Dreamfield
can be found at
www.dreamfield.co.uk
by Shauna Skye
I have known of Dreamfield for over a year, and exchange occasional "hello" emails with Poppy Gonzalez since I make it a point to visit their page when the mood hits. Dreamfield is a band from London who describe themselves as "leftfield/triphop" and "music from the twilight zone." They have a unique, often lovely sound due not only to the music but Poppy's beautiful, fairy-like vox. The following interview is with Poppy.
SHAUNA: I recently visited your web site and saw that just you and Gregg McKella are listed as band members. Are the other musicians you play with temporary, or did you have a line up change?
POPPY: Weeeellllll!!! There was a nucleus of three, and sadly, it is now two.I am presently in the USA, Gregg is still based in London at the moment but has been out here this month. We've been writing new material for recording, in May hopefully... Sadly, due to the way the band is moving, it isn't possible for Linda to travel around; she just hasn't got the personal freedom to be available for our rather erratic ways... It is with great regret that we will have to find another 'Linda' here in America who can offer more commitment.
I guess, Dreamfield are trying to get away from the format of a traditional band.Gregg and I see ourselves as 'keepers of the dreamfield sound.' Dreamfield has an identity of its own . . . we're not into the ego thing . . . no-one has their own instrument in the studio, we just use the person who has the best idea at the time. But it is always in the dreamfield 'vibe'. It seems to work well. We have found the perfect Dreamfield drummer here in Boston called Willet and we're looking to get the whole live thing going over here this year.
What we need is a female keyboard or bass player, with a strong sense of harmony--if there are any out there! As our sound is very strongly based around layers of female harmonies, everything will fall into place live, when we have found our girl!
SHAUNA: Who are some of your favorite bands to listen to?
POPPY: It varies according to my mood, I tend to go for individual tracks. All time favourites are Talk Talk (their later albums, not the earlier synthy stuff). I love Bob Marley, reggae, and flamenco, rhythm is my big trip. Although funnily enough, I am a fan of Iggy Pop and Beethoven too! At the moment, I am listening to an Mp3.com band I discovered, called 'Astrosensitive', from France. I am always up for something contemporary, music for 'now' but it has to have good harmony, a strong song, and usually .
. . a groove!
SHAUNA: You have a very pretty voice. When did you start singing?
POPPY: You know, I don't feel like a singer at all! I never started singing, I just sing the Dreamfield stuff, because I understand it, I guess.
SHAUNA: What instruments do you play?
POPPY: Piano is my main instrument, I also have an old analogue synth called a Jen, rhythm guitar (very much in my own style ha ha), percussion and
castanettes, and a wee bit of penny whistle!
SHAUNA: Do you and Gregg share songwriting or is one of you the main songwriter?
POPPY: Gregg is a very proficient song writer, he is always writing. He is very good at starting songs, and I am better at finishing them. So it works quite well! I understand his 'language' but by the time I've got hold of it, it can sound quite different! Producing is my trip.
SHAUNA: Do you play out regularly in London?
POPPY: Not any more! Our last gig was at the CMJ festival in New York last year, an acoustic. I also play live with Sing-Sing, another UK band whose
last gig was also in New York!
SHAUNA: How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard it?
POPPY: Someone did that rather well for us recently.
"Dreamfield specialize in trippy grooves with organic instruments... The London/MA mix providing an interesting combination in sound! Female harmonies, over loops and live drums form grooves to chill out to... or as the band say...music to dance to sitting down."
We call it, 'Leftfield Trip-Pop'.
SHAUNA: Favorite Beatle? ;)
POPPY: John Lennon, no question.
SHAUNA: How many songs do you have in your set list?
POPPY: Depends on the gig, acoustic or electric, or if we were headlining or supporting.
SHAUNA: Where do you see Dreamfield in five years?
POPPY: Living halfway up a mountain in Spain, with our own little studio,still trying to make our perfect album :-)
SHAUNA: Aside from music, what interests and hobbies do you have?
POPPY: I study flamenco dance, I like gardening (not the lawn mowing type haha pots of flowers and things). I pretty much love life, exploring and travel and stuff, computers and reading, spending time with my family and friends . . . good conversations over good food, cigarettes and coffee! Not very sporty!
SHAUNA: Any pets?
POPPY: Ahhh my little TC (cat) had to leave her with a good friend in London.
SHAUNA: Is Poppy your real name?
POPPY: Poppy Susan Nicola Gonzalez de Briceno!
SHAUNA: Do you have a favorite movie?
POPPY: Not really, although I rather liked Jonny Depp in Dead Man :-) and quirky French movies like 'Betty Blue'.
SHAUNA: If you had to have a motto what would it be?
POPPY: Enjoy the trip!
SHAUNA: Where is the best place to get hold of your music?
POPPY: At the moment, on the net...MP3/Starpolish/Besonic/Burbs etc ..also Newbury Comic stores-Boston, Virgin/Rough Trade-UK.
SHAUNA: Is there anything you would like to tell the visitors that I didn't ask you about? If so, the floor is yours.
POPPY: Ooh that's a tricky one. Ha ha! I'd rather people listen to Dreamfield music,
it says it all in there.
...and for any labels out there?
Dreamfield are looking for a creative independent label who can help them to make an adult orientated album of fragile, yet hard edged, gentle yet slightly dark music.An album you can 'Dance to sitting down'... (which is already half recorded)
SHAUNA: Thanks Poppy for the great interview! For those reading be sure to
check out Dreamfield's page at http://www.mp3.com/dreamfield