BLACK POLISH: INTERVIEW


by joann snavely

photo by natasha ribeiro-austrich

Black Polish has built a reputation based on genre-bending experimentation, blending the intensity of punk with electronic textures that feel both raw and cinematic. Their latest single, "BONDAGE," is that first step outside of the indie genre they once resided in. With influences spanning from Fleetwood Mac to Crystal Castles, this project is a beautiful contradiction of dark yet playful, and intimate yet exaggerated. In this interview with Unclear Magazine, Black Polish unpacks the creation of their latest projects, giving fans a glimpse of what's to be expected from their upcoming album.

First off, congrats on the release of "Bondage." Was there any specific moment or feeling that sparked the idea for the track?

Black Polish: “When I was in the studio with Jack Laboz, we originally were making something from scratch with zero direction. We laid down synths, drums, and some guitars that sounded beautiful. However, it was a ‘classic Black Polish sound’ with live punk drums and acoustic guitars. After I sat with it, I realized I could do something completely different and step out of my indie comfort zone. The next time we met up, I told him to get rid of the drums and guitars and to let me mess around on the drum pad. It turned into the beat you hear today which inspired the rest of the album's electronic feel.”

The song explores this world of self-growth in a bold, erotic way. When you're writing something with so much emotional power, how do you balance vulnerability with artistic control?

Black Polish: “I write lyrics filled with fantasy and obvious exaggeration such as the ‘cuddle with blood and guts gore’ line. It allows me to describe the feeling of what I’m going through while not flat out saying what it is.”

You pull influence from so many different genres and artists, ranging from Fleetwood Mac and Nicki Minaj — what artists did you find influencing you the most in the creation of  "BONDAGE?"

Black Polish: “Pastel Ghost, Crystal Castles, and public memory helped a lot.”

If "BONDAGE" could join the soundtrack for any film, what film would it join and why?

Black Polish: “It would have to be a horror anime about a yandere for sure. That’s all I was thinking about when writing it.”

Walk us through the making of "BE WITH YOU." What was the production process like on the track?

Black Polish: “I wanted to have one really fun song on the album that’s lighthearted before we get into the deep story part. The lyrics were inspired by ‘Blister in the Sun’ which combines indie with vulgar, out of place lyrics. I remember me and Stolen Nova giggling about what we were writing down in the studio. Sonically, the goal was to combine raw energy with an ethereal atmosphere. Out of tune choppy guitars and perfect synths were mandatory.”

What do you want fans to take away from your music? How do you aim to make them feel?

Black Polish: “My music is for you to escape to. Seen, freed, and healed.”

If your music were any inanimate object, what would it be and why?

Black Polish: “A dirty school notebook filled with half assed drawings and an attempt to pay attention in class. It’s honesty with effort.”

You've been playing some live shows lately. What's your pre-show ritual?

Black Polish: “I hermit in a dark room, chant dark scriptures, and do vocal warmups.”

What is the most meaningful piece of advice you've been given in your artistic career?

Black Polish: “Have fun with it. If you’re not having fun then change something.”

You have a new album on the way. What can fans expect from your upcoming LP?

Black Polish: “Trauma.”

What can fans expect from Black Polish? Any upcoming events or projects that fans should be aware of?

Black Polish: “I’ll be traveling a lot more to see my fanbase in person.”

 

FIND BLACK POLISH ONLINE

TWITTER INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK