Automatic is the LA post-punk band comprised of Izzy Glaudini, Lola Dompé and Halle Saxon. The trio is back with their second album, due for release on June 24th via Stones Throw. On “Excess”, Automatic synthesizes a new strain of retro-futurist motorik pop. The album rides the imaginary edge where the ‘70s underground met the corporate culture of the ‘80s – or, as the band puts it, “That fleeting moment when what was once cool quickly turned and became mainstream, all for the sake of consumerism.”
In support of the release and what was planned to be the lead up to their now cancelled European tour, we chatted to the band about how they got here, the concept for the new record and their plans for the future.
Tell us about how Automatic formed and the journey you’ve shared together to get to this point.
We were each in the right place and the right mindset at the right time.. when we started in the summer of 2017, still pretty much brand new to our instruments, we got together 3 times a week and practiced for hours. We worked really hard and by 2018 we were playing 2-3 shows a month. We did lots of touring, had lots of fun recording, and now we’re so excited to release our second album, Excess!
You released the debut album, “Signal”, in 2019, since then has there been any shift in influences or dynamics that have influenced your songwriting process or approach to performing?
I think, in general, we’ve all gotten better at our instruments and probably better at writing songs together. We also put more thought into the concepts of all our songs and spent a little more time on production for our new album.
A second album, “Excess”, is set for release on Stones Throw on June 24th. Can you explain the concept of this work and what you aim to communicate from the themes you explored?
We want to contribute to the ongoing conversation we need to be having about consumerism and late stage capitalism. We don’t want people to forget to look at the way we consume with a critical eye – and to be aware of who benefits and who suffers from the way we consume.
The new album opens with the lead single, “New Beginning”, which you explained was inspired by the Swedish sci-fi film Aniara, referring to being “stranded in a space-void with no connection to Earth or humanity.” What is it about that message that resonated with you to create this song and video?
Aniara is kind of a psychological horror film about hopelessness, and how depressing it is to exist in a world without nature. It’s easy to see the relevance, and hard to stare it down, too.
What would a utopian future look like to you?
One where all humans realize we need each other and the earth to survive. Where everyone thinks more about what they can contribute to life rather than take away from it. And that things slow way down!
Since April of this year you’ve been touring with Parquet Courts and Tame Impala with dates across the US, UK and Europe, including some big festivals like Cruel World in LA and Primavera in Barcelona, plus you’ll be back touring the US in September with Osees. What are some of your most important experiences so far this year?
We’ve been really lucky to be able to perform to bigger crowds each year and reach more people! We are really looking forward to our album release show. We have some big plans for that.
In November of 2021, you were in Berlin for SYN FEST sharing the lineup with psych-rock and post-punk acts including fellow Stones Throw label artist Anika. What was your experience of playing the festival?
We love Anika ! This festival was one of our favorites. The bands, the audience and the people who put on the festival were all great!
You were booked to return to Berlin and perform on June 15th, again at Prenzlauer Berg’s Musikbraurei. This time it is for the 8MM 20 years celebration. What are your thoughts about playing to Berlin crowds and how would you describe your feeling about the city?
We sadly had to cancel our Berlin show, due to Covid. But Berlin is definitely an audience that we cherish and feel inspired by. Very cool and supportive folks.
Can you tell us the main thing that you want our readers to know about the upcoming album, “Excess”?
Similar to a delicate ecosystem in nature, when too much excess is introduced into society, things can become very out of balance and this can lead to a lot of detrimental issues.
“Excess” will be released digitally and on vinyl on June 24th via Stones Throw.
Pre-order vinyl and deluxe eco-mix vinyl: stonesthrow.com/news/automatic-excess
