The documentary was framed within an apocalypse narrative, what do you think the importance of the end of the world is to youth culture?
DD– I was just trolling. I feel like everything I said to Ben that he put into the movie was just me fucking around. KH– Yeah, I feel like you’re rolling because it’s just funny. It’s just hard to think about global issues when you’re just trying to get through the day-to-day. But I feel like that’s our whole generation is doing that. It’s just something to survive the night.
BT– I think I inspired that vibe, because I think something that is resonating a little bit about all this music is like the music isn’t the same all the time, and it’s existing online in one way. It’s circulating in the same conversation, all these different bands and something about that is generally a bit melancholic to be. So I came at you guys asking questions like that.
KH– I think a lot of that feeling, like with anything right now, is just the spirit that Doug was hinting at by making jokes, that there’s kind of no point even making music right now. But we’re doing it anyway. Like, yeah, it could all be over so soon.
DD– What is worth it to me, and what I want to convey in my music is that like, I’m aware that, as someone who makes this music, that it’s also pointless. You know, I really wish I could do something to stop climate change. But I’m one person making some stupid music, playing basements. You know what I mean?
BH– I have to kind of disagree with you guys. Both of you have done a lot to raise money for abortion funds right now, which is something that means a lot to me, both of my parents work in that space. So that’s another thing about DIY music, there’s this very community-based component. People really get a lot out of this. It provides a lot of relief.
KH– In music there’s like a line you hit where you start making money and then you’re making a lot of money because your fan base grows really big. I honestly think that donating a portion of your proceeds is the least everyone should be doing. I think everyone that’s in the position to, if they’re not donating, it’s like kind of fucked up because the money is there. Where’s that going? It’s the bare minimum in my opinion.
It’s also interesting seeing the internet amplifying this feeling of doom. The documentary talks a bit about the 90s resurgence. Do you feel like the sound of shoegaze has amplified or shifted that feeling?
KH– I think the access that people have for us to blend shoegaze with like, country music, and just having access to every song in the world. You can research music history. It makes it easier to take on influence and not be a worship band. To go one step further and make it your own.
DD– We are a worship band.
Of who?
DD– We’re a Blue Smiley worship band for sure.
KH– That’s a really good answer. They’re so important. If we had to be a worship band, it’d probably just be, I don't even know, probably Swirlies or something because they do some crazy shit. But, I’m not good enough. Which is good because it keeps me humble, makes me make up for that in other ways.