After introducing themselves with their mesmerising initial offerings 'Purgatory' and 'Pedestal' this past year, San Jose-based duo comets near me are now looking to cement their legacy to date with their lofty debut EP 'Don't Pick The Flowers'.
Developing more of that warm and inviting folk-pop aesthetic they are building for themselves, this new four-track collection makes for an incredibly rich and alluring listen. Filled with broad and emotive textures, a sweeping atmosphere, and their own captivating vocals at the helm, 'Don't Pick The Flowers' is a vibrant introduction to their sound so far.
So with the new EP available to stream now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has been inspiring them most recently.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Guitar
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
All things emo.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Kyle: Straight Outta Lynwood - Weird Al Yankovic
Maria: A Little Bit Longer - The Jonas Brothers
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Kyle: Adams Song - Blink 182
Maria: Half Life - Imogen Heap
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
We have a 90s Casio keyboard that has preloaded instrumentals that you can manipulate. We often mess around with it when trying to write a new song. It usually starts off with us improving lyrics to an instrumental that might be a bit out of our wheelhouse – jazz, bluegrass, whatever. It’s a silly way to get the creative juices flowing but works.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Everything Everything, The Mountain Goats, Planet 81, fantasy of a broken heart, Macy Gray, Maggie Gently, Greg Mendez.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
boygenius
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Creative expression.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Being online.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Do it for yourself.
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comets near me's debut EP 'Don't Pick The Flowers' is available to stream now. Listen to it in the player below.