Nowadays it’s not easy for a band to release an album and have the media tag it as a "unique" production. They automatically start rambling on about previous bands and artists who could have affected or influenced the sound of the said album. However, when a debut album is released and the same critics have a hard time trying to tag the sound to a specific genre… well, that’s when you know it’s good. When Massachusetts quintet, Passion Pit, released their debut album, Manners, everyone was caught off guard by their unique songs. Now they’ve quickly become one of the most popular acts in the nation, and soon will be playing in Miami’s popular Ultra Music Festival during Winter Music Conference.
Clubplanet recently caught up with Passion Pit’s Nate Donmoyer and chatted about the band's recent touring schedule, what it’s like to be on the Ultra Music Festival lineup, and what’s in store for the remainder of the year.
Clubplanet: Last year was obviously a huge year for you guys with the release of your debut album, Manners. Now, did you have your "holy shit" moment last year or when Chunk of Change was released?
Nate Donmoyer: (Laughs) I have one of those moments everyday. Right now I’m walking around Leeds, which I’ve only heard of through soccer video games, so everyday there’s always a sense of “Wow, I can’t believe this is happening.”
CP: Where do you guys feel you get the best response, in the U.S. or the U.K.?
Nate Donmoyer: It’s actually more city to city for us. Ireland and Australia have actually been two of the best. They go pretty crazy there and definitely like to have fun. America’s great too, but I guess cities that we’ve hit more often are better. It’s a bit of a younger crowd usually.
CP: What’s been keeping you guys busy the most recently?
Nate Donmoyer: Touring. We’re just trying to make the best live show possible right now and we’re trying to get Manners live down as best as we can.
CP: You’re set to play Ultra Music Festival in Miami, which falls right in the middle of Winter Music Conference. How’s it feel to be sharing the stage with such big names in the electronic dance music world?
Nate Donmoyer: It’s amazing. I’ve never been to WMC and I’m really excited. I’ve never even been to Miami. A lot of my friends have been there for it and they always tell me how great it is and how it’s a great escape from the Northeast winters.
CP: When it comes to songwriting in the band, who’s the primary songwriter? Or do you each contribute?
Nate Donmoyer: Mike [Angelakos] is the main songwriter. We contribute more to the live show and the arrangements and programming. But he does all of the songwriting. For Manners we’d basically start with a melody or chord progression and just build from there.
CP: Have you guys already started thinking about the next album?
Nate Donmoyer: For right now our number one concern is still Manners, but we’re definitely itching to get back into the studio. We’ve talked about what we want to do and what we don’t want to do, but we’re going to have to tour a little bit longer to push this album to its full potential and then we’ll be able to take another swing at it and hopefully make a better album.
CP: How would you guys not like to be perceived as a band?
Nate Donmoyer: I guess I hope people don’t think we’re jerks. (Laughs) I hope that they don’t think we don’t appreciate everything that’s happened. Hopefully people understand that Manners was our first album and our first time in a big time studio, so hopefully they’ll give us a few more album and tours before they stack us up against some of the bands that are out now.
CP: What can we expect from you guys for the remainder of the year?
Nate Donmoyer: I’m pretty sure we’re booked to play the entire rest of the year. All over the U.S., Canada then back in Europe again, then back in Australia and Japan again before getting to the next record.