Khruangbin Plays Through Their Global Music Influences | Reverb.com
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- Опубліковано 15 лис 2024
- Khruangbin blends global music, classic soul, dub and psychedelia to concoct their signature sounds, and today Laura Lee (bass), Mark Speer (guitar), and Donald Ray "DJ" Johnson Jr. (drums) stopped by to chat about their influences, their creative process, and close things out with a live performance of their song "August 10."
Read more on Reverb: goo.gl/dZJmCG
Browse Khruangbin on LP: goo.gl/b3Ty85
More from Khruangbin: goo.gl/16yWrP
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i see mad people on all these videos disrespecting the drummer. that dude is playing so clean and tight and understands completely how music works.
They are a band they all work together to make this music i say he is doing just as good as a job as the rest of them !
he's been in the pocket so long he doesn't know how to get out. unbelievable drummer
Drummer : 🍔🍟🍕🌭🥪🌮🌯🍳🍞🍿🥡
People who don't play drums or understand drumming diss him cause he's not rockin' hard. His whole thing is that he plays suuuuuuuper tight and low volume. Literally his style, and it's really cool. Not every drummer needs to play like every other drummer out there.
If Khruangbin had a typical rock drummer you’d find it difficult to differentiate them from other band in this genre. Drummers like this is unheard of in these type of bands and that is what make your head bounce listening to such a chilled out sound.
The drummer sits in the pocket, truly a crazy skill that most don't understand. Awesome Drummer!
They said he lays down the first track when they build a tune…then Laura adds bass. So could it be Laura Who’s in the pocket?
@@ili626 no. pocket is something that only truly happens when playing together. Laura could listen to the drum tracks he sends while at home and obviously try to be sound the pocket while laying down her bass tracks… but pocket is electric, it’s a miraculous back and forth that only really exists when vibing off each other live.. while tracking you want to emulate live pocket. iykyk
On paper they should be pretentious, but they really do know their shit. They're not just listening to obscure music to act like they're better then you. They're students of music and it shows. Most original sound I've heard in a while.
They remind me of Weather Report backinaday.
Exactly. Very fresh indeed. Something new! In the vast sea of audio blah out there. These guys stand tall
@austin78993 technically, on paper, the joys & pleasures of music & culture have existed long before the modern day music snob..
not everyone who listens to an array of music from varied backgrounds and cultures is 'pretentious', whether they are students of music or not;
but honestly, don't put too much time into those social schools of thought, they miss the point entirely of what music is supposed to be all about.
my eclectic tastes likely comes from over a decade of multi-instrumental playing and making of music,
it all just comes down to people enjoying sounds✨🎶💛🎶✨
Right? I love when hearing a musician outside there music improves their image to you instead of degrades it
nailed it. I don't think it's easy to do what they do, either. No voc, just a 3-piece and a sound you haven't heard anywhere else, and the concert just goes past so quick. That's hard to do. Also, although the guitarist says its not a guitar-centred band, he's so critically important to keeping it musical and interesting. And technically, he's class, as far as I can tell.
they got a drummer that luckily is content with playing the most chilled drums in history
DJ is like the most down to earth dude
Just one musical ass dude that loves playing cold ass tunes
their drummer is so sick
He's super steady, and those licks are tight and clean. No shame in the big man hunched over that kit dropping metronome down for show.
😂
@@NotSoDaftGamecraftdon't forget those base lines. That's where the magic happens.
this band was my coolest discovery of 2018
Way, way back in 2018 lol
my thoughts exactly
Ditto.
I second that! now I get to see them in Australia! thanks Spotify for the recommendation love these guys
Likewise
That is some of the best guitar tone Ive heard in a while.
and its just a boss DS1 for all the cork sniffers, haha
@@44dognut and a wah in the up position on all the time
Ever better than a Vox?😊
@@omarcapaso7156 I replicated Marc set up and an single coil on the neck, wah wah always on and up, and a spring reverb IS essential for his tone.
@@PragmaticDany His neck pu is actually a DiMarzio Cruiser humbucker wired out of phase. He wired it wrong by accident but thought it sounded cool, so he left it.
Can this style of interview become some sort of Reverb Series? I like that it focuses more on the influences and process behind their music instead of just asking them to tell the story of how the band formed for the 30th time.
Kerry Webb definitely felt like they were more relaxed as opposed to repetitive interviews. Felt more human
Agree! Great format.
