This week on our Indie Band Guru Interview Spotlight we caught up with L.A.- based alt-rock group Night Talks. Soraya, their amazing vocalist, shared her advice for other bands as well as her personal influences!
Hey, This is Soraya from Night Talks, and we’re stoked to be interviewing with Indie Band Guru! Be sure to check out our newest single, “Jungle!””
Where did you get the name?
Soraya: The name came from a lineup and sound change and it was spurred on by a quickly approaching show. We needed a name fast, and Night Talks happened.
How did the band form?
Soraya: We all attended School of Rock when we were younger. One day Jacob called me and Cris, asking if we wanted to form a band with him. A few years later when we needed a bassist, Cris suggested his brother, Josh.
How would you describe your sound?
Soraya: That’s always one of the hardest questions to answer, but I’d say dark, lush, and driving.
Who are your influences?
Soraya: My personal influences include Bjork, Fiona Apple, Portishead, Emmylou Harris, and Nancy Sinatra. The band’s main influences are Radiohead, Queens of the Stone Age, and The Killers.
What is your songwriting process?
Soraya: Usually Jacob will have an idea that’s fairly fleshed out, and he’ll present it to the band. We then work out our parts in rehearsal, and I try out different melodies to see what works and what doesn’t. We usually change songs a lot before we consider them to be complete.
What’s next?
Soraya: We’re releasing our first album, and hopefully we’ll be touring it soon! Album two is also in the works, and honestly, I’m hoping world domination fits in there somewhere too.
What advice would you give to other bands on the rise?
Soraya: Honestly, patience and persistence are two of the most important things. I constantly have to remind myself that these things take time and hard work, and it’s so rewarding when good things do happen!
You can check out Night Talks’ Twitter, Facebook, and website here as well as check out some more of their music here.
