Interview: Five Minutes with Thomas Blondet & Steven Rubin
Stunning trip-hop collaborations appear to be the trend at the moment, with Thomas Blondet and Steven Rubin embracing that with their dynamic single ‘Seascapes’. The single, premiered yesterday, will be released on the 5th of February via Rhythm & Culture Music. The downtempo single with its weightless grooves shows the world the results of bringing together two different musicians with vastly different backgrounds. Steven Rubin is a rising artist who satisfies his musical itch by “persuing as many different opportunities as possible” while Thomas Blondet is an awarding-winning producer who has both remixed and toured with Thievery Corporation.
‘Seascapes’ is but a small hint of what to expect from the pair’s upcoming EP, Sea Sons which will be released on the 5th of March. In the meantime, gain some further insight into the two musicians below:
Pre-save ‘Seascapes’ – Pre-save the Sea Sons EP
Set the tone for us. Why the arts?
Because there is a burning desire within each of us to be creative.
Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?
They come together.
What’s on your current playlist?
Kruder and Dorfmeister, L.A. Witch, Eric Hilton, Baby Huey, IDLES, Khruangbin, Cigarettes After Sex
Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.
We currently do not perform live.
What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?
We constantly search for unique sounds through the combination of midi, live instrumentation, and many, many plug-ins, and production techniques.
Take us through a day in the recording studio.
While pandemic has hit everyone hard, we have been lucky enough to be able to continue producing music together through outdoor recording sessions. We set our gear up and use nature as an influence.
Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “this is what I want to do”?
Steven: the first time I heard Ozzy’s voice on the intro to “Iron Man” I knew I wanted to make music. Thomas: when my brother bought me my first drum set when I was 7.
Any emerging artists on your radar?
Second Sky, Jackie and The Treehorns
What gets your creative juices flowing?
Life.
Take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.
Thomas: Logic Pro, iPad, iPhone. Steven: guitars, bass, keys, and pedals, pedals, pedals.
Any side projects you’re working on?
Thomas: Bill Speakman. Steven: Jackie and The Treehorns
How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?
With age comes experience and with experience comes wisdom. Every aspect of how we create music continues to be honed and refined. We are continually learning new things.
Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?
Sea Sons: our debut album.
Famous last words?
Little progress is made without deviation from the norm.
Thomas Blondet and Steven Rubin will be hosting an EP launch to celebrate the release of Sea Sons. Find all the details you need here.
Follow Thomas Blondet:
Website – Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify
Follow Steven Rubin:
