Following on from a string of highly-praised offerings throughout the last few months, Leeds-based duo neontown are back on the grind once again to deliver their eagerly-awaited new album 'L.A. Fame'.
Featuring the previously shared gems 'West Coast Time', 'Malibu' and 'Leaving California', this new eleven-track collection makes for a dazzling return for them. Channelling more of that broad and electrifying hyperpop-inspired aesthetic they are known for, 'L.A. Fame' makes for a dazzling return to form for them.
So with the new album available to stream now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has been inspiring them most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
We play piano (Aure) and guitar (Jac). We both started playing music when we were very young but the best part was when we started experimenting with music production.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
We actually have pretty different music taste lol I’m more of an all day pop kind of music (Aure) ; and I’m more into pop/punk (Jac), but we think that we kinda started influencing each other with what we listen to and that’s how we also shaped our sound.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Aure: mine was Britney Spears My Prerogative Greatest Hits. I still remember the excitement the first time I listened to it!
Jac: for me it was definitely Under My Skin by Avril Lavigne. It still is one of my favourite albums ever.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Aure: Britney Spears - Toxic. The perfect pop song, no one can hate it.
Jac: there are so many songs that I wished I could have written myself! It’s hard to pick one.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Wouldn’t say it is a habit, but we try to present to each other ideas and start brainstorming and playing with melodies. The most important bit is to make sure we are in a cozy and welcoming environment and we try to get rid of distractions.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Charli XCX and I am currently obsessed with the new Camila Cabello’s album!
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Lady Gaga would be THE dream.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Definitely playing live and seeing people have fun, dance and sing along. There’s no better feeling.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Possibly the fact that the game has changed so much and it’s a lot on how much you can push your brand through socials rather than just letting the music do the talking. There’s definitely lots of pros with social media, but it definitely took some magic away as it feels so much pressure to create content and a following with your own money and resources before you’d even get offered any kind of help.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Never compare your journey to someone else’s. It can get frustrating and you can start spiraling , so if anyone out there needs this advice: FOLLOW IT
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neontown's new album 'L.A. Fame' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.