This has been an absolutely ridiculous month here in Denver. There’s honestly been too many shows to go to, and it’s feeling like the trend is not going to let up any time soon. First up on our list of “must-see shows” for this week is LA indie duo, Frank + Derol. These two lovely ladies (Codi Caraco and Brandi Cyrus) first struck a chord with us back when they released “Barely Love You Too.” Since then we’ve been digging on their whole EP.
Before we head out to their show though, we wanted to get to know them a little better. Check out our email conversation of love songs, Thom Yorke, and a baby tiger unicorn eating ice cream on a rainbow. Totally serious on that last part too. A baby tiger unicorn eating ice cream on a rainbow was discussed.
If you’re in Denver this Thursday, come out and catch their show at the Hi-Dive!
TMN:Thank you so much for taking the time to answer a few questions. First off, how did the two of you come to develop your sound?
Codi Caraco: We have had some different musical influences throughout our own lives. I grew up studying and learning classical piano. I was also surrounded by a lot of Jimmy Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, and the Beatles. as well as 90’s alternative music. i really love electronic interesting weird sounds.
Brandi Cyrus: I grew up watching my dad play country music, which had a huge influence on me. He is an incredible performer and so passionate about what he does and I admire that so much. As I got older I listened to a lot of 90’s pop, alternative rock, and even some folk/americana bands.
CC: I think our different influences and interests just formed our sound. We have a musical understanding together. There was also a lot of trial and error.
TMN: Your track lo-fi indie pop track “Barely Love You Too” has garnered good response on the blog front. Talk to us about that track. How did it come to be?
CC: I think people usually think this is a breakup song. It’s actually a bit of a love song.
BC: It’s definitely a special song. It started with this concept of how do you tell someone ‘I love you’ without saying it so blatantly. You really have to listen to the song as a whole to get the meaning behind the chorus.
TMN: Talk to us about your musical upbringing. Were you encouraged to play instruments at a young age?
CC: I was very encouraged at a young age, my family is very musical. I was surrounded by music since I was born. I started piano when I was about 5 and from then on studied classical piano. My parents pushed me to practice and keep going. At the time I wanted to quit and had moments of hate towards piano but now I am so grateful they made me stick with it.
BC: Music was always around me, but my parents never forced any of us into it. I actually had a lot of other hobbies as a kid, and then when I was 18 I decided to pick up the guitar on my own and learn how to play. After I taught myself some chords, I asked my dad for help and he would sit with me for hours and we would just play and play and play.
Continue reading after the jump…
TMN: So here’s something a bit off the wall. If your music were an animal, what would it be?
CC: Baby tiger unicorn eating ice cream on a rainbow.
TMN: Ok, last one – your music career as Frank + Derol is in it’s infant stages. Who’s one artist you’re dying to play with?
CC: Jam with .. there are so many. Open for .. also so many. I’d love to work with Gold Panda or Jamie xx and I mean Thom Yorke .. that’d be cool.
BC: Yeah I mean there’s a whole list of artists I’d be honored to play with. But as far as collaborating, I’d die for a chance to work with Brandon Flowers. Also, Jenny Lewis and Emily Haines (of Metric) are two people who I think would be killer to write with, as I’m a huge fan of both.
