Khruangbin Plays Through Their Global Music Influences | Reverb.com
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ม.ค. 2019
- Khruangbin blends global music, classic soul, dub and psychedelia to concoct their signature sounds, and today Laura Lee (bass), Mark Speer (guitar), and Donald Ray "DJ" Johnson Jr. (drums) stopped by to chat about their influences, their creative process, and close things out with a live performance of their song "August 10."
Read more on Reverb: goo.gl/dZJmCG
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More from Khruangbin: goo.gl/16yWrP - บันเทิง
On paper they should be pretentious, but they really do know their shit. They're not just listening to obscure music to act like they're better then you. They're students of music and it shows. Most original sound I've heard in a while.
They remind me of Weather Report backinaday.
Exactly. Very fresh indeed. Something new! In the vast sea of audio blah out there. These guys stand tall
@austin78993 technically, on paper, the joys & pleasures of music & culture have existed long before the modern day music snob..
not everyone who listens to an array of music from varied backgrounds and cultures is 'pretentious', whether they are students of music or not;
but honestly, don't put too much time into those social schools of thought, they miss the point entirely of what music is supposed to be all about.
my eclectic tastes likely comes from over a decade of multi-instrumental playing and making of music,
it all just comes down to people enjoying sounds✨🎶💛🎶✨
Right? I love when hearing a musician outside there music improves their image to you instead of degrades it
nailed it. I don't think it's easy to do what they do, either. No voc, just a 3-piece and a sound you haven't heard anywhere else, and the concert just goes past so quick. That's hard to do. Also, although the guitarist says its not a guitar-centred band, he's so critically important to keeping it musical and interesting. And technically, he's class, as far as I can tell.
i see mad people on all these videos disrespecting the drummer. that dude is playing so clean and tight and understands completely how music works.
They are a band they all work together to make this music i say he is doing just as good as a job as the rest of them !
he's been in the pocket so long he doesn't know how to get out. unbelievable drummer
Drummer : 🍔🍟🍕🌭🥪🌮🌯🍳🍞🍿🥡
People who don't play drums or understand drumming diss him cause he's not rockin' hard. His whole thing is that he plays suuuuuuuper tight and low volume. Literally his style, and it's really cool. Not every drummer needs to play like every other drummer out there.
If Khruangbin had a typical rock drummer you’d find it difficult to differentiate them from other band in this genre. Drummers like this is unheard of in these type of bands and that is what make your head bounce listening to such a chilled out sound.
they got a drummer that luckily is content with playing the most chilled drums in history
DJ is like the most down to earth dude
Just one musical ass dude that loves playing cold ass tunes
their drummer is so sick
He's super steady, and those licks are tight and clean. No shame in the big man hunched over that kit dropping metronome down for show.
😂
I know everyone fangirls Laura and rightfully so. She’s legitimately cool. But Mark needs waaay more praise for his expertise of making his guitar sound like different instruments.
He is amazing! And very talented! To articulate all those lyrics into melody!
Mark is fucking cracked at the fucking guitar
Because laura is a cutie
SIMPS abound!
@Will Iamnot That statement rings true in the tracks they produce, but it is pretty thoroughly debunked in this interview and all the playing styles he goes through.
this band was my coolest discovery of 2018
Way, way back in 2018 lol
my thoughts exactly
Ditto.
I second that! now I get to see them in Australia! thanks Spotify for the recommendation love these guys
Likewise
The drummer sits in the pocket, truly a crazy skill that most don't understand. Awesome Drummer!
They said he lays down the first track when they build a tune…then Laura adds bass. So could it be Laura Who’s in the pocket?
"this pentatonic scale gets everywhere man"
it's true... you can find it in almost every kind of ethnic music.
So true, asian melodies are often pentatonic too.
It is indeed pretty much everywhere.
like sand
it's funny because I find Western music uses it in the least "pentatonic sounding" way, particularly when comparing it to Asian or African music
That is some of the best guitar tone Ive heard in a while.
and its just a boss DS1 for all the cork sniffers, haha
@@44dognut and a wah in the up position on all the time
Ever better than a Vox?😊
@@omarcapaso7156 I replicated Marc set up and an single coil on the neck, wah wah always on and up, and a spring reverb IS essential for his tone.