Yes PLEASE! Also more songs at the end or inbetween ... it cannot hurt :)
+1
Revolver does a bunch - I was particularly inspired by MJK's "Art of Work" series. Love the holistic whole lol
Mastadon also published their whole process, cancers and all, after Emperor of Sand was released. #terrans
I know everyone fangirls Laura and rightfully so. She’s legitimately cool. But Mark needs waaay more praise for his expertise of making his guitar sound like different instruments.
He is amazing! And very talented! To articulate all those lyrics into melody!
Mark is fucking cracked at the fucking guitar
Because laura is a cutie
SIMPS abound!
@Will Iamnot That statement rings true in the tracks they produce, but it is pretty thoroughly debunked in this interview and all the playing styles he goes through.
Being an Ethiopian American, its so dope to see my people's music influencing a group such as khruangbin. I love their music so much because of their expanse knowledge of music around the globe. Definitely my favorite musical discovery of 2018!
Your country has produced some wonderful music
the birthplace of many great things
My Discovery too,my favorite Band now
I’d like to get into Ethiopian music, who do you recommend I listen to?
Oakland Art check out Samuel Yirga
"this pentatonic scale gets everywhere man"
it's true... you can find it in almost every kind of ethnic music.
So true, asian melodies are often pentatonic too.
It is indeed pretty much everywhere.
like sand
it's funny because I find Western music uses it in the least "pentatonic sounding" way, particularly when comparing it to Asian or African music
I just love how everything has space to breath. When I listen to them I find hearing floats around to the different instruments. It's like listening to a conversation where three people all have really good points, but nobody is shouting over each other.
Such a lush band. Love em! 😍
You nailed it with this comment. Exactly how I feel about this music. Love how much space there is in this music. Reminds me of this stuff (different genre, but same feeling of spaciousness. A polite conversation between musical souls) open.spotify.com/album/0fMF7aim8clEaoSbyGMyhQ?si=7ipKK6cbSPGfdU2TmRHKLQ
In a world where everything is over compressed and over mastered so that it's as loud as humanly possible without overdriving speakers we forget how great a little headroom sounds.
definitely!
djvertical You describe it perfectly!!! English isn’t my maternal language so to put my ideas in a more poetic way it’s hard for me. I also love them!
How wonderfully put. Thank you for your comment (how silly-sounding... I just am grateful, is all :) )
The rhythm section is the perfect canvas for Mark to paint everything he’s absorbed. They have chops, but it’s not about that. It’s service to the music, and it shows- nobody clambering for the spotlight, just finding the pocket.
This is the truth.
The guitar is so good but even without it it still such a groove
Quirkiest band of our times, genius guitar playing, groovy basslines and solid beats. In love with their music from the first day I discovered them
Same here, dude.
I agree w all this, but phish is def the quirkiest band of our time lol kh is groovy smoothness
Gogol Bordello is the quirkiest band. I think they call themselves gypsy punk.
Chicano Batman is pretty quirky and have a somewhat similar sound... there's lots of them out there if you know where to look.
lmfao "of our time" -you pretentious prick lolol
It's a crime you didn't ask the drummer the same question as others!
RIGHT?!?
That's because he's the drummer. You don't ask the drummer questions.
@@jaymann5180 you do if you actually know anything about music and realize he’s probably the most important member of the band
@@notapplicable328 That maybe true, but he's still the drummer.
@@jaymann5180 i don’t really see your logic but alright
I love how they are such calm people. You really tell that their souls are quiet. ❤️
Yep. Not to get all woo woo but they seem spiritually.. balanced
August 10 is one the most chill songs I've ever heard. Just can't get enough of it.
Don't think I have listened to that one, I will certainly check it out!
I could ride that bass line into the sunset.
Friday Morning too
Mark's such a damn beast. His rhythm playing is so on point.
That's what happens when you play the guitar for a living 8 hours a day everyday haha.
John Fruiscante
The fact Speer pulls from (an almost lost style) of Thai funk that was (ironically) influenced by 60's San Fran psyche, plus reggae and dub, and perhaps a bit of that Dick Dale surf (or even surf-psyche), Ethiopian guitar (harp), as well as the soul classics like Ernie Isley and Hendrix is really a masterful blend, not to mention a cultural mindfuck. From an engineering perspective, considering they work in all their double-tracking live, I think Speer's level of understanding reverb and feedback is actually fairly underrated for how short of a time he's been on the scene. I'm sure I'm not the only one that when they first heard Khruangbin thought it was mostly produced after the fact in studio. Seeing it live gives a much better appreciation. With this being said, I can see how some would assume the music is a bit 'unfinished' in comparison to a band like Skinshape, for example. It's just a cool, lower vibe.
