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Creating a combination of trip-hop and synth-pop, front woman Belinda Kazanci and keyboardist/programmer Adam Beltran are Echocell. Together the duo are taking listeners to an extremely pleasant, yet unexpected sonic realm that has allowed Kazanci to tap into her Armenian roots. GroundSounds recently caught up with Belinda for an exclusive interview, check it out below.
For those just discovering Echocell, how did you guys meet and start making music?
Adam and another guy had started working on an electronic project where they were producing instrumental tracks in hopes of finding a singer/songwriter. They’d been auditioning different singers for 6 months, but nothing had worked out. I was working on a solo project and wanted to start working with others. I answered an ad on a site called musicrecycler at the time. I went to audition, and voila, that same day they asked me to join the band. After few months of working together as a trio, Adam and I quickly realized we had great writing chemistry and a similar vision regarding what we wanted the music to sound like – so we ended up becoming a duo.
How did you guys come up with the name Echocell?
We had a show booked at the Roxy in Los Angeles, but we still hadn’t figured out a name. A few nights before the gig, we were up super late in the studio and the word “cell” came to my mind. When I was a little kid I was fascinated by the quirky body sounds I’d hear while laying my head on someone’s stomach. Later I realized those sounds reminded me of electronic music – very digital and robotic at times. For whatever reason, the word “cell” came from that. And the repetition of the sounds was the “echo”. I yelled out “Echocell!” and Adam said, “No way!” He didn’t like the name at first, but it stuck and we can’t imagine another name now.
Your upcoming EP will feature a lot of great international players Simon Katz (Jamiroquai, Gorillaz) on electric and acoustic guitars, Jesse Graham (Fatboy Slim) on bass the list goes on….what was it like working with these guys and getting their input and expertise?
The EP was created between NY and LA, and the variety of musicians we got to know and work with was eye-opening in so many ways. Our post-session food breaks turned into storytelling about what it was like to be on the road with Jamioquai and also the struggles of being a working musician. When you work with musicians at this level, the results are unbelievable. I would watch Simon come up with guitar parts and nail them on the first take – the recordings were smooth like butter.
Can you tell us about the creative process and inspiration behind the title track “Babylon”?
On the morning the song “Bablyon” came to life, I got into my car and had a moment of realization about the last few years of my life. I had been through some tough times, but thought no matter what I’d been through, “I wouldn’t live another life”. I went into the studio that day and Xandy Barry, one of the song’s co-writers, asked if I had any thoughts. I told him no matter what I had been through, the life I’m living is the one I’m supposed to, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. That sparked the song.
We started visualizing some imagery about the darkness and light of life, and while there is “no security, no map, no certainty” on how things will turn out, in the end it’s all worth it. There is no other place to be, really, but here and now, with all its guts and glory.
Belinda, what can you tell us about Istanbul? How long were you there before coming to the states?
I came to States when I was about 9 years old. Growing up, though, we spent a lot of our summers in Istanbul at my Grandfather’s home on one of the islands. Istanbul is a remarkable city filled with history and art and creativity. It’s the place I will always consider home.
What music are you guys currently listening to?
I cannot stop listening to IAMX – I discovered him a bit late and I’m catching up on all his awesome albums. And of course our good friends Capital Cities – their album Tidal Wave of Mystery was a favorite this summer! Adam’s little girl Mia loves to sing “Safe and Sound”. It’s the most adorable thing when she goes into the vocal booth to sing it with the big headphones on that cover most of her head!
What do you feel while performing music on stage?
I am home. It is such a comfortable place for me – I get to be free and connect with our audience. There’s nothing like it. That exchange of energy is electrifying.
What people, places or things have helped shaped your guys’ ideas and outlook on life?
Traveling and learning from other cultures. I travel to Bali quiet often which has become like a second home to me. I love hearing traditional music from different parts of the world, and learning about the different instruments in those regions. I grew up listening to Turkish folk music, and watched my grandfather sing and play the oud. There was always music in the house. My Armenian grandmother would always chant Armenian hymns in the house as well. My mother has such a beautiful voice and listening to her sing around the big Armenian dinner table with friends was always the norm.
Adam worked on a cruise ship for a while – he bought tons of gear and would write music on sea, influenced by the many stops he made along the way.
Who would you guys like to collaborate with in the future?
I’d love to collaborate with Sia as I think her songwriting is so strong & beautiful. Working with The Weeknd would also be amazing as we were listening to him a lot when we were working on the second half of the EP. I love the idea of a male/female trip-hop duet with a bit of R&B sprinkled on top.
Once the EP comes out what will be next for Echocell?
We would love to tour and get our music out there in the world in a live setting as much as possible. We are so ready for it!
