INTERVIEW: Blushing — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

PHOTO CREDIT: Kendall Chapman

Blushing

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THE brilliant Blushing…

have been telling me about their single, The Truth, and how the song came together. I ask whether there is more material coming along and how the band found one another; which album is most important to each member and what they have planned regards touring.

The U.S. band recommend some approaching artists to follow and tell me which artist they’d support given the chance; how they unwind away from music and what they have planned for 2019 – they each select a song to end the interview with.

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Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?

We are great! This week has been amazing. Our single, The Truth, was released on Friday and then on Sunday we went into the studio to start recording our full-length. We are answering these from the studio right now!

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourselves, please?

Christina Carmona on vocals and bass, Michelle Soto on guitar and vocals; Noe Carmona on guitar and Jake Soto on drums.

The Truth is your new single. Is there a story behind it?

Lyrically…it’s about how there can be many versions of the truth and sometimes we will choose to believe a version that may not be factual simply because it’s easier to or will cause less pain/controversy.

Will there be more material coming next year?

Yes. We are currently at The Bubble studios in Austin recording our debut full-length and are shooting for a release early-2019.

How did you all find one another? Were you friends before you started the band?

Jake and Noe were high-school friends from El Paso. They both ended up moving to Austin and Michelle and Christina met through them; then, in 2015, Michelle and Christina got together to write music and Blushing was formed.

PHOTO CREDIT: Kendall Chapman

It is strange to see two married couples in a band. It is sort of like Fleetwood Mac but with less drama! Do you think your music is lending a unique quality because of your bonds?

I think, as married couples, we know each other’s working style and musical preferences so well that it makes communication easier.

In terms of sounds/artists; who are Blushing inspired by?

Cocteau Twins, Wild Nothing; Lush, Smashing Pumpkins and Drab Majesty

Being based out of Austin; what is the music scene like there? Is it a great place to be?

There are a lot of great venues, great promoters and an abundance of music lovers. It’s definitely a great place to be if you want to play live.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

We hope to be finished recording and ready to press our next album.

Do you already have plans for 2019?

Big plans! We are lucky enough to come back in 2019 as official SXSW showcasing artists, we will be releasing our debut full-length and then going out on the road to tour.

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?

SXSW 2018 sticks out in all our minds as a pinnacle moment. We played a whirlwind of shows in one week and had an amazing time. It was exhausting but we were always having fun.

Which one album means the most to each of you would you say (and why)?

Christina: Nine Inch Nails – The Downward Spiral

The soundtrack to my youth.

Michelle: Smashing Pumpkins – Gish

It was the first C.D. I purchased on my own at Blockbuster Music. It changed my perception of what music could be and I still listen to it with the same awe and wonder decades later.

Noe: At the Drive-In – Relationship of Command

It was very inspiring seeing and hearing this kind of creativity; especially coming from my hometown.

Jake: Silverchair – Frogstomp

Seeing kids my age making music was inspiring and the first song I learned on guitar was Tomorrow - which led to me playing music till today.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

Slowdive. As long as we have Topo Chico, Sour Punch Straws; Takis and some original Coca-Cola.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

As cliché as it may sound, always remember to have fun. We see making music as a privilege and a way to enjoy those moments in between all the obligations.

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

November 3rd is our single release show at Cheer Up Charlie’s and also the label launch party for The Nothing Song Records, who helped us release our 7” single on vinyl. Winter (L.A.), Ringo Deathstarr; Rose Ette and Glaze will also be playing so we are super-excited. We are also playing November 14th with Holy Golden (N.Y.) and El Lago (Galveston) at Hotel Vegas in Austin.

IN THIS PHOTO: Wild Moccasins/PHOTO CREDIT: Arturo Olmos

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

El Lago, Flasher; Wild Moccasins and Holy Golden are coming out of our speakers quite often.

IN THIS PHOTO: Flasher

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

Music is our main mode of chilling. Outside of work and band stuff, we don’t have much free time but luckily we really enjoy doing band stuff so it works out!

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Christina: Sally Dige – Holding On