, Ian (bass) makes music with my brother Paul, and he and Shane (drums) are also in the Minor White. Tom works on the label with me and is also in Dragon Turtle. He chops wood and keeps the studio warm. Sometimes so warm that we pass out instead of practicing. It’s better than freezing though.

What are you looking forward to in the second half of 2009.
Well, that would constitute fall and winter, so I think it will be good to wear sweaters, pick apples and pumpkins, then enjoy the snowy weather here in the Poconos. We’ll have a new album by then and some post-tour home-time.

Lewis & Clarke Tour Dates

June 19th at 8PM, Garden of Earthly Delights $5.

June 25th at 9PM, Zebulon $TBA

MP3: Lewis & Clarke – Chelsea Hotel No. 2 or zShare