Interview: Dallas band Shock of Pleasure

by Aaron Malofsky of Skytram Express

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Shock of Pleasure is now recording new material that could be released sometime in Spring 2010.

Shock of Pleasure (SOP) is a Dallas-based Indie pop group who’s garnering national and global recognition for their tunes, which feature an explosive array of luscious synths, hypnotic backbeats and percussion, backed by the spellbinding vocal from the gorgeous Kelley Christian. In 2008, they received an international songwriting competition award for their single, "This is a Test." Their tracks have also been frequently featured on 102.1 FM’s Edge Club Program in the Dallas-Fort Worth market. DJ Merritt’s remix of "It’s Not My Angel" is a massive club-floor filler, featuring massive electro-house grooves that should have been an essential tune in all major club venues everywhere in 2009. SOP made their extended reservations on SkyTram to showcase their favorite tracks from their discography, artist icons, and their upcoming new releases.

Shock of Pleasure bandmembers

SkyTram Express: Briefly tell us how Shock of Pleasure formed and how you came up with the name of the band?

Romano: The name was originally a joke we used for our former group Stranger Than Fiction. I had a wealthy jewelry store client (I’m an architect also) who had his (English) wife recorded on the HOLD for the store phone. While waiting, she would go on about how great it would be to have a Rolex watch, “you’ll get a tiny shock of pleasure each time you glance at your wrist!” We thought it was scream and used the name when we played at their grand-opening party. Luckily, no one got the joke. I later saw the phrase used in Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged novel and decided to actually start using it for real. Once Kelley was in the band, it all made perfect sense.

SkyTram Express: When did the band get its first big break?

Romano: Apart from meeting (producer) David Castell, Chris Ryan at the EDGE here in Dallas fell in love with our first single, "This is a Test," and immediately put it into his local show rotation. That’s really where everything started. Then, we were chosen as the featured band on the Lex and Terry show that summer = instant national exposure! They were obviously smitten with Kelley so we ran with it! We were asked back on the show on two more occasions, which spawned 30,000+ hits on Myspace over three days.

SkyTram Express: How would you describe your brand of electronica to those who are hearing your music for the first time?

Romano: I have always described the music as slow-motion techno. We use all the bleeps and blips, and with everything moving slowly, the listener hears it all … we want folks to RELAX when they listen to SOP.

SkyTram Express: One of my favorite songs is the trip-hop, retro-synth laden track, "False Positive." Describe the creative process behind developing and recording the track. What was your inspiration behind recording it?

Romano: This one actually went through an entire re-write after our producer (Castell) heard my demo. He wanted to leave more space between things in order to make the music flow. The track was originally written on guitar – we do an acoustic version in our long set. Lyrically, it’s about what happens after the love ends and you just can’t seem to get out fast enough.

SkyTram Express: This past year you have received significant airplay on DJ Merritt’s Edge Club Program (102.1 FM in Dallas). Describe for us your first impressions of his remixes of "False Positive," "This Is Not A Test," and "Not My Angel."

Romano: DJ Merritt is our hero! One of the original goals of SOP was to get our music into every possible format: radio, nightclubs, discotheques, and hotel lobbies. Merritt and I got hooked up by Chris Ryan also. We absolutely love everything he has done with our music. "Not My Angel" is solely his recording of an old track of mine (from STF days). All we did was supply the vocal track and the rest is him and his crew (Left/Right).

SkyTram Express: What is your favorite mix?

Romano: "Not My Angel" is my fave because it finally sounds the way I dreamed it would in the beginning (something I could never manage on my own).

SkyTram Express: Could you tease for SkyTram what new material you currently have in development?

Romano: Merritt and I are working on a new track now. SOP is planning to have a release in 2010 with all new material.

SkyTram Express: This year appears to be an electronic music renaissance for female-led pop bands (e.g., UK’s La Roux, Florence and The Machine, and Little Boots). Why do you think so many of the hottest records this year have come from these acts?

Romano: Folks are sick of being bombarded by volume and distortion! Who wouldn’t want to hear a girl with a beautiful voice sing a great song? Unlike here in the states, the UK is far more likely to embrace a non-rock or hip-hop group.

Irish: I believe these female-led pop bands picked up where Winehouse, Lilly Allen, and Ting Tings left off. The British female invasion continues …

SkyTram Express: It has been widely reported that Eleanor Jackson (of La Roux fame) has considered producer Ben Langmaid a vital component to the success of her band. What do you think is the most integral piece to Shock of Pleasure?

