Thursday, August 20, 2009
What started off as a Valentine’s Day gift for lead singer Michael Angelakos’ girlfriend has since turned into a successful collection of electronic pop songs performed by the five members of the Boston-based band Passion Pit. The group has had recent success with their first full-length album, Manners, and has played major gigs such as Lollapalooza in Chicago. Most recently, the band rocked on campus at Night on the Hill, Monday’s Hawk Week event. Ayad Al Adhamy, who puts the electronic flair into the songs with his synth and samples, recently took a few minutes during a “very important” Taco Bell run to talk with Jayplay about the band’s up-and-coming success.
For those who are unfamiliar with your band, how would you describe your style?
I would describe it as dance-electro-pop played by elves in the woods. In Africa.
Is there a story behind the name Passion Pit?
Mike [Angelakos] was in a class where they were talking about “passion pits,” which were drive-in movie theatres in the 1950s where kids would go to make out. He thought it sounded good at the time, and unfortunately now we can’t change it.
You attended Berklee College of Music in Boston. What were you studying there?
I was doing film scoring and conducting and also music synthesis, so it was like two different worlds. But somehow I managed to be in the band and I still ended up graduating last May. I would say I’m a pretty good multi-tasker.
You guys are nominated in the Breakthrough Video category for the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. How did you react when you heard?
I was actually moving from Boston to New York when I heard so I was in a U-Haul truck, and of course I was the last one to find out. I haven’t really thought about it too much, but it’s pretty amazing.
Will you guys be attending the awards?
No, we actually have a show that day so we’ll be playing in the middle of the Rocky Mountains. But it’s not like we’re going to win. We’re in the same category as Death Cab for Cutie and Gnarls Barkley, so, yeah, we have no chance. I mean we weren’t even on TV before all of this. If it happens I’ll be even more surprised.
Why do you think your music is so popular with the college crowd?
You can listen to it while you study, party, or just hang out. It’s not too emotional but it can be if you want it to. Plus, we’re college kids, too, so I think people can definitely relate to us.
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