Desert Ships are a London based trip-tonic three-piece that formed in 2012. Within a year of forming they released their debut album Doll Skin Flag produced by former Ride frontman Mark Gardner. The band have returned with their EP Skyliner. Tomatrax caught up with Mikey, the band’s lead singer and guitarist, to ask a few questions.
How did the band form?
It feels like we’ve known each other and been playing together forever. We’re on a gradual ascent. I’ve no idea what we’ll write tomorrow but I know it’ll be exciting.
Where did the name Desert Ships come from?
Claude’s kaleidoscopic mind
How did you get Mark Gardener involved with your work?
A mutual friend introduced us. We sent him some demos. He liked them and wanted to produce us.
What was it like working with Mark Gardener?
Trip-tastic
You received a lot of critical acclaim for your first album, did that make you feel any pressure when working on your latest release?
No
What made you decide to put out an EP this time round?
The songs were written from the same time period, and recorded together. It made sense to put them out as an EP.
What made you pick Skyliner as the title track to the EP?
It was never discussed. It was always a given.
You’ve described your music as cinematic; will there be videos to accompany your tracks?
Yes. Heart Beats is online now. Skyliner is coming soon, directed by Julian Hand (Toy, The Oscillation)
Where was the video for Heart beats filmed?
Daniel’s back yard.
Do you ever listen to your own music?
During the writing, the recording, and the mixing process then yes, otherwise no.
What music do you listen to?
Too much to name, but lately it’s been Nick Cave, Ennio Morricone, Steve Reich, Warpaint, Swans, Raveonettes, Dead Skeletons, Deerhunter, Caribou, Lola Colt, Serge Gainsbourg
Now that the EP is out what do you plan on doing next?
We’re already half way through writing the next album. We aim to finish this and record it early 2015.
Check out the band’s website to find out more!
