Interview: Thurlow
Mid-July in Pasadena, California was predictably a hot one, however I was about to get a splash of irony as I walked into Starbucks, to interview the edgy duo Thurlow. Despite the hectic landscape of the coffee house, the busy atmosphere didn’t deter the musicians from being relaxed and personable. The band, comprised of Augustus Green and Jacqueline Caruso, were authentic characters, revealing their quirky yet benevolent natures. The Washington, DC-based band, currently expanding their roots in Los Angeles, got straight to some reminiscin’ about the DC music scene.
When asked which venue they would like to play once back in the district, in true DC fashion, Black Cat won the title. On Thurlow’s musical influences, DC’s mesmerizing concerts really inspired them to dream big. Musical influences include Broadcast, Baltimore’s very own Beach House, Portishead, Gorrilaz, Björk, and the BBC Radiophonic Workshop. So why the name Thurlow? The band’s name is actually a street in Vancouver. The couple spent their honeymoon there and right near their hotel was the street that inspired the synth pop duo. It is thus, clear that Green and Caruso’s travels have shaped their music. In addition to Canada, their roots in England, Florida, Washington DC, Georgia, and now LA give that essential perspective to create some one of a kind tunes.
Thurlow recently went on their east coast tour to promote their new EP Spokes. When I asked, “Why Spokes?” they answered, “We made a pre-album before we moved out here called Training Wheels–fine tunes some of those songs and a portion of the album Training Wheels.” When you listen to Thurlow’s EP Spokes, there are hints of keyboard, syntheszier, modular, and bass guitar melodies. There is a definite sixties vibe underlying the tracks on Spokes, as the sweeping polyphony gathers and dissipates creating that roadmap of unique combinations with splashes of simplicity. Moreover, Augustus Green, formerly trained in Recording Arts plays a heavy role in adding the electronic vibes to Spokes and Jacqueline Caruso gifts much of the album with her not to be taken lightly vocals, as well as a playful Casio melodies.
Thurlow’s music also has spiritual influences as Green noted, “I know that we both write music that is usually coming from a higher place. We’re both very spiritual a lot of its inspired by our spiritual lives so we definitely try to capture that in our music. It’s extremely important to us, you can listen to the lyrics from that perspective.” The duo’s goal is to really motivate people. Regarding a selected fan base, Augustus Green gave his wise take on the matter: “I feel like that helps with early success because if you put your audience in a small enough room then you become a force in that box, screaming in a megaphone in a closed room; everyone will hear you, but the sound will dissipate really fast.”
You can get Thurlow’s EP Spokes for name your own price at www.thurlow.bandcamp.com. Notable tracks are “Tidal Waves” and “The Hour Glass”. You can also learn more about the band at www.thurlowmusic.com. Check them out; you’ll be hearing big things about them soon.
- Megan Acheampong
*Photos by Leslie Andrew Ridings
Thurlow sounds really interesting! Their combination of geographical influences seems like it would make for an especially unique listening experience. I’m going to check them out now!
I like them!
Thurlow is definitely unique. They mix synth pop with surreal. Spirituality with reality. Occasionally, you hear an edge. Nice background story, Megan.