TLC vs. Chairlift: The Exclusive Pre-CMJ Interview

...And we're back. After a weekend break, or as we liked to think of it: the calm before the storm that is CMJ.

TLC thought it'd be a great way to kick off NYC's week of musical mayhem with a Q & A with Brooklyn's very own Chairlift. This melodic power-pop trio will be working overtime throughout the festival and we strongly advise everyone to check out their headlining slot tomorrow at The Music Slut's Showcase at Piano's.
Vocalist Caroline Polachek was kind enough to answer our Q's. Check back often for a chance to win their debut album Does You Inspire You.

>Did you move to NYC because you were serious about getting your music recorded and released or did the move to NYC influence your musical ambitions?

CP: I moved to New York for the art scene, actually. New York itself didn't effect our sound, but it certainly sped up the process of us getting it out there.

>The Guardian recently named you as part of a Brooklyn scene that includes the likes of MGMT, Yeasayer, and Apache Beat. Is there actually a close-knit alliance between you guys and these bands or are you uncomfortable with being grouped in a "scene"?

CP: Yes, there is. The knit is more social than musical, however.

>A lot of people are familiar with Chairlift from the tremendous exposure you received as a result of "Bruises" being featured the in the recent ipod commercial. Is this more of a blessing or a curse for you?

CP: A blessing! if our music ends up on a ten-year-old's myspace page and a 60-year-old's stereo, that's a blessing.

>Is melodic 80s pop a conscious influence or one that organically came to the surface?

CP: Organic! There are many other factors that led to the 80s sound, among them being film soundtracks and Disney scores.

>How do you feel about your upcoming CMJ appearances? What significance does being a CMJ buzz-band hold for you?

CP: We're gearing up. Are we a "buzz band"? That's weird to hear, we're already thinking one year into the future so CMJ doesn't seem all that different than just a bunch of rad local shows all happening at the same time.

>Thank you so much for your time. After CMJ, what is your outlook on the rest of the year?

CP: My pleasure! We're anticipating a bunch of new songs and music videos, the release of the Planet Health 7", and tours with bands we love.

MP3: Chairlift - Bruises or zShare