Interview with Angel Deradoorian
(uncredited photo via MySpace)
While the Dirty Projectors Bitte Orca is already generating a stir before the album has even been released, DP bassist/vocalist Angel Deradoorian’s solo debut has hit the shelves weeks before her band’s record. Though obviously very busy balancing her two projects, Deradoorian took some time to answer a few questions from Culture Bully’s Jon Behm about her future plans for her own work as well as that of the Dirty Projectors. While the young lady may be too serious to joke around, by the sound of it she is looking forward to some rip-roaring crazy rock n’ roll times: Zep-style.
Jon Behm: I have never heard the surname Deradoorian before. What’s the genealogy?
Angel Deradoorian: It’s of the Armenian heritage. My grandfather is from Armenia and brought the name over in his great exodus to the west.
JB: With a solo album out this year, as well as the collaboration with Dirty Projectors, which side of the spectrum do you see yourself moving towards? Or do you want to continue to do both?
AD: I would like to continue to do both.
JB: How differently (or similarly) do you approach your own music as opposed to your work with DP?
AD: Well, I am the primary writer in my band. Dave is the primary writer in Dirty Projectors. So making my solo stuff is a much more introverted and elongated experience while working in my band is learning parts with my band mates and working it out as a collective. Those are the two very important aspects to me to learn in becoming a musician, I feel very privileged to be able to have both.
(“Perfect Pitch” video via Time Out New York)
JB: What’s the significance of calling your debut EP Mind Raft?
AD: The significance is something I would like one to find on their own. It might sound like a stupid title, but I bet there’s somethin’ special lying around in there.
JB: Any solo touring in the future, or mostly just with the band?
AD: Dirty Projectors style this year. It’s gonna be great.
JB: It’s difficult to classify your solo work (and your work with DP) but it’s pretty safe to say that it is fairly experimental. What’s your musical background and how has it influenced your sound?
AD: I’m not sure what my musical background is. Took lessons for different instruments and experienced them all in separate ways. Just having jam sessions on all those different instruments is probably what has helped me figure out my sound, but I’m still not really sure what that is.
(uncredited photo via MySpace)
JB: Does being part of the Brooklyn music scene result in a lot of collaborative/creative influence floating around?
AD: I’m sure it does for a lot of bands. It is a very eclectic scene. For me? I feel everything around me can be influential, wherever. There are a lot of creative minds in this part and that can be very inspiring.
JB: Out of all the instruments you play which do you think is the most dynamic? Or to rephrase: which do you feel like you have the most potential with as far as developing your sound further?
AD: None of them do. I want to think of making the music as a whole. It’s hard to think of it that way in the beginning stages writing on one instrument, but I’d like to steer clear of that idea. I think that the more life experience I receive will be what ultimately furthers the development of my music. I’m a young one, need some more crazy times under my belt. If only I got to be in Led Zeppelin…
JB: Do you have a favorite method to develop/work on new material?
AD: No preferred method. I think it changes depending on the point I am at in my life. It seems to be ever changing which can be good and bad.
JB: Do you know any good jokes?
AD: I am incredibly serious.
