Interview: 5 minutes with RINNGS

Multi-instrumentalist duo RINNGS outline their creation process exclusively with percussion and vocals. Consisting of Karl Zine and Nai Jannson, their unique formula of lush layered choirs, manipulated vocals take us on a journey into their poignant pop. We touch base with the duo about technology in the music scene and their songwriting approach:

Music sounds like?

Interesting pop made of layered drums and vocals.

What are the 5 albums that have influenced you the most?

Drake ‘Take Care’
Frank Ocean ‘Channel Orange’.
Prince ‘Purple Rain’
Radiohead ‘Kid A’
Robyn ‘Body Talk’

Which other artists are you into at the moment and why?

Kendrick Lamar and Lorde, those lyrics. Mura Masa for production. Bon Iver- it’s pop but it’s also art. Beyonce, because she’s the perfect pop star.

Are there any key pieces of equipment that you are using to define your sound?

We make everything on the records from only our voices and percussion (and the odd bass now and then when we can’t sing that low), that totally defines our sound.

What would you say some of the challenges artists face today in the music industry?

The main challenge I think is related to technology and the way it’s changing people’s listening habits. Because of music streaming, established artists stay in the charts with each release for much longer, so there’s less room for new artists to break through.

Details that go into writing songs?

Each song has a different approach, that keeps it interesting. Some start with a lyric, some start with a concept, some start with a kick-drum sound. The one thing they all have in common is that we’re pretty ruthless with getting rid of ideas we don’t like until we have something that excites us.

A gig out of your comfort zone?

I (KZ) once did a gig under the M1, playing cover versions for the opening for a new motorway bridge.

Any festivals that you dream about playing?

To headline Glastonbury of course.

If you could perform alongside any other band or artist, living or dead, who would it be?

Difficult one. Can I go for an old mutual hero and say Bjork?