INTERVIEW:
Michael Jablonka
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I am pleased there is a new single out from Michael Jablonka…
so I can catch up and see where he is heading. He tells me about Flump and where the song came from; what sort of music was on his bedroom floor as a child; if there are any new artists worth seeking out – Jablonka reveals a couple of gigs coming up.
I ask the musician about his idols and which three albums mean the most to him; he tells me how a retro piece of gaming provides a great way to unwind; whether there will be more material coming later in the year – he ends the interview by selecting a classic track from 1967.
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Hi, Michael. How are you? How has your week been?
I’m ok, thanks. Just been going to gigs and getting ideas down. Same ol’, same ol’.
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
I’m Michael Jablonka - or you can call me ‘Jabo’. My band and I play a concoction of loud Indie-Rock music around London.
Tell me about the inspiration behind Flump. I presume it does not come from the T.V. show or the popular marshmallow sweet?!
Hate to say it, but when my band I started playing it, it instantly reminded me of the sweet. Maybe it had something to do with the tones we were getting in that moment. In essence, though, it’s really just about letting loose: a lot of the music I’m writing at the moment has a theme of idealism in it.
Do songs sort of start as jams and build from there? How would a typical song come to be?
In Flump’s case, yes. I played the riff to my band and we built it up from there fairly quickly. Usually, I record different variations of a demo at home and then it’s a matter of recalibrating lyrics, structure…
It seems, with every release, you get bigger and more confident. Would that be fair to say?
It’s quite hard to gauge as a writer - I tend to pluck inspiration wherever I can; try and make something of it and hope it gets received well. I’m glad you think so, though (smiles).
Will there be more material coming along? Might we see a new E.P.?
There’s loads of music I wanna get out of my system, but it’s all a matter of timing I guess. They’ll definitely be a new single out during the summer. Fingers crossed an E.P. comes out for autumn.
Take me back to your childhood and the cassettes and C.D.s on the floor. Can you picture what you were listening to?
Bob Marley greatest hits album, Legend, was always out in the open. The Power by Snap! drove me crazy but was my brothers favourite. Run-D.M.C. vs. Jason Nevis’ It’s Like That was my jam.
When did music come into your life? Was there an artist or album that lit the fuse?
It felt like it was always there but I remember, when I was about twelve, my family and I went to a dinner party and my friend showed me the (Red Hot) Chili Peppers album, By the Way, on his MiniDisc player.
The first time I heard Universally Speaking, I think set everything into motion. It made me feel so good and it was around that time I started messing with the guitar - and the thought of making other people happy made me feel like that was what I wanted to do.
Can we see you tour this year? What gigs do you have coming along?
This year is mainly about creating music but there are a few gigs here and there. Would be nice to branch out of London a bit more. For now:
30th June @ The Finsbury
3rd August @ Fieldview Festival
Others dates T.B.C. throughout autumn.
What do you hope to achieve in 2018?
I wanna create as much as possible and develop a more distinctive sound as a songwriter.
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?
Playing the Royal Albert Hall last year with Michael Kiwanuka is, by far, my favourite memory in music...so far.
Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?
Ah man; that’s so difficult! Ok…
Nirvana - Nirvana; The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Electric Ladyland and The Avalanches - Since I Left You (a bit left-field but it always makes me happy).
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
Don’t overthink things - and make music you love…
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
The first few that come to mind are...
BODEGA, The Shacks and Boy Azooga.
IN THIS PHOTO: Boy Azooga
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
I think I’m in too deep with music to chill these days. I did recently buy a Nintendo Classic Mini so, if I’m fed up, I’ll play Zelda or Super Metroid and have music playing in the background. Or, I’ll just watch Gilmore Girls…
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your
music - I will do that).
The Velvet Underground & Nico - Sunday Morning
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