Fazer - Plex (Album) + 10 Questions
One of Fazer’s first shows, after solidifying their lineup at the Academy for Music and Theatre in Munich, was in an old studio meant for scoring films, with ample space for a full orchestra. Virtually unknown at the time, the band invited friends and family to attend, not expecting to come anywhere close to filling the venue. Word spread, and once it was time to play that show they found themselves in the company of about 200 people. Situated in the middle of the room, the audience surrounded them in a circle as they played completely unplugged, allowing the acoustics of the venue to carry the sound. That unexpected instant in which the band played off the energy of a crowd bigger than anticipated, the sonics of the space they were in, and off of each other, Fazer says, was formative for them. They’ve always been about seizing the moment.
Each musician comes from a disparate musical background, and together, they form a complex tapestry of influences—big band jazz, krauty grooves, straight-ahead rock, and even a tinge of electronic music. Their unorthodox lineup, which consists of two drummers that perform as a singular unit, codes a strong influence on rhythm directly into the band’s DNA. The trumpet player, whose musical upbringing was primarily on guitar, plays much like a guitarist would, occupying the middle range rather than playing high notes. With two drummers working in tandem with one another while also following the bass, and a trumpet and guitar player that frequently meet on the same eye level, every member of Fazer is always focused on interplay. They describe it as moving like a school of fish; each player has their eye on everyone else, ready to switch course at a moment’s notice.
Plex captures an electric moment in time, where Fazer felt more in lockstep than ever before. They stayed in a house in the Munich countryside, living together, working together, and jamming together as the music took shape around them. When it was time to go into the studio, they laid it all out with no friction, and that flawless synchronicity can be heard on the record. It’s a little bit jazz, a little bit kraut, a little bit pop, but adds up to more than the sum of its parts. “We learned a lot in the past few years,” the band says, “and our playing together as a group kind of culminated on this record.”
Fazer sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
Personally I started playing the guitar at the age of 6 and have been lost to it ever since.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Rhythm & Sound, Moor Mother, Linton Kwesi Johnson.
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?
The cancellation of all shows obviously meant a financial burden, but it also delayed the release of our new album ‘Plex’ because we wanted to tour with the record when it comes out.
4. How would you describe your sound?
A blend of Jazz, Krautrock, Afrobeat. Haters call it Indie Jazz.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Going full city guide on a whole page for the Guardian.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Don’t overthink, you probably haven’t written your best songs, yet.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
Enji, Mariá Portugal, Wendy Eisenberg.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Dean Blunt – Black Metal 2
Xochimoki – Temple Of The New Sun
Paul Brändle - Solo
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
Probably listen to music.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Generic sweets, unhealthy amounts of coffee and the magic of the first take.
Answered by Martin Brugger of Fazer