Tahiti 80 has been together for 18 years, what do you think is the secret to your longevity?
The music. We love playing together and we’re still having fun writing new songs. We’re so passionate about it
What is it about doing EPs that you like most?
It’s a very interesting format. It’s lighter & shorter than a full-length album. You can push the envelope a bit more. We always put our craziest songs on the EP’s
Where is the “Tahitilab” and what would be the difference/s between recording there as oppose to recording your album in NYC like what you used to do in your first 2 albums?
Tahitilab is our tool, a toyshop for grown ups! We have all our guitars, synths over there. It’s our place. We don’t have to worry about costs. There’s no pressure. Though I’d love to go back to NYC again and spend a month recording songs. It was such a great experience.
What made you decide to work on Tutu to Tango? How was it different from doing the Tahiti 80 albums?
I was in charged of everything. It was a bit like going on a vacation. It was fun. It allowed me to go for something more intimate and personal.
Almost all Tahiti 80 songs have the freshness and lightness to them that they are really such perfect beach and road trip tunes, what are your inspirations for your melodies and for you songs?
I’m a big fan of Sly & The Family Stone. They wrote optimistic, driving (not just for the car!) songs. Still you can dance to our music and still get some story telling, various feelings etc. Plus we do have more melancholic songs as well.
In your album Fosbury, how was it working with hip-hop producers such as Neal Pogue (Outkast) and Serban Ghenea (NERD)? Did it worry you a little that your sound would be different from the rest of your releases?
That was exactly what we were looking for! Those guys were great; they helped us fulfill our vision. It was so great to work in L.A with Neal Pogue. Snoop Dogg was recording in the adjacent studio! Fosbury sounds different, still it’s about melodies and songs except this time we had different dynamics, more soul or hip hop oriented.
How has your music in The Past, The Present and The Possible evolved from your first album Puzzle?
With The PPP we wanted to find the right balance between traditional songwriting and electronic sounds. It was also pretty much influenced by some of the DJ sets we did or nightclubs we went to while touring for Activity Center.
How are your gigs in the US different from your gigs in Europe? How are the US fans different from your European fans?
Some scream louder, some are shyer. It’s never the same from one country, even city, to another.
Are you guys excited about your first ever concert here in Manila? What are your expectations from your fans here in the Philippines?
Sooo psyched about playing in Manila! At Last! We’ve been waiting for a while!
What is your message to your Filipino fans?
Thanks for your patience; we’ll do our best to make both this trip and this concert memorable!
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Interview by Denise Mallabo
Read original article here: http://www.unomagazine.com.ph/2011/09/qa-with-tahiti-80s-xavier-boyer/
