5 Questions with
Savoir Adore

Savoir Adore are an electro-pop duo from Brooklyn. Formed in 2007 after Deidre Muro and Paul Hammer bonded with an impromptu, marathon recording session, the group has enjoyed a steady climb since. They released their second album, Our Nature, this past summer, and their dreamy tunes have earned opening slots for the likes of Toro y Moi, MGMT, and Oh Land. Their sound is at times grandiose, at times intimate, and always catchy and it will surely translate well in the cozier venues scheduled on their current Communion club tour.

Communion hits The Frequency tomorrow night. We got the lowdown on Our Nature, DIY sensibilities, and life as an indie band in 2013 via an email exchange with Paul Hammer of Savoir Adore.

Your tracks are like the sonic analogue to a warm blanket — they’ve often got a dreamy, comforting quality to them. I think they’re suitable at any time, but especially when one’s in need of an emotional pick-me-up. What’s the ideal state of mind and surroundings for jamming some Savoir Adore?”
I think any state of mind works for our music, but an openness and desire to explore one’s own imagination and emotions can heighten the experience even more. It’s very appropriate for a solid listening session; perhaps lighting a few candles can’t hurt as well?”

The way you blend and harmonize voices is one of the highlights of your sound. What music has inspired you vocally?
“A lot of artists have inspired us vocally. Classic singers like Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye, Patsy Cline, Sam Cooke, Frank Sinatra, Scott Walker… but then also a lot of ’80s, ’90s, and contemporary bands like Cocteau Twins, Talking Heads, Sigur Rós, The Cranberries… just to name a few!” 

Your latest record, Our Nature, was a sonic step away from past Savoir Adore releases in that it features tons of electronics and higher quality production. Does using new tools help facilitate the songwriting? Do you reckon the next record will take a step in a different direction as well?
“Most likely yes! We’re not sure where it’ll go yet, but a big part of the project is experimentation so we’re going to continue exploring different sonic landscapes and ideas. And new tools definitely help facilitate and inspire these creative directions. Throughout our songwriting process new instruments, recording techniques and textures have inspired the direction of our music. It’s a fun interplay between chaos, chance, and creative control.”

Savoir Adore themselves do a lot of the things that would typically be a label or distributor’s responsibility. Is that because you enjoy it or more because you have to?
“A combination for sure. Up until 2013, we were mostly releasing our music on our own so we were forced to do a lot of the work that a distributor or label would typically do. But more so, we enjoy being in control of the entire process, a.k.a. control freaks.” (laughs) “However, now that we’re signed to Nettwerk, we are finding a nice balance of creative control and a solid team that help us work towards our goals.”

You are from Brooklyn, a constantly changing city that maintains its amazing music scene. Can you comment on the area and how it helps inform your writing?
“Absolutely. Living in Brooklyn is wonderful. It’s endlessly evolving and inspiring. Also, because it’s such a cultural hub it attracts so many amazing artists, many of whom we’ve gotten to know personally. On any given night you can walk to a music venue and be blown away and inspired; that kind of creative atmosphere makes it a very exciting place to live.”