Great comment, I often think about this. Mark's style is absolutely incredible
I hear a lot of Thai Morlam music in there too. Wonderful stuff.
And now I'm in a Skinshape hole, thanks!
What’s a mindfuck ?
I hear the influence of Peter Green.
Donald Johnson skillfully preserves the most amount of calories of any drummer going whilst maintaining the groove. The chilled metronome of the three-way dynamic.
Legend has it the atomic clock was set to him.
@@onefastmini There's actually little tiny clones of Donald Johnson in every atomic clock, extra tiny cocktail kit included.
The DRUMMER is PERFECT for the vibe and style of their music.....💯💛💛💛💛🔥👍🏽
The simplicity of Khruang is something magical. I bought a bass just to play Laura's lines.
I love how they are total music nerds. And it translates to such beautiful music.
The Vietnamese opera he talks about is "Vọng cổ". A traditional art in Southern Vietnam
Thanks, dude! I spent the whole night looking for it before I noticed your comment :)
In the south it’s dọng cổ cuz we’re too lazy to pronounce any V. Lol
ha! keep searching for "vaugh cold" . Cứ nghĩ họ có từ riêng cho " cải lương" mà ko nghĩ là ổng phát âm " Vọng Cổ"
Incredible musicians. ALL of them. I love Laura's bass playing, it's very seductive. Mark's chops and rhythms are Shamanic in nature, they really put you in another world. DJ's timing is so accurate that the Atomic Clock would be jealous.
Well written!
There's something kinda amazing in such restraint from the drummer, he knows exactly where he fits and sits back into it perfectly.
I found these guys one night, headphones on, while tripping absolute balls on my own in the dark. Listening to “the universe smiles upon you” was like some kind of revelation. Have had a massive hardon for them since, would love to see them live someday
I'll forever thank pitchfork for classic long form video performance .. That needs to be pressed to wax ... This interview was a New Years treat . This band is special
Yes that´s my go to Khruangbin album. Don´t ever touch the rest anymore :p
That was the thing that got me into the band. Absolutely blew me away.
August 10 never fails to calm me down and immediately puts me in that lazy summer afternoon vibe. So cool.
First song that did that for me was "Jane Says" off of Kettle Whistle. And then more upbeat... My Cats Name is Maceo. Great album.
This band makes me proud to be from Texas. Frito pie, Whataburger, and Khruangbin. Comfy.
Don't be proud, because you have no contribution in you being from Texas. You happen to have been born or live there.
Abraham lol what
John Rather I feel you, dude. I just moved to Brooklyn NY and I grew up in Houston. Lived there for all my life up until now and there’s so many things that I already miss that’s way different in Texas lol. Something as simple as gestures and communication.
Abraham You’re no fun.
@@Abrahamhamham just because we dont have any do or say in where we are born, doesn't mean that we cant be happy with or proud of having picked up the manners, characteristics and stylings of our surroundings.
Greetings from Groningen.
Moi!
He's high life/ Africa guitar playing makes my heart melt due to the love, the appreciation and how he then in turn used it to form the lyrical guitar sound within Khaurangbin. It's a chefs kiss honestly. 💙
Laura Lee is the official alternative dream-girl of 2019
(carryover champion from 2018)
When she dips her knees with the rhythm I swear to God that shit drives me CRAZY. It's not really that explicit kind of a body movement, but something about how she does that I really feel like jumping her bones when she dips her knees on certain beats. Something just feels so erotic for me when she does that.
@@Rubin4749 Hips swaying to the beat suddenly reminded me of snakecharmers..
Bass BAE... after Kim Deal of course.
@@Rubin4749 Dude, watching those hip sways got me pregnant. And I'm a MAIN!
Mark has one of the most original sounds I have heard in decades. Complete story teller and melodic player.
The guitarist looks like the most wise man on earth. But he keeps it cool.
You could actually be standing in the room without earplugs. Low volume, but what intense sound quality. More bands should force themselves to play quietly.
It really makes a big difference, especially, for the vocalists and, really, anyone but distorted electric guitar or sax players.
it gives so much more room to feel and build dynamics. so often someone's ego is trying to out loud everybody. music is about creating together
Spent a few years learning to keep all my chops while playing as quietly as possible.... Difficult but other musicians and sound guys appriciate it sooo much. Such a value dynamics are everything.
Yes but fuck there's nothing like feeling the kick of a loud live band, the most important thing is to play dynamically. Quiet parts make big parts sound huuuuge, no matter your overall volume
Playing softly bring out the tones on drums and allows for recording dynamics easier. It allows engineers to raise the gain on preamps and let the mics capture the sound most people are generally trying to get.
