Montreal experimental rock trio BIG|BRAVE are wrapping up a pretty big year. This September they released their sophomore LP, Ardor, on Southern Lord, and they’re finishing out the year with a short tour. They’re currently on a batch of dates as direct support for noise rock legends Unsane. Their final date of the year will have them playing Kung Fu Necktie this Tuesday, December 19th. I recently got a chance to chat with BIG|BRAVE about their year. Read what they had to say to me and check out their recent video for “Sound.”
Izzy Cihak: I realize this is a kinda huge and very general question but, considering that you’ve been at this for about half a decade now, what have been some of the biggest highlights of BIG|BRAVE for you, personally?
BIG|BRAVE: Touring and traveling has definitely been a highlight. We always dreamt of touring Europe and now we’ve just returned from our third trip there. It’s all still pretty unreal to us. This band has taken us to places we otherwise would never have been to. It’s pretty amazing that pursuing this thing we love doing has enabled to do all of this.
Izzy: And how would you characterize your process of writing and recording together, if there even is a “process?” Or is it different with every song and every record?
BIG|BRAVE: The writing process does not differ from song to song, but definitely differs from album to album. Over time we develop certain aspects of songwriting that speak to us most and then we focus on these elements for a good chunk of time. These focused writing periods are what usually turn into an album. Once the album is done, we seem to naturally move on, wanting do things a little differently. Sonic exploration moving forward is definitely a main ambition with this band.
Izzy: Your latest album, Ardor, has been out for a little while now. Have you gotten any particular favorite reactions to it?
BIG|BRAVE: It’s been great to be able to play the album live in its entirety. That’s what we find the most rewarding and the reception has been pretty great so far.
Izzy: I know you have a bunch of dates with Unsane. Were you previously fans of theirs?
BIG|BRAVE: We got to see Unsane a few months ago in Amsterdam and they blew us away. They’ve been a band for so many years now and it’s quite inspiring to see that they still slay live.
Izzy: What can be expected of the live set when you play here at Kung Fu Necktie?
BIG|BRAVE: Three sweating bodies and loud amps.
Izzy: Since we’re nearing the end of the year, I’ve been inclined to ask bands about their favorite music of the year. Are there any albums to drop in 2017, or live shows that you’ve gotten to see, that you especially appreciated or felt inspired by?
BIG|BRAVE: Lives shows: News Fires. Alanis Obomsawin. Love theme. Sumac. As for new music, we are realizing that we all three mostly been listening to older stuff!
Izzy: Finally, what’s next for you? How are you hoping and planning to spend 2018?
BIG|BRAVE: We are going to start working on a new record quite immediately. Hope to record it before the summer and have something out in the Fall. We also have a few more tours lined up. So, pretty much what we have been doing for the last five years. Staying as busy as possible!