The Dig may be a relatively new band in terms of music industry standards, they released their debut album Electric Toys in 2010, but they have the well-developed sound of a band that has weathered decades together. Maybe that’s because David Baldwin (guitar, vocals), Emile Mosseri (bass, vocals), and Erick Eiser (keyboards, guitar) have been playing music together since they were kids. Now, with the addition of Mark Demiglio (drums), the guys of The Dig are hitting a whole new stride. Their 4th album, the You and I EP, is set for release on October 22nd, 2013, only a matter of months after the release of their much-buzzed-about Tired Hearts EP. Despite their busy touring schedule, David, Emile, Erick, and Mark were kind enough to take some time out answer my questions. Read on to hear their thoughts on their newest EP, You and I, the background behind their hypnotic new track “You and I Lost Control”, and what they’re listening to right now.
For your new EP, You and I, you worked with Greg Giorgio at Tarquin Studios in Bridgeport, CT. How did the production of this album differ from your previous experiences recording, what are you most proud of about this EP, and what led to the decision to release two EPs so close together?
David Baldwin: The two EP idea came about because we thought it would be good to do something a little different for us and release a couple of things throughout the year, as opposed to putting out one album and then going another year or two without releasing new music. We had great experiences recording both of these EPs. A big difference with You And I is that we were able to stay at Tarquin Studios for days at a time, so once the actual recording day was over we had the rest of the night to experiment with a lot of different ideas.
Emile Mosseri: We wanted to put out a lot of music this year. We felt that each EP had its own mood so we recorded and released them separately.
Erick Eiser: We took a different approach in the way we recorded You and I. In the past we spent more time arranging the songs live and recorded a lot of our basic tracks live. With You and I, we didn't necessarily figure out how to play the songs as a band live. We had arrangement ideas and a direction, then built each song one instrument at a time, concentrating more on specific sounds.
Mark Demiglio: Working with Greg was great. We were forced to step out of our comfort zone a bit by recording in a new studio with a new producer. We were able to approach recording in a different way and I think that it was very beneficial.
How would you describe the long-term evolution of your sound across your now 4 album releases, and what sonic or stylistic elements do you see yourself experimenting with in the future?
DB: If anything it feels like we're coming into our own sonically a little more with each release. When we first started recording, the songs were a little more all over the map, but from the second album on it seems like there's more of a cohesive sound. Not sure what we'll be experimenting with going forward but we'll probably just continue trying to develop our own sound as much as we can.
EM: I agree with that. Usually the sound of a record reveals itself during the process. Hopefully the sound just expands and continues to grow.
EE: I think we've all gotten more creative in our song writing and our arrangements. I also think the sound from album to album comes from other music we're listening to at the time, while also developing our own sound that is unique to us.
MD: Being the newer guy in the band might give me a biased view on this, but the band has evolved since the early recordings in a very positive way. Our tastes and preferences are always changing slightly and we're going to keep expanding our sound and experimenting with our arrangements.
“You and I Lost Control” has already received a lot of buzz. What is the background behind that song?
DB: We wrote that one in our basement this past winter. There was a day when we did that one and another song called “Our Hearts Were Wrapped in Ice," and we feel like those two songs help set the tone for the rest of the EP. "You and I Lost Control" started with a piano riff and we just built the rest of the song around that.
EM: Yeah we wrote most of these songs that winter. We thought that “You and I Lost Control” best captured the mood of the EP so we put it out first.
EE: “You and I Lost Control”, to me, is a song that represents our overall sound and lyrically sets the tone for the EP.
What track off of the new EP “You and I” is most personal to you and why?
DB: Because it's still so new, I feel pretty close to all of the songs. If I had to pick one as the most personal—maybe “Cold Afternoon”.
EM: “Made My Bed” would be mine.
EE: “Tired Hearts” is probably the track that is personal to me, but feel close to all of our songs.
MD: "Cold Afternoon" is actually the first song I can remember that I was involved with in this band that went on to later be recorded. The basic structure and idea behind the song came together before our LA residency in 2012 and we really focused on arranging it this past winter.
You guys will be coming back to LA for your October 22nd show at The Satellite. Will you guys have any downtime in Los Angeles, and if so, what will be #1 on your to do list?
DB: We might have a few days in LA before the show, so hopefully we'll just get to hang with our friends and family there.
EM: Yeah we lived out in LA last summer and made some friends out there that we’re looking forward to hanging with.
EE: We have so many friends and family in LA. Just looking forward to seeing everyone. I love LA!
MD: Plenty of old friends from TX and new friends from tour that I can't wait to see. Then I'll be getting some real Mexican food. LA almost feels like a second home.
After you guys make your way through California, you will play the 2013 Life is Beautiful Festival in Las Vegas with a line-up of some really amazing artists. Anyone that you’re particularly excited to see?
DB: I think we're all really looking forward to seeing Beck.
EM: Our friends, Portugal The Man, are playing as well. Psyched to see them.
EE: Definitely Beck! And our good friends Same Sex Mary...
MD: To echo Erick and David, Beck is a must. Also Smith Westerns, Portugal. the Man, and mostly float around to catch bands I haven't heard before.
Last question: what music is making the cut on your personal playlists right now?
DB: A lot of different stuff but most recently some Motown, Beatles, Beach Boys, Jefferson Airplane, Woody Guthrie, The Drifters, and a new band called The Babies to name a few.
EM: Quiet Life. The We Shared Milk. Randy Newman.
EE: MGMT, Kinks, Beatles, Stooges.
MD: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Real Estate, and LCD Soundsystem.
Thanks so much guys! Have fun on the road and I’ll see you at The Satellite on October 22nd!
The Dig is touring now! Check out their tour dates!
Cant wait for You and I? Pre-order it here!
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