EC: Yeah, it’s like an exaggerated version of me, or like a character or persona that I can step into. It feels like a different part of me, for sure.
JM: And so I think that process of just showing up and seeing what happens has carried through. It’s not a process that works for everyone, and it’s not a process that works for every record, but for this band, it seems to be the best way to operate.
DD: We trust each other, and we trust the process. We know that even if it feels like it’s not going anywhere, it is going somewhere. We’re just not seeing it yet. The more we do it, the more we trust that.
How did you decide on the title How Will I Live Without a Body? and how does it reflect the themes of the album?
EC: The title was one of the last things that came. We had recorded all the songs, and we were trying to figure out what to call it. I had been doing some research on AI, and I found this AI that was trained on Laurie Anderson’s work. It was answering questions from her book, and one of the responses that came from it was “How Will I Live Without a Body?” That just felt kind of perfect for what we were talking about on the record – this feeling of being disconnected from your body, from yourself, from other people. It was just kind of like, “Oh, yeah, that’s it. That’s the title.”
DD: And it felt like a nice way to encapsulate the themes of the record, too. I think it’s a question a lot of people ask themselves, especially in the pandemic. How do you connect with people when you’re not physically around them? How do you connect with yourself when you’re not physically around yourself?
JM: I think the title also has a kind of magic to it. It’s like a spell or an incantation. It’s not a question that you’re meant to answer. It’s a question that’s meant to open up a space. It’s a question that’s meant to change the way that you think about the world. And I think that’s what the record does, too. It’s not a record that’s trying to answer questions. It’s a record that’s trying to change the way that you see the world.
EC: Yeah, it’s like a koan. It’s like a Zen riddle that’s meant to make you think about things in a different way.
How do you think the themes of the album will resonate with listeners, especially in the current world we’re living in?
EC: I think it’s a record that’s about feeling disconnected and trying to find connection in a disconnected world. I think that’s something that everyone can relate to right now. We’re all feeling disconnected from each other, from ourselves, from our bodies. And I think that’s what the record is about – trying to find a way to connect in a world that’s trying to pull you apart.
JM: I think the record is also about transformation. It’s about how we can change ourselves and change the world around us, even in the face of all the things that are trying to keep us the same. I think that’s something that’s really relevant right now, when everything feels like it’s falling apart. It’s a record that’s about finding hope in the midst of chaos.
DD: And I think it’s a record that’s about love. It’s about how we can love each other and love ourselves, even when it feels like there’s no reason to. It’s about finding that love and holding onto it, even when everything else is trying to tear it apart.
EC: Yeah, it’s a record that’s about finding beauty in the midst of ugliness. It’s about finding light in the midst of darkness. It’s about finding hope in the midst of despair. And I think that’s something that everyone can relate to right now.
What do you hope listeners take away from How Will I Live Without a Body? after listening to it?
EC: I hope that listeners take away a sense of connection. I hope that they feel connected to themselves, to each other, to the world around them. I hope that they feel less alone after listening to the record. I hope that they feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a community, a family, a world that’s trying to connect in the face of all the things that are trying to pull us apart.
JM: I hope that listeners take away a sense of possibility. I hope that they feel like they can change themselves and change the world around them. I hope that they feel like they can transform their lives and transform the world around them, even in the face of all the things that are trying to keep them the same. I hope that they feel like they can find hope in the midst of chaos, and love in the midst of hate. I hope that they feel like they can find beauty in the midst of ugliness, and light in the midst of darkness. I hope that they feel like they can find joy in the midst of sadness, and peace in the midst of turmoil. I hope that they feel like they can find connection in the midst of disconnection, and love in the midst of fear. I hope that they feel like they can find themselves in the midst of everything that’s trying to pull them apart.
DD: I hope that listeners take away a sense of wonder. I hope that they feel like they’re part of something magical and mysterious, something that’s bigger than themselves. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of beauty and light, even in the face of all the darkness and ugliness. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of love and hope, even in the face of all the hate and despair. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of possibility and transformation, even in the face of all the things that are trying to keep them the same. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of connection and community, even in the face of all the things that are trying to pull them apart.
EC: And I hope that listeners take away a sense of joy. I hope that they feel happy and uplifted after listening to the record. I hope that they feel like they’re part of something joyful and beautiful, something that’s full of light and love. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of laughter and music, even in the face of all the silence and sadness. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of life and energy, even in the face of all the death and destruction. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of hope and possibility, even in the face of all the despair and desolation. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of love and connection, even in the face of all the fear and loneliness. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of magic and mystery, even in the face of all the logic and reason. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of wonder and awe, even in the face of all the doubt and skepticism. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of beauty and art, even in the face of all the ugliness and destruction. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of joy and laughter, even in the face of all the sadness and grief. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of light and love, even in the face of all the darkness and hate. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of life and energy, even in the face of all the death and despair. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of hope and possibility, even in the face of all the despair and destruction. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of love and connection, even in the face of all the fear and isolation.
