What is your name and role within the band?
Ian Chang. Drums and grunts.
How did you start?
I started as part of the touring band tasked with the challenge of bringing the album “Lanterns” to the stage in the form of a trio.
Where are you based?
Brooklyn and Dallas.
Please give an example of your music writing process?
We often start by finding a fascinating sample. Usually something that we’ve cultivated in the studio making weird sounds together. That sample blossoms into a beat and a sonic environment, and then the harmonic and melodic information fill out. Finally, Ryan does some soul searching and writes the vocal parts and lyrics.
What are you working on right now?
We’ve been working on alot of new music that we’re excited about. Most immediately, we have a new self released EP out May 19 called “Remedy.” All proceeds go to Southern Poverty Law Center, and you can buy it now!
What is your gear setup?
Depends on the setting/ project! But generally, I play C&C drums, Istanbul cymbals, use Sunhouse’ Sensory Percussion, Roland SPDS-X and Ableton.
What do you like to do outside of music and does it affect your music?
Cooking, visiting museums, photography, hiking, playing ping pong, watching tv and playing Mölkky, which is a Finnish long game. I’d say the first three things do provide some inspiration for my music though almost always subversively. More than anything though, I find all these activities a necessary act of space and time away from music. Stepping away and coming back is often the best way to get around a wall that’s been hit during the creative process.
How would you describe your music genre?
Dope ass beats w/ a choir boy melody
Do you know any music theory?
Yes
What are your plans for the future?
I gotta learn how to drive.
How did you get into music?
I have my parents to thank for that; they had me start piano lessons at 6. At 9, I shifted gears a little and started studying classical percussion as well as writing songs and recording them onto minidisc.
What are you listening to at the moment?
Going through a phase of trying to be up on new music: Valgeir Sigurroson, Feist, Kendrick Lamar, Perfume Genius, Rahm, Grizzly Bear, Aldous Harding, Cuddle Magic, Palm, Noga Erez, Sylvan Esso.
Who are your top 5 influences and icons?
I have a hard time with favorites- never seems right.
When are you playing next?
Son Lux’s next show is TBD. I have a solo show on June 23 at Knockdown Center in Queens, and Rafiq has a residency at Threes brewing in Brooklyn the first three Tuesdays in June that’ll feature a variety of exciting collaborations and experiments!