@@PragmaticDany His neck pu is actually a DiMarzio Cruiser humbucker wired out of phase. He wired it wrong by accident but thought it sounded cool, so he left it.
Can this style of interview become some sort of Reverb Series? I like that it focuses more on the influences and process behind their music instead of just asking them to tell the story of how the band formed for the 30th time.
Kerry Webb definitely felt like they were more relaxed as opposed to repetitive interviews. Felt more human
Agree! Great format.
Yes PLEASE! Also more songs at the end or inbetween ... it cannot hurt :)
+1
Revolver does a bunch - I was particularly inspired by MJK's "Art of Work" series. Love the holistic whole lol
Mastadon also published their whole process, cancers and all, after Emperor of Sand was released. #terrans
It's a crime you didn't ask the drummer the same question as others!
RIGHT?!?
That's because he's the drummer. You don't ask the drummer questions.
@@jaymann5180 you do if you actually know anything about music and realize he’s probably the most important member of the band
@@notapplicable328 That maybe true, but he's still the drummer.
@@jaymann5180 i don’t really see your logic but alright
Laura Lee is the official alternative dream-girl of 2019
(carryover champion from 2018)
When she dips her knees with the rhythm I swear to God that shit drives me CRAZY. It's not really that explicit kind of a body movement, but something about how she does that I really feel like jumping her bones when she dips her knees on certain beats. Something just feels so erotic for me when she does that.
@@Rubin4749 Hips swaying to the beat suddenly reminded me of snakecharmers..
Bass BAE... after Kim Deal of course.
@@Rubin4749 Dude, watching those hip sways got me pregnant. And I'm a MAIN!
The rhythm section is the perfect canvas for Mark to paint everything he’s absorbed. They have chops, but it’s not about that. It’s service to the music, and it shows- nobody clambering for the spotlight, just finding the pocket.
This is the truth.
The guitar is so good but even without it it still such a groove
I just love how everything has space to breath. When I listen to them I find hearing floats around to the different instruments. It's like listening to a conversation where three people all have really good points, but nobody is shouting over each other.
Such a lush band. Love em! 😍
You nailed it with this comment. Exactly how I feel about this music. Love how much space there is in this music. Reminds me of this stuff (different genre, but same feeling of spaciousness. A polite conversation between musical souls) open.spotify.com/album/0fMF7aim8clEaoSbyGMyhQ?si=7ipKK6cbSPGfdU2TmRHKLQ
In a world where everything is over compressed and over mastered so that it's as loud as humanly possible without overdriving speakers we forget how great a little headroom sounds.
definitely!
djvertical You describe it perfectly!!! English isn’t my maternal language so to put my ideas in a more poetic way it’s hard for me. I also love them!
How wonderfully put. Thank you for your comment (how silly-sounding... I just am grateful, is all :) )
Being an Ethiopian American, its so dope to see my people's music influencing a group such as khruangbin. I love their music so much because of their expanse knowledge of music around the globe. Definitely my favorite musical discovery of 2018!
Your country has produced some wonderful music
the birthplace of many great things
My Discovery too,my favorite Band now
I’d like to get into Ethiopian music, who do you recommend I listen to?
Oakland Art check out Samuel Yirga
The fact Speer pulls from (an almost lost style) of Thai funk that was (ironically) influenced by 60's San Fran psyche, plus reggae and dub, and perhaps a bit of that Dick Dale surf (or even surf-psyche), Ethiopian guitar (harp), as well as the soul classics like Ernie Isley and Hendrix is really a masterful blend, not to mention a cultural mindfuck. From an engineering perspective, considering they work in all their double-tracking live, I think Speer's level of understanding reverb and feedback is actually fairly underrated for how short of a time he's been on the scene. I'm sure I'm not the only one that when they first heard Khruangbin thought it was mostly produced after the fact in studio. Seeing it live gives a much better appreciation. With this being said, I can see how some would assume the music is a bit 'unfinished' in comparison to a band like Skinshape, for example. It's just a cool, lower vibe.
Great comment, I often think about this. Mark's style is absolutely incredible
I hear a lot of Thai Morlam music in there too. Wonderful stuff.
And now I'm in a Skinshape hole, thanks!
What’s a mindfuck ?
I hear the influence of Peter Green.
