Saint Etienne, Leonard Cohen and Sun Ra: Automatic talks Wonderland through the tracks they keep coming back to.
The talented trio, consisting of Izzy Glaudini, Halle Saxon, and Lola Dompé, are setting the music scene ablaze with their groovy melodies interwoven with dark humour and politically-pumped lyrics.
Their latest single, “Black Box”, as part of their “Is It Now?” album, which was released on September 26th, is one of simple pleasures. An instrumentally-layered track that marries their individual skills – ranging from static synths to those gorgeous, silky vocals (of course) – it’s a bassy, bouncy, (somewhat) boozy coming-of-age soundtrack.
From following the likes of Tame Impala and The Marias on tour, to now, for the first time, working with a producer (Loren Humphrey) to help bring the fullness of their sonic vision to life, they are undoubtedly at an exciting turning point – ready for the next. Recording their next album between New York and Los Angeles, this project is where they cast their net of influences more widely, honouring their greats while forging a path of their own.
Ahead of their UK/EU tour, the Automatic ladies give us a sneak peek into the songs that have kept their musical cogs turning for On Repeat.
Listen to “Black Box”…
Automatic Is On Repeat…
Lola
Saint Etienne – “Nothing Can Stop Us”
I like a trance groove with good melodies and lyrics that make you feel happy and empowered.
The Orb – “Little Fluffy Clouds”
Just a good vibe.. I like to drive to this one.
Massive Attack – “Teardop”
Well crafted song with inspiring production!
Halle
A Certain Ratio – “Flight 12 Version”
My boss, Matthew, at the Heavy Manners Library bookstore in Echo Park gave me this record and it ended up being a big influence on us. The rhythm, and then later, the tone of the drums. An underrated UK band that came out of the late 70s punk scene, they just did their own thing completely, and you can’t really pin them to one genre, which I feel like is something we have in common.”
Air – “La Femme d’Argent”
I had this song in mind when I was writing the bassline for our song, “Lazy”. We love Air and have always been inspired by them, but after seeing them twice on our tour in Asia the love and inspiration was rekindled. They’re just so cool and sound so fucking good. They are also comprised of just synth, drums and bass, but their songs are so full and smooth, you don’t realise anything is missing.”
Sun Ra – “When There is No Sun”
I’m not really sure how it happens, but I remember when we were writing “Mercury”, I was singing this song to myself all day and I think it informed the bassline. I was listening to a lot of spiritual jazz at the time like Alice Coltrane, Sun Ra, and Pharoah Sanders. This song in particular (by Sun Ra) is really close to my heart. It’s cathartic to listen to in these dark times because it kind of puts words to feelings in such a beautiful way. The cosmic undertone to all his music makes me feel connected to something bigger, which is like the whole intoxicating thing about music in my opinion.
Cibo Matto – “Sugar Water”
I was listening to a lot of Trip Hop leading up to this record. I wanted the basslines to be more fat and syrupy like this – a lot of the basslines I wrote with that in mind. But in the end, Izzy fought for the tone the way it is today. “Mercury” I especially wrote to be that way, but it translated better on synth in the end. Anyways, this band Cibo Matto rules.
Izzy
Reymour – “A L’Eternelle”
I love this band’s sound, they’re in my top five artists of the 2020s. I think their production and writing are consistently gorgeous – the bassline reminds me of Nirvana. I like when you listen to a song and it makes you feel like you’re in a cool movie. Reality sucks, I just want to be in a cool movie.
Close Lobsters – “I Kiss The Flowers in Bloom”
We have been listening to this band for ages, they are a dreamy Scottish band formed in ‘87. Listen to the full album, “Foxheads Stalk this Land”, if it’s raining and you will feel wistful and melancholic. I want to retire in a cottage on a rolling green Scottish hillside.
Leonard Cohen – “Tower of Song”
I like music/songs made for other musicians. Most songwriters can relate to this song, probably. It’s isolating and financially stupid to be a musician, but the obsession keeps you going. Leonard Cohen will always be my favourite lyricist.
