GRAMMYs On The Road With Grimes And Lemolo
The Recording Academy Pacific Northwest Chapter played host for GRAMMYs On The Road At The 2012 Capitol Hill Block Party held July 20–22 in Seattle. The Chapter conducted exclusive backstage interviews with artists performing at the block party, including indie pop/electronica artist Grimes and indie pop duo Lemolo.
Grimes discussed her musical influences, launching her music career, touring with Skrillex and Diplo, and the music scene in Vancouver, British Columbia, among other topics.
"It's probably the funnest thing I've ever done in my life," said Grimes on touring with Skrillex and Diplo. "They're both really amazing people."
Grimes is the indie pop/electronica project of Vancouver-native Claire Boucher. Her debut album, Halfaxa, was released in 2010, followed by Darkbloom and Geidi Primes in 2011. Grimes' fourth release, Visions, was released in March and incorporates a range of musical influences, from Aphex Twin and Enya to TLC, and was created during a period of "self-imposed cloistering" during which she did "not see daylight." According to Grimes, her work is "the only means through which I can be fully expressive. It is both an ethereal escape from, and a violent embrace of, my experience." Grimes is currently on tour throughout Europe and the United States, with dates scheduled through November.
Lemolo discussed their musical upbringing, recording their debut album, The Kaleidoscope, performing live, and the Seattle music community, among other topics.
"This community is really special," said drummer/pianist Kendra Cox. "We've had a lot of support in that we've been able to give a lot of support."
"We started our band and we didn't know anyone in the music scene," said vocalist/pianist/guitarist Meagan Grandall. "So the way that we've been supported by other bands has been really amazing."
Natives of Poulsbo, Wash., Cox and Grandall met while they were kayaking instructors on the waters off Lemolo Shore Drive (from which the duo derives their name). They began performing together around Seattle, and were soon named one of the best new local bands by Seattle Magazine. The duo has toured with artists such as the Head And The Heart and as part of the Dave Matthews Band Caravan festival. Their debut album, The Kaleidoscope, was released in July. Lemolo are currently scheduled to perform select dates in the Pacific Northwest in August.
