The production duo Javelin have covered some ground in the two years since Luaka Bop dropped their genre-hopping LP No Más. They’ve carved out a niche uniquely their own- a pastiche of live music and recreated samples played live – with a hard focus on melody that pretty much makes anything they touch simply, ‘the jam.’
So it goes: Providence warehouse parties to Brooklyn warehouse parties. Pitchfork. Stop. Luaka Bop. Whitney Museum. Tours with Yeasayer, Girl Talk, Matt & Kim. Stop. Remixes for Future Islands, Health. Production work for hip-hop moguls and pop divas. Stop.
With the release of Hi Beams, their second full length album on Luaka Bop earlier this month, Tom Van Buskirk and George Langford of Javelin, have been busy to say the least. Luckily, Tom took the time to answer some of our questions! Here’s what he had to say:
What is the strangest thing a fan has done for you?
“More sweet than strange, a teenage fan was wearing a Javelin t-shirt they had made themselves… I wish I could say it was an airbrushed painting of us riding dolphins like when Obama was elected and he was in everyone’s dreams the next day…”
What is the funniest moment you have had as an artist/band so far?
“Hanging out with Dame Dash in 2010 was pretty hilarious. Three or four things he said will be etched in my brain for their hilarity.”
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
“Mostly just drink tons of water, have a few sips of whiskey, go to the bathroom and read the graffiti.”
If you could describe your music in one word, what would it be?
“Light”.
How do you connect with a crowd?
“We just give it our all and that usually works. I enjoy talking directly to them on the mic — we also invite a person onstage to sing/rap over “Susie Cues” if we are feeling saucy that night…”
How did you come up with your band name?
“Total circumstance. It was suggested to us and we accepted. Sort of like when in the graffiti world it doesn’t matter who gave you your tag name, your job is to live it out.”
What is the best way to write music?
“Avoiding distraction, aware of your own enjoyment.”
Make sure you check out Javelin, playing TONIGHT at 529!
