Brooklyn Duo Black Gold are ready to invade Europe with their debut album, Rush. Drummer Than Luu tells us about bloody battles, burning studios, and all that he and bandmate Erick Ronick have had to endure so far.
Your album Rush will be released in the UK in October. Ready to take over Europe?
"Yes, like savage musical invaders."
What are the first three things that come to mind when you think about the UK?
"Curry, Beatle boots, more curry…"
How did you guys meet?
"We met through a musical matchmaker called Jacob (who we have both known for years). It was rock at first sight."
Even if you add other musicians to your live set-up, you’re still a duo, right?
"Yes, we are a duo. We know we are rather unusual for a rock band..."
Are you multi-instrumentalists?
"Yes indeed, we are. We definitely play multiple instruments on the album. I play drums and guitar, while Eric plays keyboards and percussion."
Where did you record the album?
"In studios that have all since been destroyed. Just kidding – we recorded at Elias Arts Studios and Red Bull Studios, and a studio that did indeed get destroyed after we recorded there. Tragedy seems to follow us…"
The title’s Rush. Does that refer to the way you had to record the album?
"No, we took our time and it was stress-free, except for the destruction, of course. Rush is more about highs and lows."
Do you remember the night you finished the record? Did you celebrate it together, or were you so fed up with each other that you had to go on holiday separately the next day?
"The latter. Not that we were fed up, but the album was hard to mix, and mix battles are bloody."
The lyrics of your single 'Plans And Reveries' seem to be a lot about dreams, disappointment and hope. Any autobiographical story to it?
"It's part-biographical, actually – but it's based on the story of a friend who did hot drugs on a cold night."
The Video to 'Plans & Reveries'
Which records did you listen to while recording the album?
"We listened to a lot of Chic, old soul, Bowie, Motown, French & Norwegian pop, Michael Jackson, and so much more. As for proof on the record, careful listeners will get the secret messages."
The US release of your records was in February this year... what have you been doing in the meantime?
"We've been touring, writing and exploring. We've recorded three songs for our next album already, and they rock!"
You live in Brooklyn, an area music journalists love to call the most exciting place on earth because of all the fresh music coming from there at the moment...
"To be honest, we think the Brooklyn hype is ridiculous. There are great musicians everywhere and people pay too much attention to that kind of shit. If pressed, I would say the coolest and most real scene for music is found in the remote mountains of Appalachia…"
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