DD: And I hope that listeners take away a sense of peace. I hope that they feel calm and relaxed after listening to the record. I hope that they feel like they’re part of something peaceful and serene, something that’s full of tranquility and harmony. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of balance and unity, even in the face of all the chaos and discord. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of love and compassion, even in the face of all the hate and conflict. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of joy and laughter, even in the face of all the sadness and sorrow. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of light and love, even in the face of all the darkness and despair. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of life and energy, even in the face of all the death and destruction. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of hope and possibility, even in the face of all the despair and desolation. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of love and connection, even in the face of all the fear and loneliness. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of magic and mystery, even in the face of all the logic and reason. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of wonder and awe, even in the face of all the doubt and skepticism. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of beauty and art, even in the face of all the ugliness and destruction. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of joy and laughter, even in the face of all the sadness and grief.
EC: I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of light and love, even in the face of all the darkness and hate. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of life and energy, even in the face of all the death and despair. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of hope and possibility, even in the face of all the despair and destruction. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of love and connection, even in the face of all the fear and isolation.
DD: I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of magic and mystery, even in the face of all the logic and reason. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of wonder and awe, even in the face of all the doubt and skepticism. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of beauty and art, even in the face of all the ugliness and destruction. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of joy and laughter, even in the face of all the sadness and grief. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of light and love, even in the face of all the darkness and hate.
EC: I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of life and energy, even in the face of all the death and despair. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of hope and possibility, even in the face of all the despair and destruction. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of love and connection, even in the face of all the fear and loneliness.
DD: I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of magic and mystery, even in the face of all the logic and reason. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of wonder and awe, even in the face of all the doubt and skepticism. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of beauty and art, even in the face of all the ugliness and destruction. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of joy and laughter, even in the face of all the sadness and grief. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of light and love, even in the face of all the darkness and hate. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of life and energy, even in the face of all the death and despair. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of hope and possibility, even in the face of all the despair and desolation. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of love and connection, even in the face of all the fear and isolation. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of magic and mystery, even in the face of all the logic and reason. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of wonder and awe, even in the face of all the doubt and skepticism. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of beauty and art, even in the face of all the ugliness and destruction. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of joy and laughter, even in the face of all the sadness and grief. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of light and love, even in the face of all the darkness and hate. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of life and energy, even in the face of all the death and despair. I hope that they feel like they’re part of a world that’s full of hope and possibility, even in the face of all the despair and destruction.
I think it was more about being in a different environment, away from our usual routines and distractions. We were able to focus solely on the music and really listen to each other. And I think that’s when our shared language started to develop. It’s like we were able to tap into this collective creativity that we didn’t even know we had. And from there, it just continued to grow and evolve as we worked on the songs together.
DD: Yeah, I think being in that environment really helped us let go of our individual expectations and just be present in the moment. We were able to trust each other and bounce ideas off of one another without any preconceived notions. And that’s when our shared language really started to solidify.
EC: I agree. It’s like we were able to create this new language together, one that was unique to Loma. And it’s something that we continue to nurture and build upon with each new song we create. It’s a constantly evolving process, but that’s what makes it so exciting and rewarding. Adding that field recording of an indistinct voice added a sense of humanity and mystery to the song. It brought a new layer to the track and helped to break up the mechanical or forced feeling that was present before.
EC: I remember that! I was in the trailer listening to you guys do that, and it sounded so cool.
JM: And then we also had some drumsticks on a metal sheet. We were just trying to build up this texture. It’s a very, very simple song, but I think it has a very unique feel to it because of that loop. The loop is so powerful and driving, and then Emily’s vocal is just so…
EC: Sickly! [laughs]
JM: Yeah, it’s sickly. But it’s got this beautiful melody to it that just kind of floats over this driving rhythm. It’s really cool. It’s one of my favorites on the record.
DD: Yeah, that’s a great track.
JM: It’s got a mysterious quality to it, like it’s out of time or place in some way. It’s very cool.
I feel like it will definitely affect it in some way. I think having a child will bring a new perspective and depth to my art. It might change the way I approach things, the way I see the world, and the emotions I bring to my work. I’m excited to see how it all unfolds.
Mi tiempo es más limitado ahora, así que tal vez cambiará en la forma en que todo está simplemente más concentrado. Pero seguro pienso mucho en dibujar, pintar y hacer música. Así que tal vez solo piense mucho más en las cosas antes de hacerlas. Tal vez se cristalicen dentro de mí antes de hacerlas realmente, porque usualmente, simplemente las hago sin pensar mucho.
