Along with the broadcast premiere of their in-depth Insights interview on Wednesday, July 6th at 10/9c, The Bacon Brothers have partnered with DittyTV this week to premiere the title track of their upcoming EP, Erato, which hits the streets this Friday via the brothers’ own FOROSOCO label and Soundly Music.
They’ve also touched base for a quick Q&A on the making of the EP and what soundtracks have impressed them lately. For Kevin, it’s his wife, Kyra Sedgwick’s upcoming film Space Oddity, which he acts in and says features a cover by Brandi Carlile of Bowie’s cosmic hit.
5 Questions with The Bacon Brothers by Sam Shansky
1) You recorded your upcoming EP Erato in various cities across the country. What was that experience like, sharing the creativity with a variety of people, and what did you try for these tunes that you’d never done before?
Kevin Bacon – It’s good to be in a new place. A new studio. New producers and musicians. Shake it up. New points of view. There’s a reason why some iconic albums were recorded in far away lands.
2) Do you spend much time these days reading or researching Greek mythology? Out of all the gods and goddesses, what inspired you to single out Erato?
Michael Bacon – I’m a crossword puzzle geek so I know all the muses.
KB – Ha! No. I don’t spend much time reading anything. But somehow she entered my sphere and I’m glad she did.
Bonus: Are there other figures of ancient history that fascinate you, and why?
MB – Pythagorous thought the entire universe was a musical phenomenon. To prove it he applied mathematical principles to vibrating objects (strings, flutes, water glasses). That’s why we have Do, Re, Mi.
3) We’re thrilled to premiere your EP’s title track today. What can you tell us about this song that people might not be aware of yet?
MB – KB did the artwork for the cover. I had to censor it a bit.
KB – I was stuck in a writing drought and decided to write a song about that in hopes that it would get the creative juices flowing. Then Erato knocked.
4) What’s your earliest shared musical memory?
MB – I think the first song we recorded together was “8 Wheel Boogie.” The NY Times just revisited this craze from the 80’s.
KB – Watching my brother and his jug band rehearse in our basement in Philly.
5) Since you are musicians who both work in film/television (composing, acting, directing, etc.), I’m curious – what films or TV shows have you watched recently that stood out for their soundtracks or scores, and could you explain why?
MB – Julio Iglesias’ score for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is wonderful. He seems to be able to meet the needs of the film but also write beautiful music.
KB – My wife directed a soon to be released film called Space Oddity. Our son Travis scored it and Brandi Carlile covered the Bowie tune so that’s the one for obvious reasons.
