American duo 1,2,3 have been hitting the blogs pretty hard over the past few months thanks primarily to their perfectly balanced blend of pop-rock and their standout track ‘Confetti’. I caught up with Nic Snyder to see what the future holds for the Pittsburgh duo.
Hi Nic, this is a question I ask every band with weird a name, you guys being no exception, what’s the story behind yours?
“It was manifesting in my head for a while before the band truly… well, manifested physically. And the real attraction to it for me was it’s ambiguity. I feel like any music can happen with a name like 1,2,3.”
Your new single ‘Going Away Party’ is out this month, what’s the song all about?
“Pittsburgh. It’s about the feelings that dip in and out of you when you live in a place like Pittsburgh. That pride mixed with a certain lack of hope, the lust to get out, but the weight that follows with it. Google “Steelers bar” sometime. They’re everywhere.”
What’s the reason behind you having different singles in the UK and the U.S?
“Different labels basically. And the songs were there, so I’d just as soon use them. I hate milking the same thing for too long. I need to keep going or else I might get bored with something great before anyone even hears it.”
What are you most looking forward to whilst touring in Britain?
“The fabled enthusiasm that I’ve heard so much about. People in England want to like bands they’ve never heard of. People need reassurance in the States. It’s sad.”
Which do your prefer, British or American women?
“Haha, everybody in the band has a girlfriend but me, and this is the first time I’ve been single here so… I’ll let you know. Actually, I’m not gonna let you know.”
Where do you guys see yourselves in 5 years time?
“We’re not exactly students so, probably raising families and juggling music. Lots of recording, hopefully a homemade studio somewhere in the Pennslyvania wilderness.”
Are their any artists/ producers you’d like to work with?
“God yes. John Cale, Joanna Newsom, The Dirty Three, Chris Taylor, Chris Isaak, Jack White (just because), Neil Young, Damon Albarn, I could go on for a long, long time.”
Lastly, for the people who don’t know you yet, can you describe your music in 3 words?
“Sun, night, summernight.”
1,2,3′s debut UK single ‘Going Away Party’ will be available as a limited 7” on May 31 on Chess Club Records.
