East London based Andrea Chamberlain and Leon Brown – aka All Flags Are Grey – have previously worked on musical projects together, and have now reconnected to create music, releasing their debut single Bare Bones on June 30th (2017) via Seven Wishbones.
Tackling ideas of addictive behavior and self-inflicted loss, Bare Bones is about showing vulnerability and the feeling of isolation we all encounter at some point in our lives. An intense and cinematic creation, the track flows with pounding beats and the twinkling whir of electronic melodies alongside Chamberlain’s beguiling, soulful vocals. It’s a truly enchanting sonic delight.
Not only is front woman Andrea Chamberlain a skilled artist and musician, she also has an impressive entrepreneurial spirit. She currently co-owns a boutique publishing company that’s partnered with a label in Japan, and has had numerous releases across Asia.
In this interview spotlight, we chat with All Flags Are Grey about influences, music listening preferences, their newest project and more.
Full Q&A along with links and a stream of Bare Bones below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
I don’t think we really see ourselves attracted to any one particular genre or style really, not consciously anyway, as I think that can only be constraining and limiting to do so. We take reference from all kind of artist figures, as well as the likes of Patti Smith, Talking Heads Grace Slick, Xray Specs Jake and Dinos Chapman, Killing Joke, being some of the favourites.
What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?
Leon and I had worked on various music projects before some of which where featured on MTV, NME and Kerrang we meet again at a friend’s film screening and decided it was time to work together again, but that’s the mechanics so to speak in regards to the drive… Music or any art form has to be heard or experienced by others, as they are the barometers as to whether you are successful or not. The reaction confirms if what you’re trying to express made it through the medium that you’ve created – the drive is invoking that reaction and capturing the mood at that time to hopefully make a difference.
Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?
Our tastes tend not to change as such, they just get expanded… We believe you should never have anything “embarassing” in your record collection for instance, you might think it is, but it was perfect at the time and you should revisit it every now and again like an old photo album.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
For us it’s important to work as hard as possible in creating new music. People say there’s nothing new under the sun but that’s just an excuse to be lazy for us. Anything we write has to have a purpose to it – our most recent track Bare Bones tackles the subject of addictive behaviour and self inflicted loss. It’s about showing vulnerability, self loathing and feeling trapped and the video to the track tries to visualise these feelings whilst exploring Shibari Rope Art ideas about domination and submission which also represents the elaborate manipulations of the ego and its strangleholds.
What was the last song you listened to?
I was just watching the new series of Twin Peaks where the Chromatics are playing live at the end that was the last song I heard although I cant remember the name of it !!!
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Vinyl. But I’m rarely anywhere near my record player unfortunately so the reality is MP3.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
They’re all good in their own way, but recently I have being listening to Tidal more of the royalty play goes to the artist, so it’s got our support!!
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