08/03/09
Text: Kee Chang
The Golden Filter doesn’t play by the rules. The electro-pop duo, Penelope and Stephen, wish to remain faceless, nameless (their last names anyway), and indifferent to the fact that they have yet to sign to a record label. But despite all of this, they’ve been blessed with a continuous stream of high-profile gigs and flattering accolades from tough critics that most young bands of their caliber would kill for. Their self-assured DIY approach seems to be paying them back in spades—touring with The Presets and remixing tracks for the likes of Peter Bjorn and John, Little Boots, Cut Copy, and Empire of the Sun.
The Golden Filter will surely shine brighter in their own spotlight with the release of their debut LP in early 2010.
the Golden Filter - Solid Gold (MP3)
BAND NAME: The Golden Filter
HOMETOWN: New York, NY
DESCRIBE YOUR SOUND IN 2 SENTENCES: If I were to describe our sound, I’d do it on the top of Ball’s Pyramid in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Australia.―Stephen
But it’s really about not having to necessarily describe anything so the listeners can then decide for themselves. No boxes.―Penelope
FAVORITE NIGHTSPOT IN THE CITY YOU CALL HOME: To start the night off on a good note, I do love stopping in at El Beit for a delicious latte or at Penny Licks for a vegan baked good or a yummy ice cream next door. After that, I like to wander at night... No favorite spot to call "home." ―Penelope
BEST SPOT FOR A LATENIGHT SNACK: Arugula and mozzarella pizza slices served with lots of silly, crazy laughs near the L Stop on Bedford Street in Williamsburg. ―Penelope & Stephen
THREE BANDS OTHER THAN YOUR OWN THAT YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT: Pink Floyd, M83, and Blur. ―Penelope
Scott Walker, Fleetwood Mac, and St. Etienne. ―Stephen
MOST MEMORABLE SHOW YOU’VE PLAYED: A toss-up between an intense sweatbox named The Peacock Room that we played in Austin for Gorilla vs. Bear during SXSW and Club Matter in London with Hercules and Love Affair where the sound system was amazing with speakers pulsating through the dance floor! ―Penelope
< strong >DO YOU FEEL VULNERABLE OR INVINCIBLE ON STAGE? Both, in a good way. One feeling feeds the other. ―Penelope
HOTTEST POP STAR: For the boys, Prince. For the girls, Debbie Harry. ―Penelope
HOTTEST DEAD ROCKER: Jimi Hendrix ―Penelope & Stephen
FAVORITE NOW DEFUNCT LABEL: Chrysalis in the 80s because I can’t state the obvious (i.e. Factory). ―Stephen
WHO IS MORE CREATIVE, AN EARLY BIRD OR A NIGHT OWL? The night owl, of course! ―Penelope
SOMETHING THAT'S ALWAYS IN YOUR POCKET/PURSE/WALLET: Lip gloss and camera ―Penelope
BEST RECENT PURCHASE: Vintage necklace with the Sagittarius emblem. ―Penelope
CHOICE VICE: Red wine ―Penelope
Coffee ―Stephen
TOUR NECESSITIES YOU NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT: Costumes, jewelry, and make-up! Plus, my old fashioned diary. ―Penelope
MOST DIFFICULT ASPECT OF RECORDING: Finding the secret balance vocally between quiet and loud and channeling what I do live into the mic in the studio. ―Penelope
Finding a secret balance between pop and unlistenable psychedelia. ―Stephen
LYRIC YOU'RE MOST PROUD OF: "Make it solid gold." ―Penelope
A CRAZY STALKER FAN GETS INTO A FIGHT WITH A VIOLENT AND ANGRY DETRACTOR. WHO WINS? Craziness (i.e. passion) will always win over anger and violence. ―Penelope
