Interview: Porcelain
Posted: by The Alt Editing Staff
Texas post-hardcore quartet Porcelain dropped their debut LP last year, and they’re not slowing down. Last month they released the track “Harmony,” and today marks the release of the two-song Harmony b/w Torch single. To celebrate, we caught up with vocalist/guitarist Steve Pike and bassist Jordan Emmert to discuss the release and the band’s future and to check in on their movie-watching habits.
You put out the self-titled album through Portrayal of Guilt Records—how did you link up with TODO Records for this release?
SP: They saw us play SXSW this past spring and approached us. We met up and they gave us their vision for the label and how they wanted to help artists. Just made sense.
Were “Harmony” and “Torch” written to go together (and if not, how did you decide that they should be paired together for this single)?
SP: Personally, I like the duality of the songs, especially for a 7” release.
JE: That, and sonically, we feel like this 7” should just serve as a good bridge between the first LP and where we’re headed for LP2.
The cover for Porcelain was a very striking collage. By contrast, the single cover’s a lot more straightforward, but it’s even more colorful. Why did you go with this picture?
JE: Because it’s a pretty, colorful picture.
SP: Ryan took it while on a family trip. It really struck me upon first glance and asked if we could use it for something band related. I felt it paired well with the songs for the 7” release.
You’ve been upfront about the sorts of bands that inspire you guys, and a lot of it comes through in your sound. Who are some influences you think Porcelain fans would be surprised to hear you’re into?
JE: Yeah collectively, I feel like we wear most of our influences on our sleeve, but I’m frequently surprised when someone tells us that what we remind them of something I’ve never listened to. But in terms of influences that people may be surprised that we’re into? I guess Prince Jammy, King Tubby, Scientist, dub music.
SP: Mulatu Astatki, Sumac, Nightosphere.
Everyone in the band has played in other groups in the past. What do you think is the most important thing you’ve learned about being in a band that you were able to bring to Porcelain?
SP: Being self reliant and developing a work ethic with touring/writing music. It also goes without saying, but reminding yourself why you do it, and that’s to have fun with it and to express yourself.
JE: Everyone has gotta be on the same page and just moving in the same direction.
I know it’s barely over a year since the LP, and these songs are just coming out, but I need to ask: what can we expect from Porcelain in the future?
SP: Writing and planning for a second LP, permitting we don’t get obliterated in WW3. Oh, and more touring.
JE: Definitely more touring.
When you guys spoke with Loan, you mentioned you were fans of Failure. Have you seen the new documentary? If so, what did you think of it?
JE: I haven’t had a chance to see it yet, but I’ve been meaning to check it out!
SP: I haven’t either, but would like to.
Harmony b/w Torch is out now.
––
Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison
The Alternative is ad-free and 100% supported by our readers. If you’d like to help us produce more content and promote more great new music, please consider donating to our Patreon page, which also allows you to receive sweet perks like free albums and The Alternative merch. And if you want The Alternative delivered straight to your inbox every month, sign up for our free newsletter. Either way, thanks for reading!
