Passion Pit
May 2009 | Dance
Passion Pit is Michael Angelakos, Ian Hultquist, Ayad al Adhamy, Jeff Apruzzese and Nate Donmoyer.
One of 2009's buzz bands (they came 4th in the BBC's Sound of 2009 poll at the beginning of the year), we've been following them for a while now, ever since we heard their debut EP Chunk Of Change, at the end of 2008. The tracks on that EP were recorded by Michael - needing a band to take them out on tour, he quickly assembled together Ian, Ayed, Jeff and Nate to form an exciting live act that laid the basis for the debut album.
Now they are ready to release their debut album (coming out on 18th May, it's preceded by a single The Reeling, out now) we thought it would be a great time to get to know a little more about the band. So we fired off a few questions to Ayed, and waited for his replies...
The interview
Can you tell us a little bit about how you all came together as a band?
Michael started writing a collection of songs for his then girlfriend back in 2007. Ian saw him play a solo show and was inspired to make it a full band; which is when I joined. We played our first gig in late 2007 and a couple of months later we won Best New Act in Boston (the Phoenix) which helped us a lot! A quick line-up change happened that summer as Nate and Jeff joined use and here we are today!
You've played a few gigs in England now - how have they gone for you?
The gigs were great! I think all but one was sold-out and the crowds were so great - we really didn't know what to expect but it was amazing! We had a few glitches in the tour (two van engines dying, four Bass amps broke and we blew the fuse on several of the stages!) but we can't wait to go back.
How do you think you are going down in England?
You tell me!
We think England will love you! There are a lot of electro-pop acts breaking through at the moment - does this make it easier or harder for you guys to break through as a band?
Yes and no. I think we take it to the next level with the amount of shit we have onstage! Also the new album is much less "electro". I kind of think we were electro as a necessity as Mike wrote it on his laptop... I'm sure if he had a huge studio then it would have sounded different!
Who are your favourite bands at the moment?
I love the Joy Formidable - was sad to hear that we were about to play with them but we couldn't make it! I've also been listening a lot to Ellie Goulding and Starsmith... England has some really good music coming out right now! Oh and Phoenix - they are so so good.
Your first album hits the streets on May 18th, what plans do you have to promote it?
Tour, tour, singles, videos, tour etc!Â
What are your hopes and ambitions for 2009?
That I make it to the end!
