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Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Grant Curry of Flood Twin. Among other things, we touch on what he’s been up to during the lockdown, Flood Twins’ newest music, his opinion of the music scene today, and what he’s looking forward to the most once COVID-19 breaks.
If you would like to learn more about Flood Twin, you can head to their Bandcamp page, and dig in. Also, check out the band’s webpage here. Once you’ve done that, check out this interview with Grant. Cheers.
Andrew:
Grant, I appreciate you taking the time today. How have you been holding up over the last year or so? What have you been up to?
Grant:
I’ve put most of my focus on getting this Flood Twin album together and, finally, released. Normally, I’d be doing some productions in my recording studio, but the pandemic has been great for myself, J., and Sterling, with us, recording in September 2020, and mixing in October 2020.
Andrew:
Before we dive into your professional career, let’s go back a bit. What first got you hooked on music?
Grant:
When I was in 3rd grade, I started playing the cello. I loved the way it made me feel to play it. The cello didn’t stick around, but the feelings did. I moved on to guitar and ultimately, found my strongest voice on bass.
Andrew:
Who were some of your early influences?
Grant:
There was one Beatles record in our home when I was young. That certainly had a big impact on me. It was probably when I started buying records on my own that I really started to be influenced by artists such as Talking Heads, The Clash, Otis Redding, and Bob Marley. Reggae and Post-Punk really got my attention. I’d gotten into PiL, Gang of Four, and more abrasive stuff that would also shape my musical future.
Andrew:
Let’s talk about recent events first. Tell us about your new release, Flood Twin. Tell us about your debut album and how it came together.
Grant:
I’d been writing and recording a fair amount of material on my own after my previous band, Pleasure Club, split up. I wasn’t releasing anything and realized I wouldn’t be satisfied until I had a proper band together. J. and I started working together, and I found our musical collaboration to be very stimulating. We put a number of songs together before looking for a drummer. Sterling was an immediate choice, and his joining us set the band on fire. The material developed further very quickly, and we thought it best to capture the intensity and make the album while there was still a raw quality present. We only took four days tracking in Atlanta, and then went immediately in to mix with Ethan Allen in Los Angeles.
Andrew:
Tell us about the journey which led the members of Flood Twin to come together?
Grant:
I think I just related some of that, but it’s important to note that Sterling and I had a history playing, and touring heavily together in the 90s. We’ve got a great musical language with each other. J. was interested in what I had done previously and approached me about doing something together. He’s a brilliant talent, and we’re fortunate to have him sculpting the upper half of our sound with his intriguing minimalist approach.
Andrew:
Lyrical themes on your new record cover a lot of bases, let’s dive in there a bit. What is the overarching message you’re trying to convey with your debut record? What do you want your listeners to take away?
Grant:
My lyrical repetition is intended to induce feeling, and provoke thought. There are images present that come from dream states, and there are social issues as well. I’m not necessarily trying to tell anyone how to think about things such as gender, or racial issues, or humanitarian concerns within the world order, but I sure the fuck am saying these are things people should be considering, and talking about. Our world and society are pretty challenged, and this isn’t a good time to sit back and let others figure it out. Get with it. Do something positive, even if it’s small.
Andrew:
Between the incredible sonic shifts in sound, and the poignant lyricism, this record could potentially be a defining moment for you. Would you say this is a true statement record for you as Flood Twin stakes its claim amongst its peers?
Grant:
Absolutely — yes. This is the pinnacle of my artistic career. I think the whole band would say the same for themselves. What really defines this moment for me is how much I care about what we’ve made, and not where it leads or gets us. The gift is the album itself. This album was made with such strong intention, and intensity, and our commitment to our vision is firm. There are obvious influences present along with a unique personality.
Andrew:
Easy ones now. What are a few of your favorite albums, and why?
Grant:
PiL’s Metal Box — there’s so little going on, and that’s so captivating to me. The Pop Group’s Y — the blend of influences, Jazz, Dub, and Punk, come together with such severity on this. Social issues are in your face, and there’s no hiding from them. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds’ From Her To Eternity — I love The Birthday Party as well and this, the first Bad Seeds album, is so extraordinary to me.
Andrew:
What other passions do you have? How do those passions inform your music, if at all?
Grant:
I work in visual art as well, primarily ink on paper. The minimalist quality of that work deeply informs my musical world. The two mediums are always intersecting for me. I enjoy going to art museums and often find myself with new musical inspirations following a visit.
Andrew:
In your opinion, what is the state of the music business these days? Should artists be hopeful? Scared? Both?
Grant:
Being an independent artist in a band that has no mainstream leanings or widespread popular viability, I just don’t have any reason to concern myself much with The Music Business. I’ve been in situations before with major deals, and huge money. The pressure to make music to sell was so intense. I’m certainly happy to be making art without those pressures and relying on the help of our publicist, and the rest of our small team to get the word out about Flood Twin. There’s certainly an audience out there for us, and we have to work hard to find it. None of this is easy, but it is worthwhile, and there’s empowerment in DIY. I’d say this is a good time for some artists, and not so good for others. It’s a long conversation. For myself, I’m hopeful.
Andrew:
Last one. What’s next on your docket? What are you looking forward to most in the post- COVID world?
Grant:
We’re laying low for the time being with the exception of a small handful of shows. We certainly hope to be touring in the year ahead. I’m hoping people will continue to get vaccinated. I know people who have been resistant to the vaccines that are now reconsidering their position and doing it. I’ve lost people to COVID, and hope very much not to lose more people I love.
Interested in sampling the work of Flood Twin? Check out the link below:
Dig this interview? Check out the full catalog of VWMusic Interviews, by Andrew Daly, here: www.vinylwritermusic.com/interviews
