Safari Room is a Nashville-based band that needs to be on your radar NOW. Their newest release comes in the form of "Look Me Up When You Get There," which will enchant your ears from start to finish. The trio brings a bold Indie sound to the table that recalls their influences, but certaintly has a mind and sound of their own. Safari Room’s sound has been compared to . All comparisons find them perfectly adjacent to some of the most engrossing and experimental indie rock bands playing today. Chatting with frontman Alec Koukol from the band, the future of the band looks brighter and brighter..The National, Death Cab for Cutie, Grizzly Bear and Fleet Foxes
1. What is the inspiration behind your new record "Look Me Up When You Get There"?
We set out to make the record a strong foundation point for Safari Room. We’ve been releasing music, touring and playing shows for a couple years now, but this felt like a culmination of all that time. An arrival. This record showcases what we’ve done so far and a window into what we have to offer in the world of indie rock.
2.What made you discover your passion for creating an eclectic blend of your own sound? What places in your mind do you channel to craft your songs?
We pull from each of our own musical backgrounds and interests. We’re lucky to have instincts that align while also having different music preferences. As the primary songwriter, the songs typically start with me. And they start in a multitude of ways, whether it’s lyrics, melody, rhythm, etc. first. More and more I just channel a safe space and open mind. Too often, I get in my own way when writing. I try and exercise what I have to and get the song out, then judge it when removed from the creation or process. 3. What is the meaning behind the album's title and what meaning does it hold for you? “Look Me Up When You Get There” is about times of struggle and growth. While in thick of it, accepting help and advice is challenging, but when on the other side you can appreciate those who were there for you and the strength you gained. The record became incredibly timely with its release in the pandemic in a time of collective trauma and isolation.
4. What are your favorite venues to perform at? and if you had to choose, do you feel more comfortable in the studio or onstage, and why? We love Reverb Lounge in Omaha, NE and the High Watt in Nashville, TN. The former had one of our collective, favorite shows yet. Felt really special and intimate, while also being packed. It was also the last show we played in 2020, so it holds a special place for that reason, too. We’re comfortable in both, but I think we all prefer playing live. The energy of playing for people and the communication that allows for is unlike anything else. It’s why we all make music, to communicate and be in relationship with listeners in that way. 5. How do you create your songs? What is the process like? Does it take you days, weeks, even longer? How does the perfect piece come together?From start to finish, no song of ours has come together in the exact same way. For instance, ‘Glass Box’ was written back in… 2013? It was recorded for Safari Room’s first EP in 2016, reshaped through touring over the last couple years and then re-recorded for this album. It’s been through a seven-year journey. Whereas, ‘One Day Here’ was written a month before recording it back in August 2018. Our process usually starts with me writing alone or demoing out songs. Then, I bring partial songs or ideas to Chris and Austin who help flesh out arrangements, textures and ways to finish the tune. There’s a lot variables in the midst of our process, but that’s the usual pathway our songs take. I have TONS of notebooks and files with lyrics, instrumental ideas, and song fragments. It’s kind of a smattering, but when it comes together in that kind of creative chaos, it’s like it was always meant to be.
6. How did you create a sound throughout time that is so uniquely your own? What defines your sound to you?
I think continuing to listen to new music and expanding your horizons on what you consume is important to staying “uniquely your own.” We like to call that, “developing your musical diet.” We all have different tastes that converge within the confines of Safari Room. That helps us grown, shift and shape new boundaries for our music. Our current sound is defined by what we bring to the table: stellar guitar tones provided by Chris and I tone crunching ad nausea, Austin’s outstanding rhythmic sensibilities and restraint, and my crooning and crisp vocals singing lyrics that cut a little deep. We’re making music to achieve connection with each other and with listeners. Digging into the harder topics is something I feel is important to offer to listeners.7.What do you hope you accomplish musically as we head further into the unknown into 2021?TOUR! We want to go back out on the road and play shows as soon as it’s safe and smart to do so. But we’ve got a bit of waiting for that to come back… In the meantime, we’re writing and recording new music throughout the end of the year and into 2021. Releasing another album in a pandemic wouldn’t be ideal, but we’ll just have to see where the cards land. Regardless, we’re going to take advantage of the time we have and prepare for what comes next. Keep your ears peeled, friends…
Find the album HERE https://open.spotify.com/artist/6OuNsLTmcqLIfEYLtBJwRZ?si=9PaXEvf9Qa-j5ysb2KP_BQ&nd=1
