It’s always thrilling to discover new bands that either operate in a DIY mode or draw inspiration for their music from interests outside of it, such as the Dutch art scene. Amsterdam based yacht-punk band St. Tropez possess both qualities, so we fired some questions away to learn more about what makes them the band they are.
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Since this is the first TDL feature of St. Tropez, could you tell our readers a little bit about the formation and early years of the band?
We’re four guys making yacht punk in Amsterdam. We started St. Tropez in 2015 and have been playing all over Europe and US as well as releasing an EP in 2015, an album in 2016, another EP in 2017 and now a new album in 2018.
The new single, “Down,” and the music video are quite a statement on their own. What was the artistic vision behind it?
The song is both a chaotic ode and a political indictment to destruction and with this video we wanted to refer to the art of disappearing, explored before by many conceptual (Dutch) artists like Bas Jan Ader and Wim T. Schippers.
How was the writing and recording experience different on the upcoming LP from that on the self-titled debut in 2016?
We worked on the tracks for a long time, but for some reason couldn’t find a good way to record them. Then, we took a little break. And when we started again we recorded the whole record in 2 weeks, in our own studio. This time we focused on playing the songs live, instead of layering, and we found that liberating.
What are the biggest obstacles you have to face as a DIY-type band?
Money.
Do you find any sizeable difference in breaking into an international market/audience as opposed to the Netherlands, your home crowd?
We just hope we make great music. We’re convinced that should be enough to find it’s way to music lovers.
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