7 Minutes in Heaven with: England in 1819

England in 1819
“It’s a new year and we’re anxious to see what up and coming bands and artists might make our top ten lists this year. We also realize a need to bring you more face-time with bands, not just giving you our opinions, but allowing the bands to make their case and let you decide if you want to hear more. So we’re launching “7 Minutes In Heaven with…,” an interview series dedicated to introducing new bands to you guys. It’s a really simple concept: 7 questions answered by the bands, telling you a little about who they are, their music, and what makes 2011 their breakout year. Think of this as your meet and greet–if you like the bands, let us know!” -Beth Yeckley, Head of Interviews for TheBlueIndian.com

__________

Artist Site: http://www.Englandin1819.com
Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/Englandin1819

Baton Rouge, Lousiana sextet England in 1819 truly blew me away when I first them. I found the video for their song “Trophy Sixty-One” through a friend’s Tumblr and immediately began sending it to my friends. The band, which features a classically trained opera singer accompanied by French horn, oboe, glockenspiel, bass, drums, percussion, and guitar, has quickly won me over with their ability to bring the best aspects of both melodic, ambient rock and classical compositions and blend them into something chilling and beautiful. The band draws comparisons to Sigur Ros, Mogwai, Explosions In The Sky, and DeVotchka.

1. Where are you from and how long have you been making music?

Zuly: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. I’ve been singing for 15 years.
Andy: I’m from all over, but feel the most connection to England and Baltimore. I liked Colorado the best though. I can’t remember not playing music.
Dc: born in england, middle and high school in baltimore. me and andy grew up together playing music.

2. Describe your sound in 5 words.

Zuly: Atmospheric, orchestral, rich, colorful, textured.
Andy: Grand, textured, ups-and-downs, thickness, sad-while-happy or happy-while-sad.
Dc: Introspective, building, colorful, powerful, emotive.

3. Who would you say are your top 3 musical influences?

Zuly: Sigur Rós, Radiohead, Explosions In The Sky.
Andy: I just take a tiny bit from a lot of places…but the 3 most important are probably Sigur Ros, Mono and Liszt.
Dc: The National, Sigur Ros, all my classical music.

4. If you had to choose one song from your albums that our readers have to hear, what would it be and why?

Zuly: “1819” from Three Cheers for Bertie. I think that song is the heart of England in 1819.
Dc: “Parks” from Three Cheers for Bertie, because it represents all the different colors of the band.
Andy: “Blue Ribbon” from Three Cheers for Bertie. It has all the things I love about our music. There’s a lot of interesting things composition-wise.

5. What were 5 of your favorite albums from 2010?

Zuly: Teen Dream- Beach House, Go- Jónsi, Dust Lane- Yann Tiersen, Color your life- Twin Sister, Archive 2003-2006- Department of Eagles
Dc: High Violet – The National
Andy: Dignan – Cheaters and Thieves (2009 but it’s that good), Teen Dream – Beach House, The National – High Violet, Midlake – The Courage of Others

6. Name a band that we might not have heard of yet but should definitely check out.

Zuly: Malajube
Dc: Dignan
Andy: Dignan

7. What’s big and exciting for you in 2011?

Zuly: New album, new songs and lots of shows!
Dc: Our new video! New tours! New cd! 2011 is a big year!
Andy: Going to a real studio! Touring in the fall?