If you have ever heard Khruangbin live, you'll know why (arguably) Mark is one of the best guitar players there is. In regards to some of the influence that other cultures have had on Khruangbin, I like Mulatu Astatke from Ethiopia.
I love listening to Mark explain music and how he plays. He strikes me as a "true" fan of music (not to sound elitist, mind you), someone who just enjoys and appreciates all kinds of music for its own sake without getting tied down to the same old tropes and styles. It's the kind of guitarist and music aficionado I aspire to be.
Seriously, one of the most original bands of the present day. Bless them.
I'm an old rock and roller and I really dig these people, what a cool groove they have.
The drummer actually has an expression. My life is now complete.
As a 65 yr old hard rock guitarist, this is some of the most original and interesting music I've heard in decades. Especially impressed with the bass player. They're all very talented artists.
Mother of all special episodes from reverb! Khruangbin
I want to meet them! I have been listening to them almost everyday during Quarantine 🙌🏼✨ best thing I could come into this year🌻
4:59 that position shift was so fast, it looked like a jump cut. Love these guys, all wonderful players.
Reminds me of a jumping spider.
It looks like a jump in the video. Watch the same movement 2 seconds later and there's no jump.
Would have enjoyed hearing more
from the drummer, his influences and process. He's amazing
From what I know he grew up playing piano in church, has produced a lot of hip hop music in Houston, worked with just about any Houston artist you can think of he played trumpet and drums in band in high school I went to school with him my whole life he likes all kinds of music and is an amazing person one of the nicest people I've ever known
I watched Mark live a year ago, he is an absolutely aficionado on the guitar. I was absolutely mind blown by how good he is.
They're so talented and knowledgeable it's intimidating just listening to them
This band is so open to different cultures of music, it's so refreshing to hear -- it blows away expectations of
what you'd normally hear. More power and success to them. Tight drum/bass section!
The first comment on here was the first instance I realized anyone could have any problem with the drummer. As a drummer, I have so much respect for the way he plays. Perfect pocket, excellent Dynamics. I respect that he plays EXACTLY what each track needs
Always been a fan of Air's song "La Femme d'Argent" and its vibe which Khruangbin have accomplished as well as bringing their own influence into the mix!
One of my favourite songs ever!
La Femme d'Argent is totally up there with this bass line in terms of overall vibe.. couldn't agree more. Actually, Moon Safari in general. Now I finally get why I like this band lol.
LOVE THEM. Just discovered this band last night. Less than 12 hours later I am now slightly obsessed. That's the magic of their sound, vibe, groove, soul.
This band plays some gorgeous music. To be able to express yourself like that, fuck I’m jealous
All 3 of them are cute and confident as well
amazing band..no more words. they asked Mark how he feels on stage during a concert, what he feels... and he answered: I enjoy Laura Lee's wonderful bass riffs.
I love all three. Each is an artist and a collective woven tapestry
After a first listen, I felt a reassuring calm. There are so many flashy-first groups nowadays, it’s refreshing to hear something so minimal yet so spacious. Love it!
Just once, I would love to see them perform where DJ wears one of those wigs while Mark and Laura wear skin-tone skull caps. 🙃🥰
Apparantly people are dissing the drummer?....My first, first thought that came to me listening to this video was "Christ! How good is that drummer! Not once are you taken out of the groove. Just amazing!
Khruangbin is the illest shit. Wonderful to hear them break down their sound and influences ...
They make such beautiful music and that's the only adjective you could come up with?
@@Abrahamhamham You came up with beautiful. Genius Abraham! Gold star for you! On a serious note this is the youtube comment section, he's not writing prose man.
@@Abrahamhamham “ill” is a higher compliment than the stale adjective “beautiful”. Or was your last comment not satire? Bless your little heart
@@DefenestrateYourself When you're on mdma, "ill" is not really a word you vibe with while listening to this kind of music. Idk, that's just how i felt then.
By far the most lovable band ever.
Does Mark have an understated flair about him or is it just me? I sense humble and massively talented. I like the chemistry Johnson, Lee and Speer bring.
This bass tone is absolutely wild.
Great music love their minimalist trippy style. Good to play on a warm summer night.
Thank you to the Universe that this trio met and meshed. Dope af!
"Not a guitar driven band...I just take the place of the lead singer, is all."
HAHAH so pretentious
Pretentious is the last word I'd use about these guys. They are the very antithesis of pretension.
@@spurioustransients lmao I wouldn't say that broo....I like khruangbins music but just look at the drummers face LOLOL it says it all
@@PJTheCurryGod Do you mean that look of dead cold focus?
