Silent Gnomes Interview
Q: Can you talk about the history of the band?
A: Silent Gnomes is essentially a solo project by myself, Samir Chandra. I started writing songs seriously in 2004, and throughout the years collected a substantial amount of material that I felt ready to start recording this year.
I have always gravitated towards projects that have a group name, but had one person pulling the strings. Part of the moniker Silent Gnomes is to hide behind a band name, but retain a solo identity.
Q: You mention you 70’s piano pop as an influence. Some of the songs reminded me of Elton John
and Billy Joel. Are there other people I’m missing?
A: I am definitely a fan of Elton, and Carole King is another piano pop star of that era I enjoy.
Q: What are some of the themes and topics you explore on your release Dream EP?
A: Interestingly enough, lyrics for me are an afterthought to the vocal melodies, so for me I wouldn't say there is a set theme, as a lot of my lyrics are tied to how they sound with the tune. There are moments in the EP (most notably Belong), where there is a distinct theme of alienation and sadness. However musically I hope to explore the theme of joy, and positive feelings overall.
Q: Can you talk about the history of the band?
A: Silent Gnomes is essentially a solo project by myself, Samir Chandra. I started writing songs seriously in 2004, and throughout the years collected a substantial amount of material that I felt ready to start recording this year.
I have always gravitated towards projects that have a group name, but had one person pulling the strings. Part of the moniker Silent Gnomes is to hide behind a band name, but retain a solo identity.
Q: You mention you 70’s piano pop as an influence. Some of the songs reminded me of Elton John
and Billy Joel. Are there other people I’m missing?
A: I am definitely a fan of Elton, and Carole King is another piano pop star of that era I enjoy.
Q: What are some of the themes and topics you explore on your release Dream EP?
A: Interestingly enough, lyrics for me are an afterthought to the vocal melodies, so for me I wouldn't say there is a set theme, as a lot of my lyrics are tied to how they sound with the tune. There are moments in the EP (most notably Belong), where there is a distinct theme of alienation and sadness. However musically I hope to explore the theme of joy, and positive feelings overall.
Q: What is your creative process like?
A: It is surprisingly linear. Typically I start with a vocal melody, or instrumental riff/melody. Later I decide what the vocal hook words are around that, and the chords come next. Lastly, I write the rest of the song lyrics around the vocal hook lyric, almost novel style.
Q: You are mention you are forming a live outfit. How is that going? Have you played any shows?
A: I think it's going well! We have rehearsed a bit, but no shows yet, but we hope to try and play out in Seattle soon. The band is currently composed of my partner Briana, my friend Aaron, along with a new friend we met through a Facebook ad named Josh.
Q: What else should we know about Silent Gnomes?
A: I hope you and Divide and Conquer's readers enjoy the EP, and it brings you all joy!
A: It is surprisingly linear. Typically I start with a vocal melody, or instrumental riff/melody. Later I decide what the vocal hook words are around that, and the chords come next. Lastly, I write the rest of the song lyrics around the vocal hook lyric, almost novel style.
Q: You are mention you are forming a live outfit. How is that going? Have you played any shows?
A: I think it's going well! We have rehearsed a bit, but no shows yet, but we hope to try and play out in Seattle soon. The band is currently composed of my partner Briana, my friend Aaron, along with a new friend we met through a Facebook ad named Josh.
Q: What else should we know about Silent Gnomes?
A: I hope you and Divide and Conquer's readers enjoy the EP, and it brings you all joy!