The Vietnamese opera he talks about is "Vọng cổ". A traditional art in Southern Vietnam
Thanks, dude! I spent the whole night looking for it before I noticed your comment :)
In the south it’s dọng cổ cuz we’re too lazy to pronounce any V. Lol
ha! keep searching for "vaugh cold" . Cứ nghĩ họ có từ riêng cho " cải lương" mà ko nghĩ là ổng phát âm " Vọng Cổ"
Mark's such a damn beast. His rhythm playing is so on point.
That's what happens when you play the guitar for a living 8 hours a day everyday haha.
John Fruiscante
Quirkiest band of our times, genius guitar playing, groovy basslines and solid beats. In love with their music from the first day I discovered them
Same here, dude.
I agree w all this, but phish is def the quirkiest band of our time lol kh is groovy smoothness
Gogol Bordello is the quirkiest band. I think they call themselves gypsy punk.
Chicano Batman is pretty quirky and have a somewhat similar sound... there's lots of them out there if you know where to look.
lmfao "of our time" -you pretentious prick lolol
August 10 is one the most chill songs I've ever heard. Just can't get enough of it.
Don't think I have listened to that one, I will certainly check it out!
I could ride that bass line into the sunset.
Friday Morning too
I love how they are such calm people. You really tell that their souls are quiet. ❤️
Yep. Not to get all woo woo but they seem spiritually.. balanced
100%.
"Not a guitar driven band...I just take the place of the lead singer, is all."
HAHAH so pretentious
Pretentious is the last word I'd use about these guys. They are the very antithesis of pretension.
@@spurioustransients lmao I wouldn't say that broo....I like khruangbins music but just look at the drummers face LOLOL it says it all
@@PJTheCurryGod Do you mean that look of dead cold focus?
@@PJTheCurryGod C'mon... th-cam.com/video/hr7ScpVj1QY/w-d-xo.html
Donald Johnson skillfully preserves the most amount of calories of any drummer going whilst maintaining the groove. The chilled metronome of the three-way dynamic.
Legend has it the atomic clock was set to him.
@@onefastmini There's actually little tiny clones of Donald Johnson in every atomic clock, extra tiny cocktail kit included.
You could actually be standing in the room without earplugs. Low volume, but what intense sound quality. More bands should force themselves to play quietly.
It really makes a big difference, especially, for the vocalists and, really, anyone but distorted electric guitar or sax players.
it gives so much more room to feel and build dynamics. so often someone's ego is trying to out loud everybody. music is about creating together
Spent a few years learning to keep all my chops while playing as quietly as possible.... Difficult but other musicians and sound guys appriciate it sooo much. Such a value dynamics are everything.
Yes but fuck there's nothing like feeling the kick of a loud live band, the most important thing is to play dynamically. Quiet parts make big parts sound huuuuge, no matter your overall volume
Playing softly bring out the tones on drums and allows for recording dynamics easier. It allows engineers to raise the gain on preamps and let the mics capture the sound most people are generally trying to get.
The guitarist looks like the most wise man on earth. But he keeps it cool.
"I try to not play the roots, because she plays the root all the time" That's something my teachers from music school always told me. This guys knows what's up. pro musicians
What does root mean in music ?
The root is the note that gives its name and the tonality of the chord.
Ex: the note A is the root of A minor chord, or A major chord, etc.
It applies the same with scale, i believe it’s called the tonic (but i’m not sure if it’s named like that in english). The tonic of A minor pentatonic is the note A.
so by that Mark tries not to sound redondant and previsible. Playing other notes around the roots create more tensions and it’s more interesting for the listener.
Damn, that drummers playing is sitting right down there with my wallet and car keys.
bonzo230 in the pocket baby
The pocket, she is light yet deep and steadfast.
UPVOTE THE HYPNOSNARE
Haha! This is the best comment. And totally correct, as well.
5 star comment
There's something kinda amazing in such restraint from the drummer, he knows exactly where he fits and sits back into it perfectly.
Incredible musicians. ALL of them. I love Laura's bass playing, it's very seductive. Mark's chops and rhythms are Shamanic in nature, they really put you in another world. DJ's timing is so accurate that the Atomic Clock would be jealous.
Well written!
I'll forever thank pitchfork for classic long form video performance .. That needs to be pressed to wax ... This interview was a New Years treat . This band is special
Yes that´s my go to Khruangbin album. Don´t ever touch the rest anymore :p
That was the thing that got me into the band. Absolutely blew me away.
