What’s your musical background?
Edem: After hearing Baba O’Riley (at the age of 11) by The Who I was hooked. At the age of 12, I was given my first electric guitar, a metal flake teal Fender Musicmaster. I learned enough by myself to form a band in my School in England. We were called “Tacoma Warrior”. An interesting aside; one of the gigs we played was at an all-girl Boarding school called St. Margaret’s. One of my great memories for sure. When I returned to California at the age of 17, I met Brett at UCSD, and have been creating music on and off with him ever since. Feeling UCSD college was not for me, I left for the University of Irvine. It was while I was there that I met Jesse Rodriguez and formed Landscape of Sound. We were very popular and gigged heavily in the Orange County area of Southern California. We were practically the house band at the Concert Factory in Costa Mesa, and the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach. After personnel disputes, our bass player left and was replaced by Brett, who had just graduated from UCSD. We went on to form Drowning Pool Music, Mumbles, and ultimately KinderCrowdControl.
Brett: I began playing the violin at the age of 8. At that time, the public school I attended had a very good music program which encouraged young kids to learn music. By the time I was 12 I had switched to bass and was fairly proficient at reading and writing music. By 13, I was playing bass in a jazz ensemble of about 20 kids, touring and performing throughout California. I was about 14 when an opportunity came up to travel to Hawaii for a tour. Who could turn that down, right? This trip would turn out to be a very pivotable point in my music career. I can remember setting up for a performance when I realized that I had forgotten to bring my sheet music. In a panic, I asked the tour Director if he had an extra set, which he did not. I’ll never forget. He suggested that I follow off the piano players’ charts and to do the best I could do. I must have done very well because after the show many people from the audience came up to me to say how much they enjoyed my playing. It occurred to me that I was just pushed out of the nest only to find I had wings and could fly. Even to this day, I tend to stay away from charts and play more by ear.
How would you describe your style of music for a new audience?
Edem: That’s a good question, but a tough one to answer. It’s really KinderCrowdControl music. I guess I would have to say eclectic.
Brett: We don’t have a style that can be easily described. We pull from so many different sources that our musical style is unique, but the end result is always amazing. For Edem and I, music is simply an “organized sound.” Technological advances in sound reproduction have opened the door for us to create any sound, not just from traditional instruments, but from anything. In fact, we’ve found that anything can be made to sound musical. Looking back through our history of working together, we started sampling using tape loops before Samplers were even invented. The onset of the digital age just made it easier for us to record and organize samples into rhythm & harmony. When you listen to KinderCrowdControl, you’ll get a dose of some traditional instrumentation, but you’ll also find some nuggets of organically crafted samples. I’ll leave up to our listeners to describe our style.
Was it ever frustrating practicing as you were building your skill?
Edem: I don’t practice per se. We are a unique outfit, so practicing scales etc. isn’t necessary. I play the guitar and see what develops. In other words I don’t let formal technique interfere with composing. If a particular song requires a difficult passage, I’ll work on it. It’s always challenging, but always fun. If I’m lucky, and usually am, something surprises me.
Brett: I think practice is important, but Edem and I have grown beyond practice and focus rather on writing music. Just as in my story above, there’s a limit to how proficient you become at your craft. In your race to perfect your skill and technique, don’t forget that music is first and foremost an art. We prefer to focus our energy on the art of creating music.
What advice would you give an artist if they hit a challenge like this?
Edem: Put it down for as long as it takes to come back to it refreshed and ready. If it’s not fun and inspiring, come back later.
Brett: As musicians, we often let things like training and technique lure us away into endless loops of mediocre performances. Set aside any mental hang ups about what you’re being told an instrument should sound like, and just start experimenting with the different sounds you can get from your instrument. From there, you’ll start thinking about the musical possibilities of anything. Lastly, sometimes perfection isn’t what you play: it’s what you don’t.
What was your first single?
Edem: Really that would be “Audiobon”. Released December 10, 2017.
What is your latest single out?
Edem: “Sto Da Radim”. Released July 15, 2021.
Brett: This is an awesome tune and well worth a listen.
What is the difference between the two?
Edem: Time, new digital interface, increased production skills, continued confidence.
Brett: I feel that our craft is getting better and better with each new single. Have a listen to both and hear for yourself.
What are you looking forward to with an upcoming release?
Edem: Well, first of all, it has to resonate with our team. Sandra Ban, our celebrated Croatian artist and wordsmith, and Brett have to LOVE IT. Then, it’s on to seeing how the people respond. We’re always eager to see which piece lands well with the audience. Our creations often touch on socio-political topics, and we use our music to pose questions, and inspire dialog. If that happens, besides the enjoyment of the music- fantastic!
Brett: We’re looking forward to hearing from our listeners. Each new release is like a gift we’ve given to a loved one. It’s the joy of giving.
How would you describe your style of getting music out? A bootcamp or go with the flow?
Edem: We’re learning as we go. At first it was pointing people, through Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, to Amazon, Spotify, iTunes etc. Now we have a landing place at Bandcamp, where people can listen to the complete tracks, and from there Stream or Download any of our music. Here’s where: kindercrowdcontrol.bandcamp.com
Brett: We’re actively pushing content out in order to spread a wide net. Social media, digital download, podcasts, all help. There are many ways to reach listeners because the world will always be hungry for new music. The best advice I can give you is to tell you that you have to roll up your sleeves and get to work.
Leave us with any additional thoughts you’d like to share!
Edem: We are floored by the support we’ve received, especially in the last 2 years. To those who have promoted, Streamed, and Downloaded our music, a huge thank you. I can think of several people who bear mentioning: Marco Rocha, who spins our music on his Transmission Lima; Mitch Steele who lends his ears and technical know-how; Sandra Ban for her amazingly pertinent words, and these are delivered before she ever hears the music; Toby Karlin, who lends his drums, percussion, and saxophone; My son Griffen who lends his street smarts and fantastic piano. It is a good time to remind everyone that it’s entirely through your support with Streaming and Downloading, that we continue on our journey making KinderCrowdControl music. Again, thanks to all!
Brett: LOL I’m out of thoughts. It’s time to play!
Social media links below:
Remember kids KinderCrowdControl is one word!
Bandcamp: kindercrowdcontrol.bandcamp.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/adam.elesh.94/
IG, Spotify, and TikTok: kindercrowdcontrol
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=kindercrowdcontrol&i=popular&ref=nb_sb_noss
Youtube: edem elesh https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubDitI5bGhg New Video “Day Zero” just released.
For Press Inquiries: bsquaredmgmt@gmail.com
End of Interview