LA WOMEN's new single Blame Me is out now! We chat to frontman Jake Schdroski about the release and more.
Image: Frances Carter.
Auckland based indie-pop three-piece are gearing up for a big year, sharing their first taste of new music in 2021. Blame Me is an anthemic fusion of electronic sounds within a pop-based soundscape.
Conceptually, the track explores the moral dilemma of accepting your own wrongdoings, taking on an apologetic tone with frontman Jake Schdroski's soothing vocals taking centre stage atop delicate chords and burgeoning drums. Originally written in 2018 with Auckland producer / songwriter Alex Wildwood (SACHI, The Veronicas, Broods), the Schdroski explains the songs meoldy and vocal lines remained untouched over the two year period, with the production quality of the track going through a number of changes. Just when they were ready to put Blame Me back in the door, the trio arrived at the song we hear today.
Set to feature their 2020 singles Falling in Love, Love Me, and Daydreams, the bands sophomore EP is set to be released later this year. The EP follows their 2018 debut body of work, I was admiring her through a series of precision cut mirrors. The three-piece have made their mark within Australia, having supported Glades on their Australian tour and taken to the mainstage at their motherland’s Rhythm & Vines festival.
Blame Me is out now! Read our interview with Jake Schdroski of LA WOMEN below.
Tell us a bit about how you started your musical journey...
We have been a band for over 5 years now but have been playing music together since we were in intermediate school. Also me and Zac are cousins so music was something I remember fascinating us since we were even younger.
We’ve been loving your latest track Blame Me, what inspired you to write this song?
Thank you! It’s funny because we almost lost inspiration to finish this song. After 2 years of different shapes and forms it just took some persistence to get it right. We knew it was a good song but once we figured it out the song almost inspired us all over again which is something that’s never really happened before! Lyrically it’s just about me being a bit of an idiot sometimes and being able to accept the blame for that. Nothing super deep or anything, it’s more of a fun song.
You wrote this song with Auckland producer/songwriter Alex Wildwood back in 2018, how did the track evolve over the two years and why was 2021 the right time to release it?
In terms of the vocals and structure of the song nothing really it was just production. We went in countless times over a year to try and nail it but could never really get it right. Just when we thought it was a write off we gave it one last go and I think it was either the drums or bass that really brought it back to life for all of us. Persistence does payoff sometimes!
If you could describe Blame Me as an existing piece of visual art which artwork would it be and why?
Ooo interesting question.. it feels bright to me like it’s probably our most pop song we have made. James Turell inspired so many great pop songs of the last 5 years. Hotline bling for one, The 1975, even Kanye.
Blame Me is essentially a teaser for your second EP, what can we expect from your upcoming release?
It’s hard to know what to expect from us to be honest we hardly even know haha. But I think people can expect a little taste of new and old with a few sprinkles in between. Maybe even some shows (fingers crossed).
Is there a particular song on the EP you’re most excited for listeners to experience? Feel free to be as cryptic as you like, we love a good puzzle.
We have one song in particular that has a feature artist we love and have worked with quite a bit on it. Going back to that last question it definitely explores more of the soft RnB side that was in our last EP.
We’d love to hear more about your creative process when writing and recording, could you tell us a bit about that?
It changes every time to be honest but we usually have some kind of loop or beat that we like then I’d scat some melodies of just random stuff and if any words stick out we kind of just go off that. We usually know if it’s worth perusing or not after the chorus and verses are written.
Keeping that in mind, without giving too much away, if you could describe your sound to someone who was about to press play on an LA WOMEN track what would you say?
I’d say if you don’t like the one you pressed play on try another cause our sound does change song to song and there could definitely be something in there for ya!
You released a couple of singles last year and we have more music coming soon, were there any challenges whilst creating music during the pandemic?
I think getting together with producers to finish off the final stages of songs was a little harder just because we couldn’t all be in the room together which is usually how we like to do it. But in terms of writing new stuff we had little studios in our house to make song ideas which was nice.
Whilst you are unable to tour at the moment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, what can audiences expect from one of your live shows when you are able to hit the road?
We have been playing shows around NZ a lot more over the last 6 months in between lockdowns which is awesome we are super lucky. But once the world opens up again (god knows when) I think people can expect a lot more new music in the set and just a good energy, we are super proud of how it’s sounding at the moment.
RAPID FIRE
Biggest influences?
My Friends, John Mayer, David Bowie.
Dream collaboration?
I’d love to work with George from The 1975, I think his ear for modern production and sound design is amazing.
Album that has had the most impact on you?
Collectively Continuum - John Mayer, that album has always been one of our favourites as a band since I can remember.
How do you define your musical style in 3 words?
Lush, Impactful, Listening experience (this ones a bit of an inside joke but it works) .
A release you’re most looking forward to in 2021?
Anything new by Kendrick, I can’t wait to see what masterpiece he does next
If you could create the soundtrack for any film, which one would it be?
Me and Zac share the love for the film, Place Beyond The Pines. I think that would be awesome or True Romance, I also love that film.
Album you would listen to on repeat on a road trip?
Ohhh there’s so many though! I’ll name 3
Drake - Nothing Was The Same
Fleetwood Mac - Rumours
Nikki and The Dove - Everybody’s Heart Is Broken Now
Best concert you have been to?
Drake hands down, that shit was unreal.
Last concert you went to?
The last big one I can remember was Fleetwood Mac. That was amazing they are still a world class act, couldn’t of expected anything better
Guilty music pleasure?
Probably old pop punk stuff we used to love that shit! blink 182, Green Day etc. I guess that’s just pleasure then isn’t it haha
If you could support any artist on tour, who would it be?
The 1975. We have looked up to them as a band ever since we started the LA WOMEN project.
An artist you think has had the most influence on the music industry.
Oh that’s a tough question I don’t think I can answer that. As a New Zealander I think either Lorde or Benee has definitely put us on the map, even Crowded hHouse back in the day.
What advice would your current self, give your future self, for a year from now?
Probably to just remember why you started all this music stuff because you love to do it. That’s always been a thing for me as long as you love it the music will follow.
The moment you knew you wanted to be a musician?
As soon as I picked up the guitar I knew that’s all I wanted to do I was absolutely infatuated by it. I’m still infatuated by it every time I learn something new.