image//renata raksha words//liz pelly
LA-based noise rock quartet HEALTH released their third full album, Get Color, in September, maintaining the signature experimental spirit and DIY ethics of the band’s first two albums. Artist Advocacy recently interviewed HEALTH about Get Color, their definition of noise rock, Los Angeles, the Willy Wonka-esque golden tickets included in 60+ of their records, and other topics.
How would you describe HEALTH’s most recent record, Get Color, to someone unfamiliar with your band?
Terminator 2 Soundtrack.
What is noise rock? How would you explain it to the people who don’t seem to “get” it?
Noise rock is music made in a rock context, featuring one or both of these: unconventional sounds and unconventional instrumentation. And it MUST contain this: utilization of sounds created from what is generally considered a “mistake” or “unwanted sound” (feedback, errors, tweaking/overloading of equipment etc.) a.k.a. noise. The last caveat is that these sounds around are used to create “songs” (using the term loosely), the song aspect, and is what separates noise rock from just noise or experimental musics. For those who don’t get it: “Fuck ‘em if they can’t take a toke.”
Do you have a particularly favorite song on Get Color? What does it mean to you?
“We are Water.” We feel it is our best song, and it’s a distillation of what we’re trying to do as a band, put together in one song successfully. It’s not perfect; if we can take this farther and get a better example, I’ll let you know.
You guys have worked with a bunch of different independent/DIY labels–Lovepump, Cityslang, Co-op, and Popfrenzy. Why have you jumped around instead of just sticking with one label?
Different countries. We do whatever is best for the band.
The HEALTH CD Sweepstakes that you guys did over the summer was awesome. Why did you guys decide to do that and how did you come up with all of those prizes? What was the most fun part of that?
It was kind of a running joke with the band for a while and we would make up prizes. From the first album we wanted to do it, but at that time we had no fans. So now it’s possible. We are sending all the prizes now to try and make Christmas.
What is it like to live in Los Angeles and play in a band there?
Its a very livable city, and very comfortable to live and be a band there. However, I find it frustrating for young people trying to get their youth explosion on. NYC and European cities are perfect for that. Don’t move here.
Who are some of your favorite bands currently coming out of LA?
I’m not very knowledgeable–we’re gone most of the year and aren’t going to that many shows nowadays. I like Tearist.
If you could curate the perfect DIY show in LA with any bands at any venue, what bands would you choose and where would it be?
It happens all the time. It’s called the The Smell anniversary series shows that happen usually every year.
I see you guys are about to tour Europe. Anything you’re particularly pumped for?
SPAIN.
Do you like Boston? What have your experiences with Boston crowds been like?
At first I didn’t–we had a bad experience and avoided the city mostly. But we just played Boston recently and it was awesome. The crowd was amazing. We definitely want to come back.