Photo: Courtesy of Vincent Perini
Featuring members of Rilo Kiley, The Elected, Phantom Planet and The Like, PHASES may be pegged by some as an “L.A. all-star band.” But keeping in mind that four-fifths of PHASES previously played together in JJAMZ, who had a hit in 2012 with “Heartbeat,” PHASES is indeed a real band without nostalgic intentions. The first single off of their forthcoming album For Life, “I’m In Love With My Life” – as endorsed by Jessica Alba, Buzzfeed and Flavorpill – suggests that plenty more hits are to be expected from the members of PHASES.
Having recently announced touring in support of their debut full-length for Warner Bros. Records, PHASES is hitting the road this fall with LIGHTS and The Mowgli’s. PHASES comes through town on November 18th with a support slot at Irving Plaza. In advance of both For Life and the gig on Irving Plaza, Z Berg – who shares lead vocal duties with Alex Greenwald – answered some questions for Downtown over e-mail.
Do you view PHASES as an entirely new band from JJAMZ?
PHASES’ Z Berg: I mean, it shares four out of five members with the recently-deceased JJAMZ, but its sound, strength, and vision is incomparable.
How would you describe PHASES to someone who didn’t hear the “Suicide Pact” album by JJAMZ?
Z: Even if they had heard it…I’d say it’s future funky dance pop with sweet melodies, positive vibes, and a bittersweet dark undercurrent. Kinda like if Blondie made Thriller. In the future.
You are under 30 years old, yet have now been on three different big record labels with three different bands. Do you see yourself as a music business veteran?
Z: It’s hard to call yourself a veteran of anything at my age, but MAN, I sure have been doing this a while! It’s the only job I’ve ever had. The only thing I know how to do. And I love it so.
What do you hope to accomplish with PHASES that you didn’t necessarily accomplish with JJAMZ or The Like? Or are you more of a “music first” type of person?
Z: I’m definitely a “must first” type of person, and our passion for the music we’re currently making is definitely what drives this whole enterprise, but there certainly are world domination goals in place.
Is there something that you wish more people knew about PHASES?
Z: We’re big hard cider and natural spring enthusiasts!
What is your favorite part of being a career musician?
Z: I truly love music more than anything. It’s all I know, it’s the majority of who I am. It’s pretty amazing that I’m allowed to just do what I love and nothing else. I’m incredibly suited to this life, I’m a nomad who loves to live out of a suitcase, and also I have no other appreciable skills!
What do you recall from your first-ever gig in New York?
Z: I was wearing a white tank top, white Balenciaga pirate pants — borrowed from my best friend Courtney — and knee high caramel colored riding boots. I had a haircut I had done myself in the middle of the night, copying the style of a beautiful girl named Nadine that I had recently met. The memory of the show is just a flash of feeling. Good feeling. Annnnnnnnnnnd that’s all from fashion “rain man” over here.
As a lifelong resident of Los Angeles, what do you miss most from L.A. when you’re not in your hometown?
Z: L.A. is my favorite city in the world, but I’m an explorer. I rarely miss it when I’m gone, but boy do I love to come back to it. Like a merciless philanderer.
When you’re not tied down with recording or touring, what do you like to do with yourself?
Z: I read voraciously, hike, run, do a lot of yoga… But most of the time I’m playing or recording or writing music in one way or another.
Finally, Z, any last words for the kids?
Z: Stay in school? Don’t get pregnant? Remember that this is your one shot at being you and living this life; always be present, never forget that it could end at any moment. Even at the darkest of times, try to step back and experience it to the fullest. I’m constantly overcome by how beautiful everything is, even when I feel completely hopeless. Being human is INCREDIBLE, if you only pay attention.
Oh, and go get our record!
-by Darren Paltrowitz
