Welcome to BuzzMusic, POCKiT! We love the vibe in your sound and how your music is a fusion of various genres, from funk to jazz, blues, rock, and gospel improvisations. How did you navigate these diverse influences to create the distinctive sound we hear in 'No Headlights' and the entirety of 'En Camino?'
Hey BuzzMusic! Thanks for having us, and we're thrilled to share the journey of creating our first single,"'No Headlights' and our upcoming album release 'En Camino.' The diversity in our sound directly reflects our eclectic backgrounds as a band. Each member brings a unique set of influences to the table, creating a musical melting pot that's both challenging and rewarding to navigate. Our love for Funk, Jazz, and Blues serves as a common ground, acting as the backbone of our sound. It's like a musical glue that binds our tastes together. 'No Headlights' is a prime example of this fusion.
In "No Headlights," the vocals take a back seat, and the horns play a central role. Could you share the creative process behind incorporating these classic instruments into your composition and what kind of atmosphere you aim to create with them while delivering a purely instrumental intro?
The roots of 'No Headlights' trace back to 2019 during one of our live jam sessions with the incredible Itawe Correa, a two-time Grammy-nominated vocalist. As we continued to evolve the piece, we brought in the talents of Sebastian Pareja and Luigi Arredondo on the tenor saxophone in 2021. These up-and-coming artists added a fresh and dynamic layer to the sound, contributing to the evolving tapestry of influences that define our music. You can check this video of the band during the evolution of the song. Their enthusiasm and innovative approach brought a contemporary edge to the track, enriching the overall sonic experience. 'No Headlights' aimed to create an atmosphere of high-energy grooves with a distinctive "Southern Rock" feel. We wanted the audience to be listeners and active participants, moving to the captivating groove we were building. As the drum solo moves on top of these fusion unison lines, it's not just a showcase of individual skill; it's a moment of collective musical expression. We played a pivotal role in achieving this goal, including the guitar solo and the bold horn lines from Sebastian and Luigi.
Your band, POCKiT, consists of four talented members, each bringing a unique perspective to the group. How do your musical backgrounds and personal experiences contribute to the collaborative process when crafting a song or album like "En Camino"?
When crafting 'En Camino,' we made a conscious effort to embrace our varied influences. We wanted to showcase the richness that comes from our diverse musical backgrounds. To achieve this, we took a two-pronged approach. On one hand, we collaborated with experienced players who brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the recording studio. Their seasoned skills added depth and complexity to specific tracks, creating a sonic landscape that felt both mature and refined.
On the other hand, we wanted to inject fresh and youthful energy into the album. This led us to collaborate with up-and-coming players, injecting raw creativity and spontaneity into some songs. We needed to strike a balance between the polished sound of experienced musicians and the vibrant, unbridled energy of emerging talents.
Please provide insight into the themes and stories throughout the album and explain how "No Headlights" fits into the larger narrative?
The story behind its name dates back to 2020 when Josh's trusty Nissan Versa experienced a minor hiccup—one of its headlights malfunctioned. It just so happened that during one of our weekly meetings at our studio in Oakland Park, FL, this incident became the catalyst for the birth of "No Headlights."
As a band known for pushing musical boundaries, what's your ultimate vision for your music's impact? What do you hope your listeners take away from these creations?
As a band, our ultimate vision is to create music that transcends boundaries and resonates with people profoundly. We hope our music becomes a source of upliftment, a sonic journey that takes our listeners to new heights and allows them to appreciate the intricate craftsmanship behind the scenes. We don't just want our audience to enjoy the final product; we want them to immerse themselves in the artistry and passion that fuels each note, beat, and lyric.