Noisywaters is the electronic dance music project of harpist Will Barrett and vocalist/pianist Benza Maman. The duo blends meticulous production with live instrumentation, foreign vocals and colorful soundscapes to create a high energy live experience unlike any other.
What is the story behind your latest EP?
Our latest EP, “Eclipse”, was an exploration into a slightly darker side of Noisywaters, as well as a concerted push in improving our overall production. Most of the songs stemmed from tracks that were initially created to be played at our live shows. We wanted to capture the some of the energy of the live show and translate that to a record.
When making music who is the person you have in mind?
Making music is much like making any other kind of art. Sometimes its a direct representation of something tangible- a person, an experience, an artistic or personal desire. However, more and more, our music is coming from an intangible, abstract, emotional landscape. Sometimes we are thinking about people, or a person, or the state of the world, and sometimes we are trying to capture a feeling- something that is variable and up for interpretation by the listener. At our core, we are storytellers, but the story doesn’t always need to be fully defined for it to still have a narrative. Maybe that doesn’t make sense, but its how we’ve been writing lately.
What has been the most challenging thing when starting your own band?
Every single aspect is challenging, especially doing it the way we do it- from the ground up, by our bootstraps. Starting a band is like starting a business- there are always unforeseen challenges, unexpected wins and demoralizing losses. Perhaps the most challenging thing is to never settle- in any aspect of the band. We constantly push ourselves to improve every part of the project. This is the most challenging piece, but also the part that makes it rewarding and sustainable.
What is the most important thing you have learned about music and yourself since then?
There is no singular or correct way to make art, just like there is no singular or correct way to be a person. As long as you believe in what you’re doing, and feel it’s substance at your core, you’re gonna be fine. Making art is a muscle just like any other, and it needs to be exercised and rested constantly to grow stronger.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations?
It’s often less who, but what. Beautiful spaces, laughing and crying, impeccable films & film scores, nostalgia, romance, heart break, dreams, tall trees, the Pacific Northwest, exotic far off worlds, science fiction and being with loved ones. We also love Debussy, The Beatles and ODESZA.
What would be your one piece of advice to anyone embarking into the music business?
If you want to be successful, be prepared to invest every last ounce of your entire existence into your vision. Trust yourself, take steps back and listen to the feedback of those around you. Surround yourself with people who care about you and want you to succeed and never stop experimenting. Also, take some time away every now and then- art comes from experiences, not being cooped up in your bedroom for years on end. Get out in the world and live a little.
Any last words?
Thank you so much to Month of Modern for bringing us on for this event- we can’t wait to play in our hometown!
Any Shoutouts
All y’all are wonderful <3