Au Revoir Simone: Bonjour

Their mix of delicate, ethereal vocals and exquisite, synth-led keyboard melodies has since been described by NME as their label Moshi Moshi’s answer to Arcade Fire. This month they’ll be in China, touring behind their recently-released third album, Still Night, Still Light. We caught up with Annie Hart, one third of the band, for a chat.

Back in 2003, were you actively searching for each other to form Au Revoir Simone, or did fate intervene?
Annie Hart: Fate totally intervened. I was playing in another band and had a lot going on in my life with my career and friends and being creative. I thought I was just getting another hobby when we started - little did I know this would take over my whole life!
Heather D'Angelo: Same thing happened to me. I thought I was on one path, but then this other one appeared and I took it. That was a good move!
Erika Forster: At that time, I was involved in a lot of different projects, but, as Annie said, this band became the number one priority pretty quickly. Everything about it was fun!

Did you have a clear idea of what you would sound like when you started playing together?
A: Definitely not. We knew we wanted to be only women and use only keyboards, but that's about it. The sound came naturally from us combining our musical sensibilities into one.
H: I think in the beginning we were just happy that we didn't sound like noise.

What was it about the idea of an all-keyboard band that attracted you?
A: Keyboards are 1. easily transportable; 2. fun to play; and 3. sound awesome. They blend together in a way when they are alone that is completely changed when they are integrated with other instruments. When you are playing only keyboards, everyone can change the palette of the song together.
E: It was really just about discovery. I don't think we even knew how open and diverse keyboard sounds can be. But in the beginning, it was really just a fun idea. Keyboards are very fun to play and we all had them so it was as simple as that.
H: And it's the only instrument I play!

Your music seems so effortless, as if it just blossoms from you. Is it really natural for you to make music, or is there a lot of labour involved in making it seem that way?
A: The original ideas are completely natural and effortless, but the editing and arranging can be very painstaking.
H: Agreed – the writing is definitely effortless, but the editing always feels a bit torturous. I'm always a little too verbose with my lyrics for one thing.
E: I agree too – song ideas seem to come from somewhere and it’s our job to interpret them and make them lucid, beautiful.

NME suggested that you “appear on stage like sisters from the Virgin Suicides” – and your music has already been used in shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Ugly Betty. Do you have any plans to get involved with doing the music for a film, like Air did for the Virgin Suicides?
E: We’re very interested in making music for stories and images.
A: As soon as we are invited we will be there!

Who are your top five major musical influences?
A: Five that I like are Electrelane, Peter Bjorn and John, Philip Glass, Buddy Holly and the Pixies.
H: I'm going to borrow Annie's Electrelane and Philip Glass, and add Air, Bjork, and Genesis.
E: Beatles, Belle & Sebastian, David Bowie, Broadcast and Casiokids.

What’s the most bizarre place you have played a gig?
E: We played in Italy one summer inside an ancient castle on top of a hill. It was truly magnificent.
A: We once played in a cage in the centre of a roller skating rink and the power went out. I think Heather cried, and she's not a crier. I nearly puked!
H: I tried to block out that memory!

Do you have any expectations or anticipations about the coming to China and playing for the first time?
H: I'm SO EXCITED!!! I want to eat my way through Shanghai.
E: I’m looking forward to meeting indie music fans in China and seeing beautiful sights.
A: I am keeping my mind open and am just going to enjoy the ride.

And finally - describe your music in three words:
A: Warm keyboard labyrinths.
E: Considered gossamer pulses.
H: Dreamy ethereal smoke.

Mao Livehouse, Nov 21. RMB100-150 (6227 7332)
Full event info here.