Interview with Eighty Ninety.
Interview by Laury Verdoux
Brooklyn-based indie-pop duo Eighty Ninety unveiled their highly anticipated self-titled debut album. Comprising brothers Abner (vocals, production) and Harper (guitar, production) James, the duo seamlessly blends intimate storytelling, sticky melodies, and minimalist pop productions. Describing their unique style as "808s and telecasters", the duo creates music that melds acoustic instruments with electronic sounds, showcasing their anything-goes mentality in the studio. We got to chat with the group about their artistry, new release and upcoming plans.
Eric T. White
Can you please start by telling us how Eighty Ninety came to be and why this unique name?
Eighty Ninety started as a collaboration between us, brothers Abner and Harper. We always shared a deep love for music and songwriting, and it felt natural to merge our individual artistic energies. The name 'Eighty Ninety' has a lot of meanings, and we love when people guess. We've heard everything from different eras of music to radio stations to a highway that runs through the country. So far they've all been right.
Congratulations on the release of your self-titled debut album! How does it feel to have this project finally out in the world?
Releasing our self-titled debut album is incredibly exhilarating. This album encapsulates years of our life, emotions, and experiences. Seeing it resonate with listeners is humbling and validating. It's a mix of relief, excitement, and anticipation for what's to come.
Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind the album? What themes or experiences influenced the creation of these songs?
The inspiration for this album comes from our personal experiences and stories. It's a blend of introspection, relationships, and life's ups and downs. We've tried to capture the nuances of love, loss, and growth. Each song represents a different facet of our journey, woven together to create a tapestry of our collective experiences.
What are both of your favorite songs from the album and why?
Abner: My favorite is "Ruins." It's deeply personal and reflects on the past in a way that I hope listeners can relate to. The process of writing and producing it was particularly cathartic for me.
Harper: “Conspiracy Theorist” and “Don't Know It Yet” are my favorites.
As brothers working together, how do you navigate creative differences and what strengths do each of you bring to the Eighty Ninety sound?
Working together as brothers is a unique dynamic. We understand each other deeply, which is a huge advantage. When it comes to creative differences, we see them as strengths rather than obstacles. Our process is very collaborative – we balance each other out. Abner often takes the lead on lyrics and vocals, while I (Harper) focus more on production. Our approach to collaboration is less about compromising or "meeting in the middle" than it is to let each other work at 100% side by side. If we're both not completely behind something, it doesn't get released.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for Eighty Ninety? Are there any new projects or directions you're excited to explore?
Looking ahead, we're excited to continue evolving our sound and exploring new themes in our music. We plan to experiment with different genres and production techniques while staying true to our core style. We're also looking forward to connecting with our fans through live performances and perhaps even some collaborations.