www.facebook.com/snailmate
From: Arizona
Sounds like: Synth Punk/Hip Hop
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? Who thought of the name “Snailmate" and is there any meaning behind it?
Snailmate got started when our old bands fell apart. Bentley had some shows booked that now needed filling, so we decided to throw something together. We had no idea how it was going to turn out or what kind of sound we were going for, especially since Kalen had never played keyboards before. We had to come up with a name, and after exhausting every combination of "Snail_____" Bentley woke up in the middle of the night and thought of "Snailmate" and it stuck. We think it's cute and we wanted something that felt inclusive and inviting. We are all, like, about the love. The rest is history, as they say.
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
We want people to have fun when they watch us perform. We want the fun that we are having to be infectious. We want to provide a musical experience that they have never had before, and we want everyone to feel less alone in the world. Snailmate is a celebration of weirdness and anxiety and release.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
We classify ourselves as "SynthPunk HipHop"... we combine electronic synthesizer riffs with heavy drums, rapping and screaming. It's fast and loud and quirky, but not angry or confrontational.
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
We want to tour with Primus, Miley Cyrus, and Cake.
5. What are your three desert island albums that you'd never get tired of listening to?
Kalen: The Odious - Vesica Piscis, Beck - The Information, Clutch - Robot Hive/Exodus
Bentley: Miley Cyrus - Bangerz, Halsey - Manic, Tegan & Sara - If It Was You
6. What’s your take on the current state of Synth Punk/Hip Hop?
Well, if there are any other bands that are repping this "genre" then we would love to hear from them! The more the merrier!
7. What’s the current music scene like there in Arizona?
The Arizona music scene is radical. So many eclectic bands and sounds and everyone gets along really well. We are proud to have gotten our start there.
8. What’s your take on legal/illegal music downloading?
I'm not sure how much illegal downloading is happening anymore. I know it used to be a huge issue and everyone I knew did it liberally. But now with all the streaming options available, I don't think it's worth the effort to steal it. It is wonderful how accessible and available all music is these days... but what artists get paid for streams is criminal. If someone was illegally downloading our music and enjoying it, I wouldn't be mad tho. We don't do this for the money.
9. What’s next for Snailmate?
We are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to safely tour again. Nothing gives us more joy than bringing our music to people around the world. Until then we are continuing to write and record music, as well as make music videos, merchandise, playing live streams and other fun things to engage our awesome fans.
10. Any shoutouts?
Shoutout to everyone who has ever supported us in any capacity ever. We are so grateful to all the wonderful people in our lives. We sincerely love everyone. And our pets, Doctor, Bill, London and Princess Pheebee.
