Growing up among chaos, the Internet and the impulse to play.
The New York band talks about their most recent album, their relationship with the Internet and what it means to build a 10-year career in music.
With a rise driven by both criticism and digital conversation, Geese has become one of the most interesting proposals in contemporary rock. From New York to stages around the world, the band has known how to navigate between hype of the Internet and the real experience of playing live. In this conversation with Dominic Digesu, Emily Green and Max Bassinthey reflect on their latest album, their growth as a project and what it means to connect with global audiences.
Indie Rocks!: They have toured constantly and released an album last year that was very well received by critics. I would like to start there: what was the process of making this album and how did you experience the studio part?
Geese: It was the first time we recorded an album outside of New York, and that made it different. It helped us focus more and not be so distracted by friends or family. It's very easy not to finish an album if you record it in your city. Going to Los Angeles helped a lot in that regard. Yes, it was a very good experience.
GO!: You are from New York, and many times the city influences the music. Do you think that applies to your case?
G: The truth is not so much. I think we are much more influenced by the Internet than by the city we grew up in.
GO!: Just speaking of the Internet, in recent years it has been key for you. There are many creators, critics and influencers talking about his music. How do you experience that exhibition? Do you watch memes, reviews or prefer not to?
G: Yes we see some. Some are quite funny. Some are very funny, but we don't see too many. Although the memes do seem very good to us.
Sometimes I see some and then the algorithm thinks I'm a fan of Geese…and starts to teach me more things. Then I keep scrolling and suddenly I see myself in a reeland that's weird.
GO!: There is also this figure of the influencers musical, like Anthony Fantano. How much are you aware of what is said about you?
G: We're aware, but it's not like we're actively looking for it to see what people think. We know we like what we do and that's okay.
GO!: This year also marks about 10 years as a band. What does it mean for you to reach that point?
G: It's nice that we've managed to stay together. I am very grateful. It's the first band I was in and it's still the one I'm in.
What has changed is that now we play much less Mario Kart in the trials. Now we concentrate much more. That's what has changed the most.
GO!: 10 years ago did you imagine you would reach this point?
G: Not at all, it was totally unexpected. We did it in the hope that it would grow, but we didn't even know what that meant. It was just what we liked to do. And it continues to be so.
GO!: Was there a moment when you said, “This is already a real thing”?
G: During the pandemic, I think. When we started talking to labels and that whole process, right when COVID started.
GO!: They have played in Asia, Europe, North America and soon at festivals like Coachella and Primavera Sound. What has it been like to connect with audiences around the world?
G: There are many more fans of Geese in the world we expected. That's very cool. We're a rock band, and part of the point is to play a lot of places. Being able to go to Japan, Australia, Hawaii, New Zealand… places we had never been to, was incredible.
GO!: It must also be strong to see people from different countries listening to your music.
G: Yes, especially since a lot of people don't even speak English as their first language and yet they sing all the songs. Music breaks a barrier. You can communicate things that you couldn't in a normal conversation with someone who doesn't speak your language. And in the end, everyone feels pretty similarly. It's something very special.
GO!: How do you consume music? Do you listen to full albums, playlists, physical formats?
G: Lately I'm trying to collect CDs. It helps me listen to full albums more intentionally. With digital it is very easy to jump from song to song, listening to only half… it is not a good habit.
G: I listen to everything. I like full albums, but I also make playlists. I like to have songs that connect to each other in one place.
I also collect vinyl and listen to music pretty much all the time.
GO!: Your latest album seems to work very well as a complete work. Have you noticed if people listen to it like that or more like singles?
G: At the shows it is evident that people know all the songs. There are those who only listen to the singles, but those who go to concerts tend to be full album listeners.
And it's interesting because when you ask about favorite songs, the answers are very varied.
GO!: Are there plans to come to Mexico soon?
G: We hope so, as soon as possible.
Maybe within the next year. There are preliminary plans, but nothing concrete yet. It's something we definitely want to make room for.
GO!: For someone who hasn't heard you, what song would you recommend to enter your discography?
G: “Trinity”.
G: Yeah, “Trinity”. It's a good entry.
GO!: For someone who will see you live for the first time, what mood should i go?
G: Ready to do mosh.
G: Yes, ready to move.
GO!: In closing, describe Geese in three words.
G: American rock band. (American Rock Band).
Stay tuned for Indie Rocks! for more details.
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