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Together Thomas Dutton and Lonnie Angle form the New York based electronic pop duo Cardiknox. With fresh beats and catchy hooks the two keep the good vibes flowing. GroundSounds recently caught up with the pair for an exclusive interview check it out below, and get to know Cardiknox.
Can you tell us about the working relationship on the musical Razia’s Shadow that made you two decide to form Cardiknox?
Thomas had been in rock bands his whole life, and I’d worked in musical theatre for all of mine. He was always a huge musical theatre fan, and he and his brother wrote a concept album that he was interested in turning into a staged production. I heard the music and we were introduced through a mutual friend. We started developing the musical together. Around the same time, Thomas had been working in a recording studio, and though I had been a performer much of my life, I’d never been in one. He brought me in and we messed around with some songs. It was all just fun and games but at the same time, something sort of clicked. We continued to focus on the musical but we found ourselves continuing to come back to the music. We started getting some real songs together and about a year ago decided to really put the focus on Cardiknox. It evolved very naturally.
What is it about the electronic pop aesthetic that attracts you guys to it?
We love that with electro pop in particular, there’s this ability to have so many different sounds and textures but still be true to one cohesive vision. Every song can feature completely different instruments, but it still all works. And of course we’re really drawn to those big 80s drum sounds. And the synths, oh the synths. So much goodness.
Can you tell us about the creative process and inspiration behind your track “Technicolor Dreaming”?
It all started with the line “I learned everything I know from watching movies / Why can’t my life have a Hollywood ending?”. Our culture is so fascinated with this ‘better life’ or ‘greener pasture’ that’s often depicted in the movies. But is that life really better … does it even exist? These questions and obsessions inspired the song, as we’re certainly not exempt from the fascination with that “fictional perfection.” Also, the nostalgia of old movies is a real love of Thomas’s.
Can you guys tell us a little bit about your upbringing? Where are you originally from? Hobbies? Interests?
We both grew up in the suburbs of Seattle. Both our dads instilled music in us from an early age. My dad has a massive vinyl collection, and is very particular about the amp, tubes, and speakers on which he listens to them. I remember walking into our rec room, and there’d be a Beatles record, or Clapton, or The Stones blasting. The lights would be off and my dad would be sitting on the couch with his eyes closed, sitting in his skivvies, just totally vibing out. Thomas’ dad taught him and his younger brother to play guitar when they were 11 or 12. They’ve been jamming ever since.
How do you guys typically form a song? What is the writing process like? Do you normally start with a beat? Idea/Concept? Lyrics?
We usually start with a line or a hook. Something one of us comes up with in the shower, or riding the subway, or walking through the East Village. Something that sticks in our head and doesn’t leave. We like to build out a skeleton for the song’s structure before starting to produce and polishing it, or laying down real vocals. A good song is a good song, and no song should use the production or arrangement as a crutch. If we can feel really good about a song, or even an idea, in its simplest form, then we feel really confident moving forward and producing the sounds around it.
What is one thing or fun fact that most people don’t know about Cardiknox?
The name Cardiknox is a play on Thomas’ mom’s maiden name, Cardinaux.
What are you guys currently listening to?
Beyonce, Seasick Mama, HAIM, Kid Astray, Drake, Alt-J, Superhumanoids.
What people, places, and things have inspired you guys?
New York City, Brian Wilson, Stanley Kubrick, Kanye West, our parents, Dave Eggers, Peter Gabriel, Spike Jonze, Hayley Williams, Prince, Stephen Sondheim, Daft Punk, Philip K. Dick, Drake, Seattle, Blondie, Quentin Tarantino, Albert Camus, Beyonce. Gwen Stefani.
Could you guys share some life advice with us?
Never settle for “ok.” Always strive (and work! hard!) for “amazing fucking awesomely great.” Also, don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do. You can truly do anything, so long as you believe it.
What are you guys currently working on? When should fans expect a full-length album?
We’re always working on new music. We have a handful of songs totally done and ready to release, but we’re in the midst of deciding where and when that will happen. There will definitely be an official and proper Cardiknox release in 2014. Is that specific enough? 🙂 Also, we’ll be hitting the road here real soon and we can’t wait to get out and connect with fans and friends everywhere. 2014 is gonna be an awesome year.
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