Romano: Our record wouldn’t be half as cool without David Castell, period. We spent several hours just listening to other recordings and discussing the desired aesthetic of the SOP record. Anyone can run their mouth, DC can actually make it happen.

Irish: Our producer, Dave Castell, certainly has been an influence in our direction. However, the commitment to have fun and be true to the music are still the most integral.

Christian: Of course, every band is made up of all sorts of moving parts … But I’d say one of our most integral pieces is that we all are musicians who appreciate how lucky we are to be doing what we’re doing. I think a lot of professional musicians allow the details and drudgery to overshadow their love of performance. At the end of the day – we’re all happy to be on stage – and I think it shows.

SkyTram Express: Dallas has developed a national reputation for bringing hot young acts to national acclaim (e.g., Old 97’s). What is your impression of the Indie Pop music scene in Dallas?

Romano: Things aren’t like they used to be here (i.e.,: Deep Ellum is temporarily dead), but Dallas is certainly more cosmopolitan than folks give it credit for. Thanks to ACL and SXSW, Texas will always be one to keep an open ear about.

Irish: My impression is hopeful. The Indie Pop scenes still competes with a ton of other venues in Dallas. Fortunately, the “talent” is recognized in other cities while Dallas’s own are still trying to catch up.

Christian: I think the Indie Pop music scene in Dallas is unique because it’s so diverse. All sorts of different acts can make the claim that Dallas helped to launch their career. Maybe the listening public in Dallas is more supportive? I know I love playing here!

SkyTram Express: What three major music influences have contributed the creative development of the band and why?

Romano: #1: Classical music. Kelley and I are both classically trained and strive to make our music as beautiful as possible. Philip Glass turned me on to the idea that classical themes can make great pop music. #2: The Cure. Moody and cinematic pop. The best. #3: Thievery Corporation. This group single handedly kept me from quitting the music biz all together. I stumbled across their music in 2000 and changed everything about what I was doing. Ultra-chill!

Curry: I am only going to name one because they probably account for 80% of what has influenced the Shock of Pleasure sound and vibe. Thievery Corporation. There are about five or six other bands that contribute to the other 20% and I would have a hard time naming the top two. Personally, the Red Hot Chili Peppers' Blood Sugar Sex Magic album has influenced my own playing style and groove the most.

Christian: I have personally been influenced by the old jazz greats – I’ve spent countless hours listening to and singing with CDs of Ella, Etta, Billie, etc. I think our band’s greatest musical influences are Portishead and Thievery Corporation, with maybe a little bit of Dido thrown in for good measure.

SkyTram Express: I am going to name three bands and say anything that come to mind?

Erasure:

Romano: Vince Clark is a genius. No matter who with.

Christian: I feel like this is a band to listen to in the car with your hand out the window cutting through the air ... (Is that just me?)

The Sundays:

Romano: Almost The Cure with a girl singer. We actually cover "Here’s Where the Story Ends."

Christian: We perform a cover of "Here’s Where The Story Ends" at a lot of our live shows. I absolutely love this song! It’s so much fun to sing – you can really get a hold of it and play with it.

Depeche Mode:

Romano: Vince Clark is a genius. No matter who with.

Christian: I’m convinced that this is the best make-out music of all time. Am I the only one that thinks that?? Hmm ...

Curry: I get in a mood once in a while to listen to nothing but vintage DM for about a week at a time.

SkyTram Express: Is there a fourth one that should belong on that list?

Romano: New Order. These guys will never get enough credit for bringing disco music to white folks. This is where I got all my ideas about guitars and sequencers happening at the same time.

Christian: According to my iTunes, Yaz ... And, yes, we cover them, too. :-)

SkyTram Express: Finally, what are your favorite Big D hot spots for the following:

Favorite Club:

Romano: Club Clearview (RIP) will never be less than the best.

Irish: Candleroom.

Favorite Hotel:

Romano: The Joule downtown is the coolest place without a doubt. The pool is a trip!

Irish: The Stoneleigh.

Christian: It’s an exact tie between the Mansion and the Stoneleigh. (Mostly because I love playing both of those places!)

Favorite Restaurant:

Romano: I love Nick & Sam’s – if someone else is buying.

Irish: Bolla/Stoneleigh.

Christian: For a fun dinner, I love The Porch and Coal Vines, and I especially love Roti Grill, but no one will ever go with me, so I’m there by myself a lot!

SkyNotes: Shock of Pleasure is now recording new material that could be released sometime in Spring 2010. The group is currently collaborating with DJ Merritt on one of their upcoming tracks.

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