Genre hopper Steven Rubin & eclectic dance music producer Thomas Blondet’s collaborative single ‘Seascapes’ is one of the ingredients that make up any trip-hop lovers’ ideal playlist. Combining Rubin’s acoustic signature paired with Blondet’s atmospheric downtempo notes, ‘Seascapes’ is a breathtaking listen, with pure talent and mesmerizing escapism qualities. The single will be released on the 5th of February, and feature on their collaborative EP Sea Sons via Rhythm & Culture Music.
Describe your sound for us. What do you want people to feel when they hear your music?
Thomas: Our sound is definitely downtempo, trip Hop, chill out. I want people to feel chilled and relaxed listening to our music.
Steven: Instrumental, downtempo trip-hop. When listening to my music, I want the listener to feel like they are escaping to the fun recesses of their mind.
Which 3 artists have influenced you the most growing up?
Thomas: Kraftwerk, Masters at Work, Lee Scratch Perry
Steven: Pink Floyd, Neil Young, and Portishead
How did you discover your particular sound?
Thomas: I discovered it listening to a lot of various music and playing various music as a DJ.
Steven: By continuing to search for it for 30+ years. Not sure I’ve found “it” yet.
What are the most important pieces of equipment to you?
Thomas: My MacBook Pro with Logic Pro.
Steven: My mind. Musical gear is simply a method by which to bring creative thoughts to life.
What outside of music inspires you to create?
Thomas: Nature, friends, weather, new studio equipment, and software/plugins
Steven: My various muses.
Do you have a favourite memory of your career so far that you will take with you forever?
Thomas: My DJ residency at Eighteenth Street Lounge.
Steven: When my band in college had a chance to play with The Roots and G Love. Also, playing at CBGB’s in NYC and the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC.
Thomas, you previously mentioned that ‘Seascapes’ is inspired by your residency at the iconic D.C. club Eighteenth Street Lounge. Can this release be considered a tribute to this period in your life?
It is definitely a tribute to this period in my life as a music producer and DJ.
If you could work with, or perform alongside any artist living or passed, who would it be?
Thomas: I’ve worked with and performed with everyone I’ve wanted to.
Steven: There are simply too many artists that I enjoy to nail it down to one. But to name (quite) a few: Neil Young, PJ Harvey, Daniel Lanois, The Flaming Lips, RZA, Nick Cave, Tom Waits, and the Beastie Boys.
What kind of message are you trying to send with your music?
Thomas: It’s an instrumental album, so the message is really up to you as the listener. This album creates an atmosphere that can set any message or mood.
Steven: That music is for your own personal entertainment and engagement, and you should never shy away from something that brings you joy.
Steven, would you describe this upcoming EP Sea Sons as re-invention or evolution of your sound?
I would describe my work with Thomas as an evolution of my sound. Though historically I have mostly performed and produced rock music I have always had an affinity for electronic music and the musical freedom it offers. I love creating sounds that set a mood, that put the listener into a headspace. With the Sea Sons EP, I feel like Thomas and I have combined our musical backgrounds to create something unique that will continue to evolve the more we collaborate.
What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?
Thomas: We are already working on our follow up album to Sea Sons. Be on the lookout later this year in 2021.
Steven: I will continue to work on and release new music with Thomas Blondet, as well as my rock band Jackie and The Treehorns.
Sea Sons will be released on the 5th of March.
Follow Thomas Blondet:
Website – Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify
Follow Steven Rubin:
