It's been a good half decade since Junior Boys blew threw these parts, but the Ontario-based duo have been very busy lately. They released a new LP, Big Black Coat, earlier this year and almost immediately followed up with an EP, Kiss Me All Night (released just a few weeks ago) which feels like an extension of the full-length.
DO THIS: JUNIOR BOYS AT CROWBAR 10.06.16
"It comes from a really similar place," Jeremy Greenspan told CL, "the writing process wasn't changed much other than using a new sampler for the EP."
In advance of their show at Crowbar in Ybor City tomorrow, Timothy Boyson caught up with Greenspan to talk about the gap between projects (blame Jessy Lanza), finding new inspiration and why the hell they always play Crowbar.
We also found out what sexy time is like at the Greenspan house. Read our full Q&A and listen to Big Black Coat below. Get more information on the show with Egyptrixx, Borys and the Soft Rock Renegades via local.cltampa.com.
Q: It's been a very busy year for you guys. A critically acclaimed album with Big Black Coat, a world tour and just recently the surprise release of your Kiss Me All Night EP. How have you handled all this madness and found time for a new EP?
It has been a crazy productive year. But being in the studio is more fun than it is work, so it's hardly an ordeal.
Q: Would you say Kiss Me All Night is an extension of Big Black Coat or a project that stands on it's on? When did you record Kiss Me All Night?
Yeah I think it kinda is an extension. It comes from a really similar place, and the writing process wasn't changed much other than using a new sampler for the EP. It was recorded directly after we completed the second Jessy Lanza album. There was a pretty long wait where I had some time to tinker.
Q: There was a five year gap in between It's All True and Big Black Coat. Why the long delay, and what was the biggest creativity influence this time around?
The short answer is Jessy Lanza. I made the first record with her and also started doing some solo releases and the stuff I was working on for Junior Boys wasn't inspiring me much. It wasn't until I finished working on the first record with Jessy that I was able to restart what eventually became Big Black Coat.
Q: Big Black Coat dabbles in techno and some darker musical undertones that give off a slightly colder feel, yet still remains very danceable, weightless. What was the mindsight when producing BBC?
Yeah listening to a lot of old minimal techno and industrial, listening to a lot of experimental tech pop like YMo and Severed Heads and seeing a similarity between that and really minimal modern R&B.
Q: In my opinion all of your albums have this great sex/night time appeal to them. Why do think that is? Are things that sexy in Ontario?
They definitely aren't at my house.
Q: Tell me how working with Ontario sensation Jessy Lanza has affected your musical creative process?
She taught me a lot of things, but mainly the benefit of working really fast and committing to things quickly. That was the key to everything for me.
Q: You're touching so many cities with your current tour. What have been some of your most memorable stops thus far? Anything crazy or funny happen to you guys?
This current tour is a blast. We are playing a lot of places we have never been before, and quite frankly in a lot of places I think very few non-Americans tour... That is a thrill!
Q: You'll be performing at Crowbar in Ybor City on October 6th. Tampa is excited to have you back again. I believe this will be my third time seeing you perform at Crowbar. What about Crowbar keeps you coming back?
That Jack fellow. He has been a real pal to us over the years.
Q: Who are some groups or artists that you're currently listening to?
A lot of synth music. We play the album Wizards by JD Emmanuel at all of our shows. Last night we were at a club that had an old jukebox in the green room I put on all the Canned Heat songs. That band was killer!!!
Junior Boys play Crowbar in Ybor City on Thursday, October 6. Egpytrixx, Borys and the Soft Rock Renegades open. Doors are at 8 p.m. and tickets are $15-$18. More information is available at local.cltampa.com.
