My friend Amy Yao recently sent to me a nice album, called First Nation. I already knew it from Paw Tracks releases but never really took the time to listen to it properly.
I'm always curious to know which kind of music my friends like or dislike, probably because I always think that I would understand them through the music more than words. Sometimes I feel like this is the best way for me to share something and get closer to them, especially when they live in another country.
Rings formerly known as First Nation, is Abby Portner, Kate Rosko, and Nina Mehta. They all sing and play keyboard, drum, and guitar.
Last January, they released an album called Black Habit.
These 3 girls will come and perform in Paris at La Fleche d'Or, in March the 31st.
Is the name First Nation related in some way to the Native Americans / Indians?
It is and it isn't. It was meant to represent a world or sound-cry in opposition to the macintosh world we live in. Same as the First Nation. But when we really started to become a band, it seemed like an inappropriate appropriation, since being in a band is different, and less important politically, than identifying as a racial and cultural group.
Why did you have to change the band name?
For the reason above, and the timing, with a new member and a new album.
Your first album has been released on Paw-Tracks Records, in 2006. How did you get in contact with them?
Dave from AC (Animal Collective) was at our first show, First Nation at lit 3 years ago. And he asked us to open for AC a few months later at the Bowery ballroom.
Melissa Livaudais from Telepathe, was initially part of the crew on your first album. Why did she leave the band?
Kate: Melissa and I used to fight a lot and she really wanted to work on a specific style of music. Her vision was maybe less collaborative or something. Telepathe is cool, do you listen to them?
Let's talk about your scene. Are you related to any scene in New York? For instance, artists such like Gang Gang Dance, Animal Collective, Ariel Pink, Black Dice are getting big in Europe. Do you feel part of that specific scene?
All those people in all those bands are our friends, and really inspiring!
It seems like in New York, since 9/11, there is a breeding-ground for an emergent arty scene of weird, psychedelic, and experimental music. Do you think that 9/11, in some way, has bound the underground and artistic culture arising inward strength into collectivity?
All of it existed before 9/11! but the impact of that event is very present in our subconsciousness, as a city and a people, for sure.
In my opinion, your music is really feminine, very airy and delicate.
"Female Trance" could be a feminist ode to women. Is there any politic positions in your art?
Yes, we are always making music for women. This is a very complicated question. I think we are trying to incorporate harder sounds, like drums and bass into what start out as very feminine and delicate compositions.
You said that you are influenced by r&b, hip hop and folk music.What's your favorite hip hop and r&b artists?
Warrior Queen, Icebox, Sensual Seduction.
What were your first impressions (political or/and artistic) about Europe, especially France, when you where there last year?
That people were more culturally oriented and listened to the music that was being played.
RINGS
I'm always curious to know which kind of music my friends like or dislike, probably because I always think that I would understand them through the music more than words. Sometimes I feel like this is the best way for me to share something and get closer to them, especially when they live in another country.
Rings formerly known as First Nation, is Abby Portner, Kate Rosko, and Nina Mehta. They all sing and play keyboard, drum, and guitar.
Last January, they released an album called Black Habit.
These 3 girls will come and perform in Paris at La Fleche d'Or, in March the 31st.
Is the name First Nation related in some way to the Native Americans / Indians?
It is and it isn't. It was meant to represent a world or sound-cry in opposition to the macintosh world we live in. Same as the First Nation. But when we really started to become a band, it seemed like an inappropriate appropriation, since being in a band is different, and less important politically, than identifying as a racial and cultural group.
Why did you have to change the band name?
For the reason above, and the timing, with a new member and a new album.
Your first album has been released on Paw-Tracks Records, in 2006. How did you get in contact with them?
Dave from AC (Animal Collective) was at our first show, First Nation at lit 3 years ago. And he asked us to open for AC a few months later at the Bowery ballroom.
Melissa Livaudais from Telepathe, was initially part of the crew on your first album. Why did she leave the band?
Kate: Melissa and I used to fight a lot and she really wanted to work on a specific style of music. Her vision was maybe less collaborative or something. Telepathe is cool, do you listen to them?
Let's talk about your scene. Are you related to any scene in New York? For instance, artists such like Gang Gang Dance, Animal Collective, Ariel Pink, Black Dice are getting big in Europe. Do you feel part of that specific scene?
All those people in all those bands are our friends, and really inspiring!
It seems like in New York, since 9/11, there is a breeding-ground for an emergent arty scene of weird, psychedelic, and experimental music. Do you think that 9/11, in some way, has bound the underground and artistic culture arising inward strength into collectivity?
All of it existed before 9/11! but the impact of that event is very present in our subconsciousness, as a city and a people, for sure.
In my opinion, your music is really feminine, very airy and delicate.
"Female Trance" could be a feminist ode to women. Is there any politic positions in your art?
Yes, we are always making music for women. This is a very complicated question. I think we are trying to incorporate harder sounds, like drums and bass into what start out as very feminine and delicate compositions.
You said that you are influenced by r&b, hip hop and folk music.What's your favorite hip hop and r&b artists?
Warrior Queen, Icebox, Sensual Seduction.
What were your first impressions (political or/and artistic) about Europe, especially France, when you where there last year?
That people were more culturally oriented and listened to the music that was being played.
RINGS
