Ahead of their opening spot for MONO at Newtown Social Club on Sunday, December 6, we spend a couple of minutes with Peter Hollo, Adrian Lim-Klumpes and Ollie Bown from Tangents
Describe your music in five words or less.
Peter: post-everything improv
What’s going on in the world of Tangents?
Adrian: We completed our second album not so long ago and have just signed it with an exciting label from the US.
So right now it’s getting promo stuff on the ball and lining up some gigs, plus improving our set with some new ways of working.
What motivates you to make music?
Ollie: Exploration. I’ve only ever really been interested in making music that involves other people in some way. I love remixing. This is by far the most stimulating band I’ve been in; a real diversity of styles and characters that keeps pushing me to ask what we can do next. I also need all the stars to be aligned to enjoy making music. Quite often I hate it.
What have been the high and low points of your musical experiences so far?
Adrian: A high point for me is working with Evan.
He and I have similar histories in jazz improv, electronics, rock and so on. So when we play together I find its more than music. The groove and flow of thinking, creating and anticipating together is quite unique. Add the beautiful colours and energies of the other three tangents and performing with this mob is really special.
What music are you listening to at the moment?
Peter: I can only speak for myself, and I’m drowning in music as ever. I discovered a Chinese stalwart in Beijing recently, Dou Wei, whose music ranges from hard rock beginnings though post-punk and postrock influences to ambient and downtempo, experimental improvisations with traditional Chinese instruments, and an incredible recent 45-minute psych-metal freakout.
Some other randoms: Julia Holter, Punch Brothers, Björk, Old Man Gloom, Jenny Hval, Akkord, Vampillia… the list goes on…
If you were stranded on a desert island, which member of the band would get eaten first? And why?
Ollie: I reckon we could whip up a pretty good Foie Gras with Peter. He doesn’t drink and smoke so his liver should be in good shape. Problem would be what to eat it on. The cello would make for a crap crispbread.
Here’s an opportunity to bitch about something, whether music related or not. What really pisses you off?
Peter: It’s really important to bitch (there’s that word…) about the less-than-adequate position and experiences of women and LGBTQIA+ people in the music industry (and our society)… something which Evelyn Pikelet et al’s LISTEN project is providing a fantastic forum for.
You’re putting together your perfect gig featuring Australian artists. Who would you get to play and where? Feel free to include acts/DJs/bands/venues that no longer exist.
Adrian: Well, I love a piano.
How about Chris Abrahams, Eric Griswold, Novak Manojlovic, Alister Spence and Paul Grabowsky
An assortment of small group improvs, followed by Steve Reich’s music for 6 pianos, finish with an extended 6 piano improv .
Someone write the grant application, get some sponsors and make it happen!
Tangents support MONO at the Newtown Social Club in Sydney on Sunday December 6. Tickets are on sale now through lifeisnoise.com.
