Though they are fresh out of the gates in the music scene, Def Neon has already landed on one of the UK's finest record labels Analoguetrash and is already pushing out their debut, self-titled album. Moving at the speed of light and not looking back, I chatted with the duo behind Def Neon, Mickey and Emily, about their influences, their debut album, and other such things. Not only that, but we have an exclusive pre-release stream of the track 'Nightvision' from their debut album! So click play, listen that song loudly, and get to know Def Neon!
Synthpop. Electro. Indie rock. You guys have a lot of genres mixed into your sound. But, before we get into your music let's have a little introduction. Who is in Def Neon, what kind of music do you perform, and what's your favorite brand of liquor?
Mickey: Def Neon are a two-piece band from Wales and we play electronic-based rock/ dance music. We like fantasy films, Sci-fi, Horror, Star Wars, Comics/Anime and Cartoons. Emily likes Unicorns and glitter too.
We don’t get to drink very often, but our favorite liqueurs and liquors are Kaluha, Baileys, Smirnoff and Absolut Vodka, Cherry Southern Comfort, Cherrys Sours, and that Cinnamon stuff’s really good too. We’re both bang into cocktails too – try Cherry Sours mixed with Coke and Vodka. It tastes like cherry-cola but it makes you want to fight people.
From what I read there are two of you in the band: Emily and Mickey. How and when did you guys meet each other and when was it that you decided to start Def Neon?
If you could name five bands that have influenced you throughout your life, which would they be and why?
Emily: Garbage. Shirley Manson was my first female musical role-model when I was growing up. I remember seeing her on the cover of the Big Issue, and I felt really inspired reading about the second Garbage album. Garbage 2.0 was one of the albums that I listened to a lot as I was growing up.
Emily: Peaches. I love her energy and her uniqueness. I love the way she has independently created her own electronic sound and signature style. I guess I love the confrontational and lurid aspects of her music.
When did Def Neon officially kick off? And where do you see Def Neon in five or so years from now? Do you see yourselves as international rock stars?
Five or six years from now, we see ourselves with a few more albums under our belt and an international – possibly inter-planetary legion of devoted fans. We definitely see ourselves as international/intergalactic rock stars. Just look at us – you can see the threat we present.
What was the first song you ever put out for audiences and was it received well?
Let's jump into your self-titled debut album Def Neon. You signed to AnalogueTrash for this release. How did you get signed to the label? Did you approach them or did they approach you?
And how has it been working with AnalogueTrash?
After that we wrote a long email explaining that we had an album pretty much finished, and asked if they’d consider releasing it on their label. We met for a drink in Manchester early in the year, and we’ve been close friends ever since. Working with AnalogueTrash has been an invaluable learning process. They have opened doors, provided opportunities and offered moral support and advice. Their work ethic and drive is inspirational and we’re very lucky to have them onside.
What kind of gear did you use to record the album? And what type of sound were you aiming for with this release?
Instruments we used: Fernandes and Ibanez guitars (all with sustainer kits installed), Peavey Basses, Korg Kaoss Pads (V2, V3, V3+) and a Roland MC909.
And how about the lyrics? Is one person in charge of the lyrics over the other or do you each contribute to them? And what do the lyrics on the debut album revolve around?
Emily: I usually write the lyrics as I like to decide what I’m going to sing. Some of the lyrics on the album cover a range of subjects such as human apathy, rebellion and being an outsider. Others however are more lighthearted.
I've seen some reviews of the album so far and they're all pretty positive. Have you read anything that contradicts the good praise so far? Anything negative at all?
And how do you feel about the album yourself? Are you proud of what you accomplished, do you see room for improvement?
And what's next for Def Neon? Have you any live shows, tours, gigs, or future music in the works?
Thank you for your time and answers! I wish you the best for your future and leave the space below for you to say anything more!
Steven Gullotta
info@brutalresonance.comI've been writing for Brutal Resonance since November of 2012 and now serve as the editor-in-chief. I love the dark electronic underground and usually have too much to listen to at once but I love it. I am also an editor at Aggressive Deprivation, a digital/physical magazine since March of 2016. I support the scene as much as I can from my humble laptop.
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