Q&A with dark electronic band Boy Deluxe

Image credit: True Murra

Alternative band Boy Deluxe previously shared their thought-provoking EP RISEN last year which touched on the existential crises one can encounter when you have to make decisions that go against your beliefs and ideologies. They now share the cinematic EP music video ‘All Out’ in 2022, and believe me when I say you will be obsessed with its engagingly dark tone from the start. Announcing that they will be sharing new songs this month: ‘Goodbyes’ on May the 25th, and ‘Left Behind’ on June 27th we have no doubts they will be just as mindbending. Consisting of musicians Hope and True Murra, we asked Boy Deluxe a few questions about their sound.

‘All Out’ features on DARK_GROUND.fm

If someone has never heard your music, which keywords would you personally use to describe your overall sound and style?

Dark and moody alt-pop.

Tell us about yourself. How did you get into music?

I think each of us got into it for different reasons. There was always music being played in my house. My dad played a lot of classic rock and we were always in a choir or taking music lessons. True had been playing instruments from a young age and was always writing songs. It was a constant part of both of our lives in a very natural sense.

When you compose and produce tracks, do you make music for yourself or do you make it with others in mind?

I feel like we used to make music for others but the whole point behind Boy Deluxe was to make music for ourselves. That being said…of course we want to connect with the listener. We’re always trying to find the perfect balance of writing something relatable but that’s still being completely representative of who we are.

Comfort the disturbed or disturb the comfortable – what is your aim with your music?

I feel like we disturb the comfortable more often but it’s not really intentional. I think it might just be who we are as artists. We honestly just aim to speak our own truths, It’s very therapeutic.

Has your arsenal of equipment changed much since you first started?

Yes…The first dozen or so songs were just True on acoustic guitar and me singing. Over time there’s been a ton of evolutions. Right now we use Ableton, live drums, guitar, and some synths. We’ve become much more inspired by production over the years and it’s definitely part of our creative process.

Three favorite tracks of all time?

This is impossible but our current top three are:

Hope:

1. ‘You’re All I Need to Get By’ – Marvin Gaye

2. ‘Sex with Me’ – Rihanna

3. ‘Come Down’ – Anderson .paak

True:

1. ‘Nudge It’ – Sleaford Mods

2. ‘Backseat Freestyle’ – Kendrick Lamar

3. ‘Money’ – Leikeli47

What inspires you outside of music?

Everything; politics, friends, definitely living in L.A., Books, movies, and TV shows for sure.

What is the best or strangest reaction you’ve had to your music this far?

I think watching people sing along at shows is the absolute best.

What, in your opinion would be the perfect genre fusion?

We’re making the music that we ultimately want to hear and for us it’s a fusion of hip-hop, alt-pop, and post-punk.

Do you consider the Internet and social media as fundamental in building a career in music today, and what is your personal relationship with the new technology at hand?

Absolutely and I hate it.

What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or releases in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?

We’re actually releasing songs every month this year. Also working on a couple of videos right now and maybe even a surprise EP later in the year!