UNDER INDIA’S INFLUENCE
When MARIBOU STATE headlines Magnetic Fields, it will mark a full circle for the British electronic music duo comprising Chris Davids and Liam Ivory. Their set will be the last show of their Kingdoms in Colour tour, which they’ve been performing in support of their eponymous 2018 album heavily inspired by India. We interviewed Ivory about the pair’s love for our country, their influences and what they seek in collaborators. Edited excerpts:
Q. You make music centred on the synergy between organic and electronic elements. Growing up, were you inspired by any artists attempting to do the same?
The desire to merge these two elements came from our diverse music tastes. We were exposed to a real mix, mostly by our parents and older siblings. That was the original seed. We played in bands together at school. Among a sea of standard guitar bands, we were dedicated to trying to mix in synths, drum machines [and] backing tracks to create something new. We thought we were being incredibly cutting-edge, but in hindsight, we were just existing in a bubble. It wasn’t till a little later that acts like Aphex Twin, Gold Panda, Mount Kimbie [and] Bonobo started to get our attention and become big influences.
Q. Your albums include a number of guests. What do you look for in a collaborator?
A mutual respect and love for each other’s music is paramount, as well as having a connection personally.
Q. Some fans have said your songs are great to ‘study to’. How do you feel about that?
That’s fantastic. We’re happy people are listening to our music under any circumstance. If it helps people concentrate and focus on their education, then that’s a bonus.
Q. India was a big influence for your last album. How did it inspire the songs?
There were a number of field recordings collected from all over the country that made it into the LP. Also travelling the sub-continent itself spurred on the creation of some songs. For example, Chris wrote the guitar riff to ‘Glasshouses’ while staying on a houseboat on the Kerala backwaters. ■