I first heard of Gemini Club when their single “Ghost” came out last year. I was so intrigued by their original sound that brings together LCD Soundsystem electro beats and the indie vibes of Two Door Cinema Club with a touch of their own avant-garde style.
When their new album dropped this year, Gemini Club fans including myself could not stop listening to “By Surprise” and “Nothing But History” for days. So when I got a chance to interview the band’s frontman Tom Gavin, I could not wait to call him and learn about a band that has shook Chicago’s electro-indie scene.
Gemini Club visits Madison on Friday night with a show at Redamtè.
You do not currently work with a record label. That is pretty unconventional for a band. How did you decide on that and what are the alternative marketing methods you use?
“When we first started, we didn’t really have enough buzz to sign with a record label. Then, we were approached by two gentlemen interested in creating their own label. They financed our first LP and we went on from there. Everybody in the band is involved in the marketing process. All three of us do everything we can to get the word out there via concerts, interviews, and social media.”
How long have you guys been together, what brought this trio together, and what keeps you together?
“We all went to the Columbia University in Chicago. Dan (Brunelle) and I have known each other for a long time. When I first started getting into making electronic music, 4½ years ago, we would practice in Dan’s basement. Then, Gordon (Bramli) joined and brought his talent to the table. What keeps us together is the passion we have for the music we make and innovation.”
Everyone is praising your live shows; what makes your shows so unique? What should the people of Madison expect from your upcoming show at Redamtè?
“I think the thing that is so special about our live performance is that there is lots of intensity and acts that people haven’t seen before. Lots of improvisation and experimenting. Every show is different than the other one, creating a special experience for the audience and us. We are not afraid of innovation or taking risks on stage. We are very excited to play in Madison and there will be good music and dancing. I think Madisonians will be pleasantly surprised by the show. If they are on the edge about it, they should definitely come and see us.”
You collaborated with UK’s Edwin Van Cleef in 2011; how was the experience? Do you plan on collaborating with other bands/DJs in the future?
“I never actually met the guy in person. I forgot who hit us up for the track. We recorded everything on our own in the studio, then we sent the song (“Never Be Alone”) to him and that was that.
“About collaborating, you just have too many options. I am always into the idea of collaborating and talking to different artists for new ideas but we haven’t really collaborated with artists as much as we want to. We have been busy working on a new record; maybe next year we will try and do collaborations.”
Future Tidings and Here We Sit has very different vibes from each other. Future Tidings sounds more raw and louder and Here We Sit has more indie beats. Would you say your style shifted a little in this album?
“Yeah, definitely. I mean, the new album (Here We Sit) is more traditional I guess. The shift in our style will continue going forward, because our pace is constantly changing. People ask us if our genre is indie, electronic, etc. I do not know. Gemini Club is always evolving and so are we. Our taste in music, our influences and the way we approach writing change constantly. It really is hard to say why. It is like asking why is your haircut different or why do you wear the clothes you wear.”
Where does Gemini Club fit in the Chicago music scene? Do you like playing at local venues/bars as an indie band or do you prefer the club atmosphere where the band’s electronic side can be more present?
“We play everywhere. There is a show coming up at Lincoln Hall, where we played previously. We also play DJ bars, enormous theaters, kitchens, houses, basements. Just everywhere. When we first started we wanted to play anywhere we could, as long as we could. The first shows we played got shut down by cops. We are working as hard as we can, if not more to get ourselves out there.”
Your fans in Madison would like to know where your band name came from? Are all of your signs Gemini or is there more to it?
“No, it is because of the Gemini Space Mission. It is the first mission to put a man on space, you know. We are doing a lot of unique things in the electronic music scene, hopefully works that will put us in space.”
This one is for your Chicago fans…so they can find you! Do you guys have a favorite hang out place in Chicago? Which bar do you go to the most?
“We are all different outside the band. We hang out at different places. But personally, I love the Old Town Ale house. The best bar in town.”