This band makes me proud to be from Texas. Frito pie, Whataburger, and Khruangbin. Comfy.
Don't be proud, because you have no contribution in you being from Texas. You happen to have been born or live there.
Abraham lol what
John Rather I feel you, dude. I just moved to Brooklyn NY and I grew up in Houston. Lived there for all my life up until now and there’s so many things that I already miss that’s way different in Texas lol. Something as simple as gestures and communication.
Abraham You’re no fun.
@@Abrahamhamham just because we dont have any do or say in where we are born, doesn't mean that we cant be happy with or proud of having picked up the manners, characteristics and stylings of our surroundings.
Greetings from Groningen.
Moi!
I love listening to Mark explain music and how he plays. He strikes me as a "true" fan of music (not to sound elitist, mind you), someone who just enjoys and appreciates all kinds of music for its own sake without getting tied down to the same old tropes and styles. It's the kind of guitarist and music aficionado I aspire to be.
I love how they are total music nerds. And it translates to such beautiful music.
The drummer seems to always be thinking, "did I leave the refrigerator door open when I let the house?"
He’s just that cool.
The simplicity of Khruang is something magical. I bought a bass just to play Laura's lines.
August 10 never fails to calm me down and immediately puts me in that lazy summer afternoon vibe. So cool.
Just once, I would love to see them perform where DJ wears one of those wigs while Mark and Laura wear skin-tone skull caps. 🙃🥰
I found these guys one night, headphones on, while tripping absolute balls on my own in the dark. Listening to “the universe smiles upon you” was like some kind of revelation. Have had a massive hardon for them since, would love to see them live someday
If you have ever heard Khruangbin live, you'll know why (arguably) Mark is one of the best guitar players there is. In regards to some of the influence that other cultures have had on Khruangbin, I like Mulatu Astatke from Ethiopia.
“August 10” is the coldest basslines of the 2010s
I am glad the Guitarist is neither British or a Bassist, or he would be indistinguishable from Derek Smalls of Spinal Tap.
He is also a bassist
Everybody on here should go to your channel and check out your videos. Love your work! @agentXPQ
He wrote this
They both wear wigs at every performance!
@@coltonweatherston3308 he said this in an interview 😂
That drummer is in the pocket
The drummer MADE the pocket, yo.
got a shout out from anderson paak the other day too, another talented drummer giving you props on that groove is a good sign
Groove Props is my funk metal band that does Khruangbin covers.
He's in the pockets pocket
He is the POCKET!
Mark has one of the most original sounds I have heard in decades. Complete story teller and melodic player.
Laura Lee 😍♥️💕
Smokin!
She’s fit
Amen. Inspiration, for sure
4:59 that position shift was so fast, it looked like a jump cut. Love these guys, all wonderful players.
Reminds me of a jumping spider.
This band plays some gorgeous music. To be able to express yourself like that, fuck I’m jealous
All 3 of them are cute and confident as well
damn these riffs are burned into my mind after doing a three night run in LA with them last year. the fucking kindest people you will ever meet.
I want to meet them! I have been listening to them almost everyday during Quarantine 🙌🏼✨ best thing I could come into this year🌻
Khruangbin is the illest shit. Wonderful to hear them break down their sound and influences ...
They make such beautiful music and that's the only adjective you could come up with?
@@Abrahamhamham You came up with beautiful. Genius Abraham! Gold star for you! On a serious note this is the youtube comment section, he's not writing prose man.
@@Abrahamhamham “ill” is a higher compliment than the stale adjective “beautiful”. Or was your last comment not satire? Bless your little heart
@@DefenestrateYourself When you're on mdma, "ill" is not really a word you vibe with while listening to this kind of music. Idk, that's just how i felt then.
Seriously, one of the most original bands of the present day. Bless them.
I'm an old rock and roller and I really dig these people, what a cool groove they have.
Does Mark have an understated flair about him or is it just me? I sense humble and massively talented. I like the chemistry Johnson, Lee and Speer bring.
