“Life is absurd, those who make music are heroic.”

~

By Lindsay Burgess  |  Send to Friend

 Maybe it's there knack for introducing you to far-cultured music though pop methods, their far-reaching live show or the fact that they aren't from Brooklyn; We can't put our finger on it, but one thing's for sure: Fool's Gold will make you feel something for music again. Here's Luke Top to tell you why.

Your sound is often described as “world music”, and you can’t read anything without the mention of Afropop. Between these otherworldly touches merged with Hebrew lyrics, Fool’s Gold can be a mind-boggling listen. Where does that come from?

FG: Ah yes, world music, what a strange genre categorization!  To me, its a roundabout way to refer to music outside of the pop structures in the western world. But, isn't music from North America in the world?  The world is all there is. Why bother trying to use a giant, dull brush to paint over the nuances of human expression?  But alas, it can't be denied that music from other countries inspire our (American!) sound.  I think there is a real tradition of reaching outside your immediate environment to find meaning.  Why must we halt, when there is so much beyond the border?  There is something beautiful and tender about this approach to making music that is utterly addictive.  As far as songwriting, Lewis Pesacov (lead guitar) and I wrote all the songs together.  I write all the lyrics and vocal melodies.  I also book hotel rooms and fairly disperse drink tickets.

I’m sure you’ve heard it a million times, but you guys are constantly compared to progressive pop bands like Vampire Weekend who’ve adopted a superficial approach to this type of upbeat guitar & rattling percussion style. Fool’s Gold doesn’t come across as superficial, but rather organic. So do these comparisons make you cringe or do you brush it off?

FG: All music has it's place in the spectrum of history.  It is all a product of a time and place.  Therefore, it is difficult to say one thing is valid and another is not. One person's Monkees can be another's Dylan. Music is a very intimate experience and is different for everyone. As far as Fool's Gold goes, we just try to filter all our influences through our system and make something that is truthful and feels good. I feel a personal camaraderie with all musicians - so bless Vampire Weekend for doing what they do. Bless Leonard Cohen. Bless R. Kelly...etc. Life is absurd, those who make music are heroic.
 
So what’s up with the Hebrew lyrics? The Hebrew vocals seem to blend with your music so perfectly,  was it a deliberate decision from the get-go or did it naturally progress in that direction?
FG: The "anything goes" mindset that Fool's Gold was predicated on led to all sorts of twists and turns. One of which was allowing Hebrew words to find their way into the music. It has really been a journey trying to figure out what it is I am tapping into when I sing in Hebrew. It has morphed my life in ways I couldn't have anticipated. And more than anything, like you say, the sounds of the words seem to mesh well with the music.
 
You’re new video for “Surprise Hotel” is bananas! Is there a method to the madness that takes place in it (pantsless old dudes, lizards at a pool party, etc.) or where you guys just having fun making a playful video that matches the liveliness of the song?
FG: A little bit of both. There was a concept, but there was also a lot of room for strange, unplanned things to happen. The idea is that our song "Surprise Hotel," creates a state of euphoria in the cast of characters.  It takes us to a surreal party planet where logic is replaced by uninhibited impulse. Our music is partly about pushing our comfort zones - and the video definitely embodies some of that energy. Someday the far more uncomfortable cut will be released, and will create many pleasant nightmares.

L.A.’s been kind of slacking as far as decent band output lately, and Fool’s Gold encapsulates the sun-drenched sound of such a diverse city (which is refreshing, considering every band getting praise right now seems to be coming out of Brooklyn). Are there any bands/artists you’ve been listening to lately that the general public is seriously missing out on?

FG: There is this wonderful L.A. artist named John Webster Johns who has been quietly creating these genius little masterpieces.

With such a scattered, overwhelming mix of members, including members from bands like We Are Scientists, Foreign Born, and Glasser, is the music writing process difficult? How do your songs come together?
FG: Lewis and I wrote all the songs on the album.  They were either birthed from long jam sessions or fleshed out by demo swapping. Once the major pieces were in place, the songs were brought to the band to add color.  With that said, we were fortunate enough to be able to play out the songs for a long while before we recorded anything. Those early days were all inclusive and it was always fun and easy for people to be involved if they wanted to be.  At this point, it's great because the songs are constantly evolving, so it feels brand new every time.

What can one expect at a live Fool’s Gold show? Are you guys as lively on stage as your music?

FG: Every show is more intense than the last.  It's always a party.  It's always fun.  Everyone gets sweaty.

If you had to choose between writing music or performing live, which would it be? Does one come more easily than the other?
FG: Both are so different - especially as far as writing lyrics are concerned. But, if I had to choose, I would say performing live. There is nothing like capturing a moment between the band and audience. Or rather, getting lost in a moment.  There is a beauty and intensity to playing live that is can't be matched with anything else. I think our record captures some of that energy, and I want to put even more of it onto our next one. Who knows, once we start recording again I'll be consumed with that process and might have another answer.

Have you had to quit your day job to travel and write as a musician? Or is it a Bruce Wayne by day, Batman by night type of deal?

FG: Yes, I am a full time Fool's Golder, as well as dabbling in other projects.