LA based dark pop duo Torches light the way with “Future”

Since officially forming back in 2010, LA-based dark pop duo Torches have been steadily rising up the ranks in their home scene and beyond. Their latest single, “Future,” serves as another great extension of their sonic universe as they continue to whet appetites ahead of, hopefully, a larger release.

Groundsounds caught up with Torches to learn more about where they’ve come from and where they’re going. Check out our interview with Torches be sure to give “Future” a listen while doing so.

 

Hi, Torches! Congrats on “Future.” I know the track is all about not being afraid of what lies ahead and things beyond one’s control, but how did you arrive at the overall sound of the song?

The sound you hear on ‘Future’ is an embodiment of everything we’ve felt collectively over the course of two years. It’s the sound of a band growing tired of old formats and finding ways to be expressive through synthesized sounds…and leaning more towards pop.  

I saw that the two of you grew up as neighbors. Did you use to jam when you were younger? What bands were you into/what shows did you go to?

Yeah, we lived right next door to each other. Being such good mates we’ve always been on the same wavelength and learned a lot about our strengths as artists. There were many countless hours spent playing in my parents garage (South Pasadena) until someone would pull the plug on us/tell us to fuck off…Eric & I connected through bands like The Pixies and Radiohead.  

How did you arrive at your dark-pop sound? How would you chart the evolution of Torches from the beginning until now?

Our group started off as more of a guitar band whereas now we’ve become more infatuated with synths, bass, and electronic beats. There’s specific sounds and emotive qualities that you can’t get out of a guitar, but only a keyboard or synthesizer. We still use guitars, but now we use them more texturally or funky/rhythmically. Our live sound incorporates backing tracks/drum machines now. I’m less afraid of being more vulnerable and writing pop songs.

I noticed that you’ve incorporated a third member, Adrian, for live shows. Given your background as long time friends, how did you arrive at the decision and what’s it been like incorporating a third member?

Adrian has always been a musician who I’ve truly respected. He’s also just a really good guy, so naturally it was easy to ask him to play with us when the opportunity presented itself. Adrian used to come see us live, and I guess he says he was a fan (laughs). It’s great to be able to put that sort of energy and enthusiasm into the live band! 

You guys have been releasing singles of late. Any plans for a longer EP or LP? Are these singles standalone or will they possibly be included on a future release?

These singles are most likely going to be standalone. At the moment we’re working on a new EP, in which I’m producing and engineering myself. There’s been some challenges so far, but I’ve made strides by educating myself, investing in a lot of quality gear, taking notes from the pros (in studios such as Capitol) etc. The newer material is highly evolved in comparison to our last two singles ‘Tongues’ & ‘Future’, so we’re eager to get it out. Hopefully by summer! 

Any tour plans for later in 2016? 

No touring plans until we can see the finish line for the next release. Although we’ll do one-off shows here and there! There’s definitely places we’d like to travel to!  

What bands are coming up in the LA scene that you could turn us onto?

We really like James Supercave and De Lux.

Stay in touch with Torches: FACEBOOK | WEBSITE