Naomi Yang. Photo by Anabel Vázquez Rodríguez
For this Auuuuu Fanzine’s number two edition, we have the pleasure of having in our pages the bassist of the mythical Dream Pop/Indie Pop/Slow Core band Galaxie 500, Naomi Yang, who, after Dean Wareham ended the band after supporting Cocteau Twins tour in 1991, took her musical path along with drummer Damon Krukowski. We invite you to read a little bit of what this great artist have for us.
Lee la entrevista en español aquí.
Por DAno y E. Angeles
In 2005 you founded your own label 20|20|20, how did that work?
We had been on many different labels over the years — we had some great experiences but also some difficult ones and it seemed time to be in control of our music ourselves. There are drawbacks — we can only blame ourselves if things don’t work out as smoothly as we hoped — but it has been good for us so far, and we have a great distributor, Revolver, without whom it would be impossible.
Why that name for the label?
When we were kids growing up Damon and I had both played a board game called “Careers.” Players choose a profession and any combination of 60 points in three categories — Fame, Money, and Happiness. The first person to reach their chosen goals wins. Years later Damon and were reminiscing about playing “Careers” and we realized that we had both always choose a 20-20-20 formula — and we usually won. Friends and siblings had tried other strategies of apportioning the points but were less successful. We thought that kind of balance was a good approach to having our own record label.
Have you considered reissuing the Magic Hour records?
I think Wayne, from Twisted Village has mentioned it from time to time. We are all for the idea, that was such a fun and crazy experience for us to play with Magic Hour. Twisted Village moves pretty slowly though — but maybe it will happen!
In 20|20|20 you have reissued the Galaxie 500 records, have you considered a group reunion?
People ask us this all the time but my answer is always no, I don’t want to do a reunion. Galaxie 500 was so important to me while we were in it — it changed my life and opened up so much — but it is in the past. The idea of going back, playing those songs now 27 years later — seems a bit depressing to me. I have learned so much, changed so much, it would be like someone in their 50’s putting on the clothes that they wore in high school and going out to a party that way. I am more interested in what I am doing right now — my video work and our music as Damon & Naomi.
It is the chance that someday Damon & Naomi expand their tour to Mexico?
Naomi: We hope so!!!! We have never been to Mexico. Not for music, not even for a vacation! But we have always dreamed of it — it looks fascinating and wonderful. I adore the work of Mexican architect Luis Barragan and I dream of seeing his work in person! ***Everyone reading this please tell all Mexican promoters to invite us!!!*** We once played a show in San Diego and I remember people had come from Mexico to see the show — they had waited all day at the border (ugh! sorry!!!!!!!) — we were very moved that they had taken the time and trouble to come see our show.
How about things with your editorial about experimental literature, Exact Change?
Exact Change has been a bit silent for a few years, we have been doing other things. I have been doing all the video work and Damon has been writing a book for another press — but we do have a new book that we are working on now! But it is secret for now because we don’t want to jinx it!
Tell us about your life in the photography world and how you develop your taste for it develops?
My father was a photographer so I can not remember a day in my life without a camera being around. I grew up watching my father take photographs, print photographs, think about photographs. It was something that I always did but it wasn’t until my father passed away that I started taking it more seriously for myself. Discovering video, and how it is a wonderful perfect mixture for me of photography and music and style has been a gift.
What plans does Damon & Naomi have for us this year?
Naomi: We are working on writing a new D&N album — it is about time! And I just bought an electric guitar and am trying to learn how to play it. I only ever played bass and it is so different! It is funny to be a beginner again but I also love the challenge. And Damon is going on a book tour for his book and I am goingto be making some more music videos. . . and we hope we will get invited to Mexico!
What are your musical influences and heroes of all life?
Oh so many — it has changed over time but of course you still love the ones that you first loved when you were young. I started out obsessed with Peter Hook of Joy Division and New Order, then learned of Jah Wobble of PIL, then learned of Holger Czuky from Can, and then Hugh Hopper of Soft Machine, not to mention Bootsy Collins, and James Jamerson, then I even learned to love Lemme in Hawkwind and Motorhead! But that’s bass! Singers I adore are Kendra Smith from the Dream Syndicate (she also played bass!!!) and her great band Opal, then I discovered Sandy Denny in Fairport Convention, and other incredible 60’s and 70’s folk rock singers. Oh no, this list can go on and on and on. Brazilian music. African Music. Japanese music!!!
What have you been listening lately?
Can you recommend us something? Naomi: We went to Germany last year and we discovered the music of this 70’s label called “Sky Records” — we have found some very beautiful albums by Michael Rother (of Neu) with Jaki Liebezeit (of Can) on drums.
How is the independent music scene in Boston?
It is a strange time in that there are not so many small venues — like a lot of things in the USA larger companies have bought out the smaller businesses and made things more difficult for the small venues to survive. So a lot of bands have a hard time finding a decent club to play in. That said, people are very resourceful, and I have seem some great shows in some weird venues — a used clothing store, a nursery school. I think the underground always finds a way to survive. AUUUUU
