{"id":9361,"date":"2024-10-31T19:02:14","date_gmt":"2024-11-01T00:02:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mkultramagazine.com\/?p=9361"},"modified":"2024-10-31T19:06:22","modified_gmt":"2024-11-01T00:06:22","slug":"the-mmk-ultra-interview-with-brittany-bindrim","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mkultramagazine.com\/?p=9361","title":{"rendered":"The MK ULTRA Interview with brittany bindrim"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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interview by  john wisniewski  for MK ULTRA Magazine<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Synth pop artist + composer Brittany Bindrim released her long-awaited debut album Velella Velella on March 8, 2024 on Metropolis Records. Already known for her catchy melodies and powerhouse vocal performances in her band I:Scintilla, she ventures off into foreign sonic terrains as a solo artist with hard-hitting, edgy tracks featuring punishing beats and harsh synthesizers. From moody, ethereal ballads to gritty dance bangers, Velella Velella showcases both the versatility and evolution of her work. This new chapter of Brittany\u2019s career takes her into experimental territories with producer Matt McJunkins (A Perfect Circle, Puscifer, Eagles of Death Metal, Poppy). Channeling transformation, sociopolitical climates, and expeditions to understand the darker side of human nature, her vulnerable and unapologetic lyrics showcase themes of self-discovery, empathy, apathy, disillusionment, and growth.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

John Wisniewski: What was it like recording the music for Velella Velella?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brittany Bindrim: Recording \u2018Velella Velella\u2019 was an absolute blast. Once the songs were written and ready for recording, I flew out of Chicago to Secret Hand Studios in Los
Angeles in May 2023 to record with Matt McJunkins (A Perfect Circle, Puscifer,
Poppy). Matt is insanely talented and so much fun to work with. The studio itself,
owned by percussionist Jeff Friedl (A Perfect Circle, Devo), is inspiring and
versatile. I hunkered down in LA for a week and a half, and we made the most of
that time by being as productive as possible each day. We started by tracking all
the lead and backing vocals with a Neumann U87, then moved on to recording
piano, synths (Sequential Pro 3, Novation Summit, and some cool analog
synths), and drum machines. We worked until we were completely spent each
day, with plenty of laughs in between. Looking forward to recording the next
record in 2025!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

JW: What inspires you to write?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BB: Generally, I tend to write very intuitively, and life experience, sociopolitical
climates, self-discovery, and attempts to better understand human nature are
themes that often find their way into my music and inspire me. Writing each track
on \u2018Velella Velella\u2019 came very instinctively; it was an insular but exciting solo
process. I didn\u2019t overthink things or try to force any specific ideas into the music;
instead, I allowed them to surface and take form organically, like they emerged
from the ether. There\u2019s something incredibly freeing in trusting the creative
process that way, letting the music grow naturally and take on a life of its own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

JW: Any favorite music artists, Brittany?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BB: Like many people I have eclectic tastes, ranging from synth pop, grunge,
industrial, and punk to singer-songwriters. Some of my favorite artists include
Skinny Puppy, Emma Ruth Rundle, HEALTH, Bjork, Prince, Peter Murphy,
Soundgarden, Massive Attack, St. Vincent, Melvins, Zola Jesus, and Bad
Religion are some of my favorites!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

JW: Are you a fan of goth music?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BB: I know there\u2019s quite a debate these days about what makes music \u201cgoth\u201d, but I
enjoy a lot of music in this genre, especially from artists who helped define its
sound. The Cure (particularly \u2018Disintegration\u2019), Siouxsie and the Banshees, and
Bauhaus are some of my favorites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

JW: What are you doing when not working on your music?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BB: Art is a big part of my daily life when I\u2019m not working on music. I own a graphic
design and web studio that keeps me pretty busy day to day. When it comes to
fine art, I enjoy working on everything from large-scale murals to small, intricate
pen-and-ink illustrations. The cover art on my latest remix EP, Sea Storm
Maestros, is one of my illustrations. Beyond my creative endeavors, I also find
balance in distance running, which allows me to clear my mind and stay
physically active. Exploring nature and spending time with my two cats Hermes
and Jupiter are my other favorite pastimes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

JW: Will you be playing any live dates?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BB: Yes indeed! I played a few festivals and tour dates in 2024 with my live band,
featuring Jim Cookas on bass and Alex Klausner on drums. I hope to tour more
extensively in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

JW: What has the reception been for the new album?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BB: The reception of \u2018Velella Velella\u2019 has been great and has exceeded my
expectations. I am very proud of the record, and both the press and listeners
have been incredibly receptive and kind. You never know how people will
respond to a new or solo project, especially when you’ve been part of a band
(I:Scintilla) for so long and there may be expectations about how the project will
sound. A huge thank you to everyone who has checked out the record and
supported me on this new endeavor!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

JW: Any future plans and projects?<\/p>\n\n\n\n


BB: I\u2019m currently in the process of writing the next record and will be releasing it with<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Metropolis Records next summer. Other than that, I\u2019m looking forward to more
live dates! Stay tuned\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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