Sholi
Disciplined, dark, and warm, the music of SF-based three-piece Sholi is a dynamic delight. Whether channeling the best parts of jazzy Chicago post-rock through their ghostly lens, or covering Joanna Newsom and '70s Iranian pop artist Googoosh, the band totally slays. They've just signed to Quarterstick/Touch and Go for the release of their splendid, self-titled debut, and singer/guitarist Payam Bavafa gave Noise Pop some insight.
NP:You guys got started in Davis. What's your take on the music community there?
It's an incredibly inspiring and supportive community. There weren't many venues to play when we were there, but there were many underground house shows, outdoor KDVS events, and generally a pretty DIY atmosphere that catered to any and all types of music. Because the town is so small, you experience it all and there is quite a bit of cross-pollination. We all played in different bands and were friends of friends participating in each others' projects, and one by one we all came together.
NP: It took you a couple of years to finish your full-length album. What was your process like?
We began recording demos for it in 2006, and sent some to Greg Saunier of Deerhoof. To our surprise, he wrote back saying all of these nice things, and shortly thereafter we were working together. We then went into New and Improved Studios for four days after he got back from tour and laid down all the basic tracks for the album. After the fourth day, Greg was like, "OK guys, I think we're almost done," but then we essentially spent a year in our various homes, recording and re-recording and editing and mixing until it started sounding like something we'd want to listen to, and Greg would poke his head in between tours to give feedback.
NP: Tell me a bit about the record's sleeve art--it's awesome!
My good friend Michael Aghajanian in LA did the artwork. We sent him the album and he came up with something like 40 images as possible album covers. We sorted through the options with the label, and then one day he knocked over a garbage can full of flowers in his backyard and took a picture. I think he sent it to me as a joke, but I thought it was perfect. I think it's the representation all of the recycled recordings / images / ideas / sounds etc that went into this record, and came out as something nice and unique. MICHAEL HARKIN