Would have enjoyed hearing more
from the drummer, his influences and process. He's amazing
From what I know he grew up playing piano in church, has produced a lot of hip hop music in Houston, worked with just about any Houston artist you can think of he played trumpet and drums in band in high school I went to school with him my whole life he likes all kinds of music and is an amazing person one of the nicest people I've ever known
They're so talented and knowledgeable it's intimidating just listening to them
This band is so open to different cultures of music, it's so refreshing to hear -- it blows away expectations of
what you'd normally hear. More power and success to them. Tight drum/bass section!
This bass tone is absolutely wild.
Always been a fan of Air's song "La Femme d'Argent" and its vibe which Khruangbin have accomplished as well as bringing their own influence into the mix!
One of my favourite songs ever!
La Femme d'Argent is totally up there with this bass line in terms of overall vibe.. couldn't agree more. Actually, Moon Safari in general. Now I finally get why I like this band lol.
Nailed the Isley Bros.guitar tone. If you like this check out Tommy Guerrero, Ray Barbee and Blacktop Project.
Crosswalk Larry Ray Barbee Meets the Mattson 2 album was on repeat for so long when I first discovered that one
@@FatKidProductions1 Great album.
+1 on the new Tommy Guerrero album.
Saved, thank you
Both are great skaters as well.
In love with this band since 2011🕺❤
Couldn’t be happier I have found love again. I’m talking about the music
LOVE THEM. Just discovered this band last night. Less than 12 hours later I am now slightly obsessed. That's the magic of their sound, vibe, groove, soul.
After a first listen, I felt a reassuring calm. There are so many flashy-first groups nowadays, it’s refreshing to hear something so minimal yet so spacious. Love it!
amazing band..no more words. they asked Mark how he feels on stage during a concert, what he feels... and he answered: I enjoy Laura Lee's wonderful bass riffs.
As a 65 yr old hard rock guitarist, this is some of the most original and interesting music I've heard in decades. Especially impressed with the bass player. They're all very talented artists.
Mother of all special episodes from reverb! Khruangbin
8:15 na na na naananana na na na na is missing :). I song it by myself
What a treat to hear and see that live cut of august 10th
Ugh...
The drummer actually has an expression. My life is now complete.
They're so quiet. Feels like you need to hold your breath to really hear them.
Can’t get enough this group!
Love hearing the process!!
I love all three. Each is an artist and a collective woven tapestry
Just discovered this group a couple of months ago. Such a chill sound.
simply incredible - thank you - mad respect!
I watched Mark live a year ago, he is an absolutely aficionado on the guitar. I was absolutely mind blown by how good he is.
He's high life/ Africa guitar playing makes my heart melt due to the love, the appreciation and how he then in turn used it to form the lyrical guitar sound within Khaurangbin. It's a chefs kiss honestly. 💙
Yes! Excellent timing. I just discovered Khruangbin, and they're all I've been playing lately. Great stuff.
this is a completely awesome breakdown, thanks for sharing!
DJ's drumming is still the most reliable way to calibrate metronomes
Even an interview with them calms me down. Love you folks!
No small parts! I've once thought the lead guitar overshadows the seemingly simple bass and drum lines, but... It's the unison, the harmony of sound that makes it or breaks it. Try to take away even a simplest part and it all fails. The guitarist is by far the greatest virtuoso in the band, but debating who's more essential to the band would be as irrational as pondering on what's more important - the lungs, the air, or the muscles that let us take the breath in.
Peace and have a good day :)
Reverb, guys. You're killing us with the content this year! So good!
Love it all. So refreshing.
OMG I love them SO much!!!!
Thank you guys! This band deserves more attention. ❤️❤️❤️
so glad they're getting the attention they deserve, cheers !
great band, great job. one of the best band interviews on tube. thanks.
Much love from Brazil!
I’ve seen them live 2x, & lemme tell u ... can’t wait until the 3rd
Thank you Reverb! Fantastic band! They are absolutely incredible live !! Saw them in Raleigh in December 2018.
so raw, so beautiful! Love your craft!
More of this content please 🙌 so cool
This trio is amazing. Laura has a groove that just melts into the songs pocket! And that bass is gorgeous! Great video!
Great music love their minimalist trippy style. Good to play on a warm summer night.
It makes me so happy to see these guys doing so well!
Awesome video. I LOVE THIS BAND!
Love the insightful sharing 🌻
Good lord, where do you even begin? They are incredible on all levels.
Just beautiful.
really can't get enough of them