Interview: Figo – ‘Mixing in the Fast Lane’

The delicate mix of electro and rock is one that only a few acts have had the musical dexterity to handle. Immediate names that spring to mind – Primal Scream, Kasabian, Chemical Brothers – are part of a very short list. But another to be added is New York outfit FIGO, who are delivering the rock/dance crossover with equal style and sonic craftsmanship and making waves with their noise-laden, guitar-driven electro-punk.

With modern electronica clashing with earlier influences, FIGO have somehow succeeded in putting it all altogether to carve out a unique sound. Although they’re becoming known for their energetic live shows, it’s their big-name remixes that have put them in high demand. So far the reworking of “Ego Death” by A Place to Bury Strangers is getting the band plenty of attention, while new indie sensation Boxer Rebellion will be the latest to undergo FIGO treatment.

The group was picked up in 2008 by the New York/UK indie label Calcium Records, who re-released their first single “Plaza”. Since then, it would be fair to say FIGO have not had time to look back. After being selected by LP 33.TV to showcase at SXSW and having their remix for A Place to Bury Strangers released on Mute records, the band were also invited along to entertain the masses at the Anthem magazine party (Coachella Festival) last April.

So coming across a sound as intriguing as this, we decided to catch up with some of the FIGO members (Bob, Ryan, Paul and Parag) to find out what the future has in store and what it’s generally like to be enjoying life in the fast lane.

L4E:You mention drawing inspiration from Black Sabbath and the Misfits to Underworld and the Chemical Brothers. Do you each share the same influences?

Bob: We each bring a different influence to the mix and that helps form the FIGO sound. For example, I bring in the punk and metal influence; Parag brings in a straight up rock-n-roll but also angst vocal style; Paul brings in the English house/electro pill-taking element which gives the groove to his bass playing; Ryan is just a very disturbed individual, which contributes to his dirty, industrial programming; and Stu is a certified animal on drums. His influences are too sordid to list. We all have our own styles but definitely are into similar music as well.

Has your fan base consisted of a more dance-focused crowd, more rock or a bit in between?

Bob: We get all kinds. I would say it definitely depends on the city and venue/party that we are playing. Everyone walks away with something to take home. We’re not selfish! There’s enough going on in our sound that people who may not be into one sound or the other will find something to walk away with. It’s not cut and dry.

How do you think the New York club scene has evolved over the years?

Paul: It’s gone from a drug scene to a non-existent scene to a pay $300 for a bottle scene. Most of the good stuff happens in the smaller venues. However we are big fans of GBH.TV, who have supported FIGO since day one, and their Girls & Boys party at Webster Hall is our favourite big club night. They do a lot to keep the New York dance and club scene fresh.

How does the New York live scene compare to what you have experienced In Europe?

Parag: New York is home, and there is a great live music scene here. We’ve played with some great New York bands like Apollo Heights, The Giraffes, The Killing Floor, and Glint at clubs like Santos, Brooklyn Bowl, and Le Poisson Rouge. We haven’t played live in Europe yet, but hope to this year sometime. The DJ gigs we’ve done out there have been amazing. BTCHPLS in Helsinki is an absolutely killer club night. The Filter Magazine/Stylish Riots party in London has been good to us as well and the promoter Dave Earnshaw over there is a solid guy. Danny from Ladytron hooked me up in Milan with a great DJ gig at the aptly named New York, New York party. Honestly, both are amazing experiences and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to travel and play music.

How would you rate your experience at SXSW? How do you feel an act like FIGO fits into these showcase events?

Bob: SXSW is always a good time and it’s great to meet so many new people and see familiar faces too. There is just SO much music and shows going on that you naturally walk away with new ideas and new sounds to take back home. Our SXSW experience has been that promoters sometimes don’t know how to fit us in on the right live bill, so the ‘official’ showcases tend to leave a bit to be desired. But we have always done much better playing the late-night SXSW after-parties, magazine parties, etc. It’s more our crowd. We’re a 2am kind of band, so the after-parties suit us and we tend to take it up a level.

Your remix of “Ego Death” for A Place to Bury Strangers seems to have gotten plenty of attention. What the bands reaction was to the track?

Parag: They dig it. We finished the ‘Ego Death’ remix late last year and a couple months later they told us they were putting it out on Mute, which was a very cool surprise. Those guys are awesome. We just did some DJ dates with them and our friends in Crocodiles while on tour in Europe, which was a blast too. They are solid fellas.

What attracted you to the Boxer Rebellion’s sound?

Parag: It’s raw and incredibly melodic at the same time. I love that band. They are great live too, I saw them at SXSW this year. We are about to release a remix for their track “Evacuate.”

Out of all your work so far, what has been your favourite track to remix and why?

Ryan: I would have to say the APTBS Ego Death RMX was my favorite.  The files were very easy to work with.  I also love all the sounds in the original song.  The guitar sound is amazing and very dissident, but also massive. The response to the remix has been very good. It got us on RCRDLBL! Everyone seems to be liking it. Awesome band and awesome people.

Which artist/ track would you like to remix next/ the most?

Parag: I’m really into Bloody Beetroots right now. Oh, and I’d kill babies to remix anything from The Prodigy.
Paul: Underworld, duh!
Ryan: Anything with a good beat, good files to work with, and something I can totally change the integrity to.

Thanks a lot guys, looking forward to your remixes!
Conor O’Brien