@@PJTheCurryGod C'mon... ua-cam.com/video/hr7ScpVj1QY/v-deo.html
"I try to not play the roots, because she plays the root all the time" That's something my teachers from music school always told me. This guys knows what's up. pro musicians
What does root mean in music ?
The root is the note that gives its name and the tonality of the chord.
Ex: the note A is the root of A minor chord, or A major chord, etc.
It applies the same with scale, i believe it’s called the tonic (but i’m not sure if it’s named like that in english). The tonic of A minor pentatonic is the note A.
so by that Mark tries not to sound redondant and previsible. Playing other notes around the roots create more tensions and it’s more interesting for the listener.
Game changer. I don't play an instrument but it's fascinating both to hear more about their influences and that they record live in the studio, no multi-tracks. Khruangbin are one of the bands I'm mostly looking forward to seeing live again.
I am glad the Guitarist is neither British or a Bassist, or he would be indistinguishable from Derek Smalls of Spinal Tap.
He is also a bassist
Everybody on here should go to your channel and check out your videos. Love your work! @agentXPQ
He wrote this
They both wear wigs at every performance!
@@coltonweatherston3308 he said this in an interview 😂
My new favorite band. Listening them play gives me hope for the day. Listening to their influences gives me hope for the world. Houston...Who knew?
Laura is quite simply the best thing. Ever.
These kids are the future and I love them all.
‘Friday Morning’ was the jump off for me w/ this band. Backlogged. Been hooked ever since!
What world we live in. This was great, all top class musicians. Totally fresh sound, but made up of varied old skool influences. Bravo 🙌
I've loved this band for years and years. I love their sound deeply, but even more, love their story and relationship with each other and with music from all over the world. They've managed to emulsify sounds from each continent, without being derivative.
I doubt I'll ever get over how much butter the Khruangbin sound is.
❤
Couldn’t be happier I have found love again. I’m talking about the music
My favorite band for a while now, such a great refreshing sound.
In love with this band since 2011🕺❤
Selam Seyoum is a national treasure. Thank you guys, keep up the good vibe and music coming. Respect.
Every single Khruangbin song is good.
They're so quiet. Feels like you need to hold your breath to really hear them.
I've struggled to find contemporary acts that I enjoy listening to as much as artists from the 60's-90's but these guys are the real deal!!!! Excited to see what they'll make in the future.
Good lord, where do you even begin? They are incredible on all levels.
Them playing August 10 is what drew me in to them. Godspeed and continued success.
Well everyone on here has beat me to the compliment but REVERB puhleeeeeeeze.....make this your new interview format from now on. This was one of my fave bands from 2018 and this upload is perfect for the New Year. The Bass playing......Guitar tone.......that crispy drummer.....I never tire of heaping praise on this trio!!
Just saw them in concert last night. Easily one of the best musical / concert experiences of my life.
what a sick guitar player. So talented and inspired
Getting hooked on this group. The drummer is locked in. Gotta love em.
damn these riffs are burned into my mind after doing a three night run in LA with them last year. the fucking kindest people you will ever meet.
What an amazing group of musicians. The west African and Asian influences add a welcome innovation and flavor to their material. Bravo!
Thanks to these 3 brave souls who once again show if you "dig in" there is still genius & new things to found in basic trio and simple instruments
Just discovered this group a couple of months ago. Such a chill sound.
The perfect example of Making music universal
And that human feelings are the same
Will bring their albums to my grave. What a band. Soul musicl of the Universe.
Yesterday, a friend introduced me to Khruangbing and I listened to their music all day long and went to bed with their tunes. Best start into this new year ever. I needed these vibes so badly. Healing energy.
This band is a gift to the music loving world. Tell your friends about them.
Love to hear Mark talk about his influences. So open to everything he finds beautiful and interesting.
Laura Lee 😍♥️💕
Smokin!
She’s fit
Amen. Inspiration, for sure
These musicians deserve to be a Hit!
Speer definitely makes her sing without a doubt. Master of his trade.
Pure music in it's richest form...it hits the soul in peace, no need for analysis
The tone and melody of that damn guitar at 7:15 is about make me cry. Its soo beautiful. It sounds like live love relax and laugh expressed beautifully.
Love these quiet recordings, really let’s that bass shine
Ah now I understand why they sound so good to perfection. They have a great science to the method. Dopest band I found out about in 2019 just off one rabbit hole jazz search for the day
Me too!
I'm late to the party. But now i get to take the journey for the first time... I might end up listening to this so much that someone will stage an intervention! Let them! I'm in bliss.