by Joe Fielder
We've always felt like super-tight, electronic pop act Light FM haven't been appreciated as much as they should be. They've had a number of great albums out and always completely kill it live. So, we were pretty happy to hear that they'll be opening up for Smashing Pumpkins on the upcoming tour and getting some nice national exposure.
We recently spoke to lead Josiah Mazzaschi about his plans for the tour and the group's new album BUZZ KILL CITY.
Hey, Josiah. How the hell have you been?
Been crazy busy recording, mixing bands and putting out this god damn record! I've been recording Part 2 of Rademachers "Babyhawk" Series. The third one is due to come out next year. William Reid from The Jesus and Mary Chains solo record, Wilding (formerly Tigers Can Bite You) debut full length, mixed The Pity Party's debut full length, Deap Vally (Julie from Pity Partys new project), Modern Time Machines debut full length, also a USC band called Y LUV.
Congrats on the upcoming release of your new album Buzz Kill City next Tuesday!
Thanks! It's been a rough road but I'm glad it's finally finished. I put my heart and soul into this record.
What's the story behind it? What inspired this one?
Basically, I've been going through a complete life change. I've written an album full of frustration, heart break, deception, rejection, etc. I love LA but it can be very unforgiving at times. There is an ocean of actor wannabe's, people ready to step over you, on top of you for their own selfish promotion. It's the part of LA I can't stand. So, I wrote a record about it.
I'm guessing you handled all the production yourself?
We recorded drums at a legendary studio called Grandmaster Recorders with Andrew Alekel. Super amazing studio. A lot of great records were recorded there. The rest was all done at my studio called, The Cave.
What's your favorite song on it?
I would have to say, "Thrown Against a Wall". It is the most experimental song on the record and the subject matter is pretty bizarre in a weird Michael Hutchence asphyxiation kinda way.
Congrats on the tour with Smashing Pumpkins in October!
Thanks, yo!
How did that come together?
Basically, I was in Chicago for my mother in law's funeral and I was invited to drop by Billy Corgans studio. Nicole Fiorentino invited me. She plays bass in the band and she used to play in Light FM. I introduced them! They were very sweet to me and Billy gave me a tour of his studio. All I gotta say is it is a music producers wet dream. Maybe, multiple wet dreams? I got to watch Nicole lay down bass for their new record. She is amazing!
Is the band's first national tour?
Yes! We've toured playing SXSW, SF, and San Diego but never the east coast. We're excited to sport our fall fashions!
Nice how that starts off here in town at The Wiltern on October 5th.
I don't think the magnitude of this tour has hit any of us yet. It will most likely be a night to remember!
What kind of set list do you have planned for the tour? All tracks from the new album or a best of from the band's entire career?
We only have a 30 minute set each night so, we are doing mostly new tunes! Friends aren't Friends, Meaning of it All (Billy Corgans favorite Light FM tune) off of Let There Be Light FM, and Black Magic MArker!!
What's next for Light FM beyond October?
Light FM is playing the December Monday night residency at Silverlake Lounge. We have some great bands!! I've begun writing Light FM's fifth album. We're hoping to keep touring for this release. We've been talking about hitting Europe.
Last question: What are you listening to right now?
I love Beach House, The Velvet Underground, The Smashing Pumpkins, Rademacher, Queen, School of Seven Bells, Silversun Pickups, Wilding, The Kinks, Beach Boys, and Jesus and Mary Chain a ton!!
Comments