Air Waves

We sat down with Nicole Schneit of Airwaves and asked her some quick questions about inspiration (Velvet Underground, Suicide, Hot Chocolate, a ton of reggae, Alton Ellis, Donna Hinds, anything with Steve Buscemi) and their new album which will be released somewhere in October (with songs fuller and longer than before, backing vocals from Jana Hunter and guitar work from JB Townsend). Oh yes – and idealism, of course. Starting with the world, why not?

Interview by Rosa Ronsdorf, photos shot by Vrederick

If you could change one thing in this world what would it be?

‘People should be kinder and more honest with each other. Myself included. Everyone is so hard on each other, it’s tough out there.’

Is there some sort of idealism in your music?

‘Definitely, there’s some new songs that are about an ideal love. I think only two of the new songs are about my personal life. “Horse Race” is definitely a song about idealism. It’s about winning a horse race bet, being able to afford rent in NY and having a beautiful person with me to enjoy the ride in a Cadillac. I want people to relate to the songs, and come up with their own stories about the songs. Some songs are personal and some not at all. I’m inspired by people and love and life. And I hope that is conveyed in the songs. I guess I’m a sensitive romantic type and that probably comes out a little lyrically.

‘I think of idealism as an imagined perfect form. Some musicians probably don’t think of this at all and just are playing to play. I might have a couple songs about that but it’s not something I’m totally conscious of.’

What is the ideal sound?

‘I want it to always be sincere and honest. I try not to overthink songs and let them flow naturally, but part of challenging myself creatively is to push my old song structure to a different place. For this album that meant more layers of instruments and words. I’m kind of horrible at pinpointing what exactly I want it to sound like. Engineers are always asking which bands do you want this album to sound like? And then music critics too will pick a few bands you sound like. I hope that music hasn’t reached a place where all new music gets compared to old music.’