Jon Porras and Evan Caminiti aka Barn Owl have always specialised in devotional darkness, pushing desert rock into previously unexplored, murky territories. Now with their fifth record V released earlier this year, it helped mark a shift in approach for Barn Owl by augmenting their arsenal of guitars and effects with an array of electronics, and have decided to bring their live show to Australia to headline shows in Sydney and Melbourne.
Your fifth album, V, was released this year. How do you think it compares with your older material?
Electronic instruments played a much bigger role in this record compared to previous material. We’ve always utilised synthesizers but they played a less prominent role in the past. For V, we recorded live takes at Lucky Cat with Phil Manley and then edited them at my home studio, rather than taking the direct-to-tape approach of some previous records. There was a greater emphasis on the manipulation of source material and abstracting sound sources to create something new.
In 2010 you started your own label, Electric Totem. Do you find it difficult to manage it while you’re on the road? Got any news to share about upcoming releases or new signings you’d like to spruik?
Electric Totem as a label has actually only had one release which was in 2009. So it’s never been difficult to manage.
You’re based in San Francisco. Can you tell us about the music scene there?
It’s really not that big of a city, so it’s generally pretty intimate when it comes to underground music. It can be fragmented, but there are great shows with a strong feeling of community. There is a venue called the Lab which is a gallery space that is our favorite place to play in the city.
You’ve toured throughout Europe, the UK and America this year. How has that been? What are your highlights?
It’s been really good. We had a fantastic time in Italy on our last tour. The UK was great as well, playing in St. Pauls Church in Birmingham was amazing. There was a proper sound system and that makes all the difference with our new material, and especially in a huge venue like a church. Playing unconventional spaces like churches, museums, and galleries is great for our sound, but it can be challenging to reach the necessary sonic density without sufficient power behind us.
You’re touring Australia for the first time ever in August, playing Totally Huge New Music Festival along with shows in Sydney in Melbourne. What can we expect from a Barn Owl show?
It will be loud. You may recognize some versions of songs from our records but there will be new material as well. I’d hate to ruin any surprises to let’s leave it at that.
Because it’s more fun to do things together, which living Australian artist would you collaborate with and why?
Oren Ambarchi immediately comes to mind. He is such a diverse and intriguing musician. His approach to guitar is totally unique and he is an amazing drummer.
What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod right now?
The new Autechre album, Rhythm and Sound, and Plastikman.
What are your plans for the rest of 2013?
We’re heading to Europe in September with a focus on Sweden and Poland. We’re also playing the Incubate Festival in the Netherlands. Other than that, we’re working on new material and possibly doing more live dates.
Where we can see you play next, what releases do you have available and where can we get them?
Please check www.electrictotem.com for all relevant info.
Thanks!
Barn Owl Australian Tour Dates
Wednesday August 7 – Goodgod Small Club, Sydney
Friday August 9 – Tura New Music presents: Totally Huge New Music Festival 2013 – The Opening Party, The Bakery, Perth with Haco (Japan) and Speak Percussion (Melbourne)
Saturday August 10 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
