Elektric Animals Interview

Step into the electrifying world of Denver-based duo Elektric Animals, where their musical landscapes paint stories of loss, love, and life in general. Composed of Nick Sanders (Vocals / Guitar) and Will Hubert (Drums / Guitar / Bass / Synth), Elektric Animals are set to release their eagerly awaited EP, ‘A Bear And The Bull’ via Open Your Ears Records.

Created between their Denver home studios and expertly produced by Eric Everhart, "A Bear And The Bull" is a poignant reflection of the duo's journey through the highs and lows of existence. From moments of introspective darkness to the radiant embrace of hope, each track invites listeners on a transformative odyssey.

We caught up with the duo to talk about their artistry, creative process and memorable times.

- What's the story behind your stage name Elektric Animals?

When it comes to choosing a band name, the question often arises, "What are we?” In our case, we opted for something universal: Elektric Animals. After all, aren't we all just Ele(c)ktric Animals, running on the electrical signals within our bodies? The unique spelling is intentional, making it easier for people to find us online.

- Congratulations on the release of your new EP, "A Bear And The Bull."! Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration and the themes explored in this collection of songs?

Thanks! Instrumentally, our aim is to create indie rock that's easy to digest yet unforgettable. Our lyrics often delve into less-than-ideal situations, but we approach them with themes of hope, love, determination, and understanding, offering a way to work through these observations.

- "Dreaming/Wishing" is your latest single from the EP, featuring lead guitar from Lincoln Parish. How did this collaboration come about and what was the creative process like working with Lincoln on the track?

During our discussions about creating new music, we found ourselves often referencing Cage The Elephant, his former band. We had already tracked the entire song when the idea struck us – what if we could elevate it further by having him, one of our inspirations, contribute to the recording? It was like throwing a Hail Mary pass. So, we reached out to him on Instagram, expressing our interest in having him lay down lead guitar on one of our tracks. To our delight, he responded quickly and with a very cool laid back but professional demeanor. We sent him "Dreaming/Wishing” first, and it was an incredible moment when he genuinely liked the music.

The collaboration was seamless despite the distance; he operates his studio in Nashville, allowing us to work on everything remotely. His style aligned perfectly with what we envisioned, eliminating the need for any rework. It was a perfect fit that added a unique and exciting dimension to our music-making process.

- Your music explores themes of loss, love, regrets, and the journey of life. How do you hope listeners will connect with these themes through the songs on "A Bear And The Bull"?

We're on a quest to connect with listeners who resonate with our experiences. Nick and I don't always wear a happy-go-lucky facade, although we aspire to. Despite life's challenges knocking us down a few times, we're here, still fighting for what we believe in, and striving to improve each day. Our art isn't born out of convenience; it's a necessity, a means through which we express our journey and navigate life’s puzzles.

- As a duo, how do you navigate the songwriting and production process? Can you walk us through your typical creative workflow and how you bring your ideas to life in the studio?

Every day at 7 AM, I (Will) sit down at my computer, launch Ableton (my recording software), and close my eyes, waiting to hear a hook or groove of some sort. Sometimes it starts with a bassline, other times a guitar riff, drums, or synths. I lay down these initial ideas and spend the next hour or two building upon them. Then, I send the work to Nick and ask for his thoughts and if anything stands out to him. He will lay down vocals on it and send it back. Typically, we get a verse and chorus by this stage. We catalogue the demo and revisit it later when it's time to decide which songs to record.

- Your music has been featured in various TV shows, including Showtime's "Shameless" and ABC's "The Good Doctor". How does it feel to have your music reach such a wide audience through television and how do you think these placements have impacted your career as musicians?

It's a fantastic feeling. Interestingly, these publishing deals tend to impress people even more than our music itself, which is a bit strange for us. However, we understand that hit TV shows hold significant weight for the majority of people, and they've also been the most profitable opportunities for us.

- Can you share any memorable moments or experiences from your journey as Elektric Animals so far, whether it's a particularly memorable live show or a milestone in your career that stands out to you?

Several memorable events stand out for us. One was opening for The Band Camino at the Mission Ballroom in Denver, performing for 5,000 enthusiastic fans. Another surreal moment was opening for Third Eye Blind at the renowned Belly Up in Aspen. Additionally, being invited to perform at The Gathering, a music conference for alternative radio professionals, in Cleveland was a fantastic experience as well.

- Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for the future of Elektric Animals?

Our goal is to find our people and hit the road full-time. We thrive on the energy of live performances, pouring our hearts out on stage every night. There's a unique recharge that comes from performing night after night, and it's something you just can’t do if you are stationary. 

Socials:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/elektricanimals

Facebook: https://Facebook.com/elektricanimals

Twitter: https://Twitter.com/elektricanimals