Standish Carlyon

London based Standish/Carlyon helped soundtrack the most sexed up day of the year with their head-swimmingly sensual new drop, ‘Nono/Yoyo’.

Comprising two members of Aussie expatriate rock trio Devastations – Conrad Standish and Tom Carlyon – this new project draws on all manner of undulating bass effects, woozy synth loops and sweetly intoxicating falsetto vocals to achieve states of pure sonic bliss.

It’s fair to say their sound has mutated somewhat from the Devastations days and while this may not appeal to all of their former band’s followers, Standish/Carlyon will no doubt have a legion of new fans queuing up around the block to sample their delicate slow motion dance pop. We caught up with Conrad and Tom from the band to talk about their forthcoming LP, absurdist live touches and shoulder rubs. At least we didn’t need to ask that oh so trite question of, “tell us how you thought up the band name” eh?

Guys ‘Nono/Yoyo’ seemed to arrive on the very cusp of Valentine’s Day; was there an ulterior motive behind that, or was it pure coincidence?

That was just a coincidence, a happy accident.

Does one of you take on all the songwriting duties, or is there a far looser exchange of ideas that comes with being such close friends?

We both take on songwriting duties – we kind of stumbled into a ‘production-line’ method that we are gradually refining, and so far seems to be a good and effective way for us to work together.

Have you had much feedback from staunch Devastations fans reacting to the new project?

None that I’m aware of. Perhaps they’re crying into their pillowcases. The idea that you can only like one kind of sound or feeling is a bit redundant now though, I think. It’s 2013. There will be people who love what you do, and people who won’t. We can’t control that, and it’s not very interesting to try to control that.

Was the idea of changing the direction and aesthetic of Devastations, rather than starting afresh with Standish/Carlyon ever entertained?

No, Devastations had to be put on ice. This was in 2009 or so. When Tom and I first came up with the initial seed for Standish/Carlyon it was clear that we had to make it a new project, and to not attach it to anything from our past. The direction of Devastations was always in flux anyway.

Do you think you’ll rekindle your working relationship with Hugo on another project in the future?

Sure, there’s no hard feelings or anything. We just aren’t in need of a live drummer at this juncture. Hugo’s been doing a bunch of stuff here in Melbourne and also with a band in Phnom Penh, keeping busy. I love that man, he’s a great friend.

You’ve both spent time living and performing across Europe as well as your native Australia: which nation has the craziest gig-going fanbase of the whole lot?

In Melbourne, where we’re both from, there is a very tight-knit musical community. Very supportive. I don’t know how ‘crazy’ it is though. If we’re going down that road I’d have to say that the further south you travel in Europe, the wilder things tend to get. We’re really looking forward to taking this new project back overseas.

We noticed Jonnine HTRK and Mrs. Conrad Standish] playing chess in the background at one of your early shows, is that kind of avant garde approach to visuals a regular feature of the live setup?

It’s not regular, but it’s something we like to do now and then. We have a friend called Ying – who has performed with us – painting her nails, playing chess or having faux-Skype conversations. It sounds ridiculous and that’s clearly the point. Our live show is generally very static, so we started to incorporate these things to break it up a little. Not in a performance art way, more an absurdist touch. Interestingly, she has recently been poached by Bryan Ferry, and I believe is now working for him as some kind of intern.

Two of your first shows under the Standish/Carlyon banner were supporting HTRK back in 2011; is there a bit of gentle rivalry between yourselves when you perform on the same bill?

No, nothing like that. We get more nervous for each other than anything – hoping there are no technical issues in each other’s shows etc. We’re family.

We heard that Liars specifically requested you play live at Belgium’s Sonic City festival – which they were curating – that must have felt like a pretty awesome seal of early approval?

Yeah definitely. They’re old, old friends and collaborators. I’ve known Angus since kindergarten. The lineup they put together was amazing. Chris and Cosey, Mark Ernestus & Tikiman, HTRK, Oneida, us, Factory Floor, Sightings – we had a great time. That was only our third ever show though, so it wasn’t the most relaxing of experiences, for me anyway.

You recently performed at The Drones curated I’ll Be Your Mirror along with Godspeed You! Black Emperor, My Bloody Valentine and Swans. Do you still feel nervous rubbing shoulders with iconic acts at those kinds of events, or are they washed away by a sense of pride and accomplishment?

I would be very nervous were my shoulders to be rubbed by Michael Gira. Or his percussionist. Definitely his percussionist.

Your debut album Deleted Scenes is out in May via felte, should we be expecting more brooding atmospheric pop, or do you have even more tricks up your sleeve and layers to the Standish/Carlyon sound?

Always something up our sleeves. More fun that way.

Any plans to take the album out on the road following its release?

Yes, definitely. USA, UK/EU, U-Name-It.

Finally, if you could only be one of the following, would you rather be a kickass live act, or excellent recording artists?

Personally, I would prefer to be an excellent recording artist.

Standish/Carlyon release their debut LP, Deleted Scenes, on 14 May via felte.