JM: Una cosa que he notado sobre los discos es que a menudo cuando termino con ellos y vuelvo a ellos más tarde, me doy cuenta de que de alguna manera predijeron el futuro en mi propia vida de alguna manera. No creo que sea mágico; creo que es solo que tu subconsciente está al tanto de las cosas antes de que tu mente consciente lo esté. Dado que a menudo trabajas desde tu subconsciente, no es sorprendente que te envíe mensajes. En este disco, ‘Turnaround’, la línea “Kid, make your own mess”, eso fue antes de que Zola fuera siquiera una idea.
¿Hay alguna otra parte en el disco que te parezca un poco espeluznante o profética?
EC: Todavía no he tragado una piedra… Nunca se sabe.
JM: Bueno, Dan identificó el título del disco. No quiero exagerar esto porque no es una gran parte del disco, pero estaban las líneas que obtuvimos de la IA de Laurie Anderson. Una de ellas fue: “¿Cómo viviré sin un cuerpo?”, que es algo tan gracioso que una IA pueda llegar a decir. Dan lo sugirió, creo que un poco como una broma, y yo pensé, “Espera un minuto”. Porque realmente sentí que eso encapsulaba lo que todo el proceso fue, tratando de crear esta cosa que no era solo una banda tocando en una habitación, yendo a grandes longitudes para hacerla manifestar. Esa línea estaba como esperándonos todo el tiempo, porque ‘Affinity’ fue una de las primeras canciones que hicimos. Al igual que en el primer disco, la portada de ese disco había estado en la pared todo el tiempo que estábamos haciendo el disco. Estábamos tratando de averiguar qué hacer con la portada, y nos dimos la vuelta como, “¡Oye, has estado aquí todo el tiempo!” Muchas cosas cuando estás creando cualquier obra de arte son cosas que has notado que simplemente ya estaban allí. Simplemente no habías sintonizado su frecuencia todavía.
EC: ¿Ibas a decir algo sobre Lisa [Cline] haciendo el arte?
JM: ¡Oh, me olvidé de eso!
EC: Bueno, lo mismo, ella lo hizo antes del título, ¿verdad?
JM: Sí, estábamos pidiendo a Lisa, la artista de la portada, que hiciera una portada de álbum. Hizo un par de intentos diferentes, y luego hizo esta con esta cabeza flotante. ¡Ella no sabía que ese era el título del disco!
Es curioso cómo esas cosas, un artista real y una IA entrenada en el trabajo de Laurie Anderson, que viven fuera del organismo de la banda de alguna manera terminan alimentándolo. Entiendo que no es una gran parte del disco, pero tengo curiosidad por saber cuál fue el pensamiento detrás de trabajar con esta IA, y si todos estaban en la misma página sobre lo que iban a conservar de ella.
DD: Es solo una canción, ¿verdad?
JM: Hay líneas en ‘How It Starts’ y ‘Affinity’. Estaba trabajando con Laurie en este otro proyecto, y ella me estaba mostrando esta IA. Podía enviarle una imagen y ella respondía con un poema. Así que le envié una imagen de algo en lo que estaba trabajando en mi libro, era este hombre de la Antártida en la década de 1960 con la barba llena de hielo, y otra imagen que no recuerdo, pero volvió con estos dos poemas. Estos poemas tenían estas líneas interesantes, y cuando estaba buscando letras, simplemente los miré y pensé: “Hay algo en estas líneas que realmente me sugiere algo”. Así que fueron a las canciones y se quedaron allí. Pero no tenía la intención de hacerlo parte del disco cuando lo hice; fue solo una cosa improvisada con Laurie en ese momento. Luego le pregunté si estaba bien usar esto, y ella dijo: “Sí, claro”.
Sé que no tienen planes de hacer giras en este momento, pero ¿estar en la misma habitación y tocar juntos de nuevo es algo en lo que piensan o que esperan?
DD: No sabemos en el futuro cuándo podría ser, pero como con todos los procesos de Loma, más bien respondemos a la forma en que se está desarrollando. Creo que si y cuando llegue el momento, lo abrazaremos.
EC: Bien dicho.
JM: Creo que podríamos tener un set excelente. Sería muy bueno.
DD: Sí, tenemos dos discos ahora que no hemos hecho giras, así que tenemos muchas canciones.
JM: Podemos tener un setlist increíble. Pero realmente se necesita mucha energía y tiempo y dinero para llevar una banda de gira ahora, así que tendremos que ver si las estrellas se alinean.
Esta entrevista ha sido editada y condensada para mayor claridad y longitud.
How Will How Will I Live Without a Body? de Loma saldrá el 28 de junio a través de Sub Pop.
Hello! How can I assist you today?