For the 30th project on XYZ, a significant milestone for the imprint, we welcomed Death on the Balcony for their debut EP with us. Hailing from Leeds, the British duo have crafted an immense reputation over the last decade for their ever-evolving style in the studio. Centered around laid-back house grooves and heady spoken word sampling, their recipe for blending classic hooks with innovative melodies has graced the likes of All Day I Dream, Kindisch, Suol, and Pets Recordings. Through the years, they continue to build upon an impressive catalogue teeming with character, and we are thrilled to connect with Mark and Paul on their latest material.

The Only Temporary EP is a reminder that all things come to an end; a welcome fact of life considering the world at the moment. Kicking off the project is Up Side Down, featuring a monologue that provides relevant and hopeful context about music’s power to uplift and inspire. Low-end drums and swirling rhythmic synths rest under a soft melody, allowing the words to cut deep.

Silent Armies acts as the perfect accompaniment to the A-side. Worldly percussions connect with chopped vocal stabs, fostering a warm and hearty groove. Calls to dance are sprinkled throughout the soothing arrangement, showcasing Death on the Balcony’s incredible knack for using spoken prose in their productions; a tune to pass the time until we can truly dance again.

On remix duty, XYZ welcomes back Madraas. After launching onto the scene last year under a new guise, the Italian comrades have made significant strides through projects with TOR and All Day I Dream. They reform Up Side Down through added melodics, welcoming soaring strings and a pronounced kick; a dreamy number for wandering minds.

To celebrate the release of Death on the Balcony’s EP, we caught up with Mark and Paul to touch base on how the project came to fruition.

WWD – Thanks for joining us today! Where are you joining us from?

DOTB – Based for now in the UK, we are joining you from our current hub and studio base in the north of England, Leeds. We have just had our fruitful studio session and now reflecting on what was done and what is still to be done! The list is ever-growing but we wouldn’t change it for the world 😉

WWD – How have you been spending the last couple of months? Are you able to remain creative and inspired through the pandemic?

DOTB – Even in these times we feel the importance of being productive and creative. It provides some well needed escapism and focus in a world that has been testing for people recently to say the least. It can be a real challenge though with where you are at mentally during these times with motivation and also purpose with our industries halted with only recently a vision of when nightlife & live shows may return.

Geographically has been at times challenging too as we have been living in separate places recently so working remotely whilst there was a strict lockdown which is now finally seeming to be turning a positive corner in the UK & beyond….

WWD – The suitably named ‘Only Temporary EP’ offers a feeling of hope in the future, especially on the A-side Up Side Down. Did you intend to craft this project in relation into the current situation we are all a part of?

DOTB – With regards to the sentiment and message of the track we are happy that it resonates in this way with people. It wouldn’t be called a conscious decision to sit down and say let’s say something about what is going on but when something is relatable and can be interpreted in such a way, we hope that it will help people and that they can take something from it. You could say that they find you and there is an unconscious psyche and flow happening that perhaps we listen after and say this is actually relatable to current events but it wasn’t planned from the beginning that way. It never really is, with our creativity its best to just try to be in a position to let it flow without thinking too much until afterwards.

WWD – Throughout your career, you’ve been connoisseurs of the spoken word dance track. What characteristics do you look for in vocals when you are considering what prose would fit your productions?

DOTB- With that side of things beyond our music & our shared studio duties… I, Mark have led the way there mostly, creating, sourcing and personally edited the acapella archives over the years that are now and have become synonymous with DOTB, our sound, discography and just in general! With the message in the music a lot of the time sourcing these they kind of find you, one thing leads to another or you just stumble upon them, they’re sometimes used immediately in the studio or they sit there waiting for the right production or then also live as a DJ in the moment with the acapella.

It’s also this random creative connection within the process which is what is exciting too and sometimes feels beyond you, even though you are the one channelling (so to say) editing the words, moment and energy which is the art form of sampling in its true form! Themes & samples normally are ones that are universal, positive, inspiring, hopeful, intriguing, relevant, ethereal, nostalgic and that can be relatable and open to interpretation that evoke emotion and connection…

These are words and feelings that spring to mind, but the reality is that they come from an intrinsic, personal and spontaneous place that we like to feel will resonate with others as well as the music!

WWD – Your elongated arrangements always ebb and flow, remaining groovy from start to finish. If you had to describe your production style in 4 words, what would they be?

DOTB – Emotive, Warmth, Groove, Musicality

WWD – Which artist influenced your sound early in your career, when you were still developing the foundations of Death on the Balcony?

DOTB – Hard to answer specifically & artist wise really as there are sooo many but this gives an idea…. Late 70’s/early 80’s disco, soul and subculture in general from then, through to new wave 80’s synth pop also. House of the late 80’s and early/mid 90’s, hip hop, downtempo, ambient works from that period too and also the many amazing scores from film over this time to current day.

The pioneers set the precedent and bar of quality high way back then, and this should never be overlooked or forgotten! This is why this music is still listened to today and will be for many years to come. We’re not drawing comparisons but following having wider influences and taste broadens your horizons for your creativity.  These principles can only impact this in a positive way with the musical and creative process old and new…

WWD – What benefits arise from working in a duo, both on the production side and performance aspect? On the other hand, what challenges have presented themselves over the years that may not have for solo producers?

DOTB – We have developed a lot over the years in the studio and know our different strengths that become really useful in terms of working quickly in order to get the idea in our heads, out of the speakers. At the end of the day, that’s all anyone wants to do. It’s nice to say that we feel we can do that. There is always room for learning and improving of course but the way we produce works for us and when you realise these techniques are there that can only develop over years, it’s a great thing.  

The other positive for travelling and performing is that you don’t do it alone. When you have a rigorous tour schedule it can be isolating so we never worry about that. You share the experiences with someone which is priceless.

Challenges are of course that you have to work at the partnership and relationship, like any! Maintain your common goals and aims and be on the same page. Communication is key. We, of course, have to work double as hard as well as we split everything down the middle, but after over decade plus now working together when it works, it works well and this stands the test of time, which speaks for itself…

WWD – When did you first decide to tie the knot, and form Death of the Balcony together? What was the defining moment that said this might just work?

DOTB – 2007 (or perhaps just before!) We met through mutual friends and from parties in Leeds around then. We began experimenting on music and also started Doing together in Leeds and got our first residency at The Dirty Disco, which went on to become one of the biggest parties in the north of England at that time bringing the likes of Get Physical, Mobilee etc to the city for the first time.

We continued to work in the studio and then it just evolved. Once we secured our first residency and had some releases on a few labels we started to get booked in different cities then Europe, then more internationally. It was a gradual progress really and every moment, gig and production define the next, so picking one is difficult. We are constantly feeling like we have just started, or begun a new chapter. It’s is a refreshing way to see things as the industry owes you nothing, so you have to remain hungry and always learning!

WWD – What have been some of your favourite gigs, ones that stand out above the rest?

DOTB – The All Day I Dream parties we have played have always been special. The open air one on governor’s island, in the middle of a storm was pretty memorable! Resulting in a double rainbow at the end of tour set so it all ended well but we playing right through the storm was an experience and test! Another was at Massaya Faqra in Beirut at the top of a mountain which was a beautiful location and pretty special to have experienced!  Brazil, we loved too. Playing for D-Edge at their wonderful club and then a huge 4000 person outdoor party in Passo Fundo was amazing. Brazilians know how to party! There has been a fair amount over the years and at times become a blur or dreamlike when you reminisce back…. 

WWD – Madraas have joined the Only Temporary project with a super remix of Up Side Down. How did the Italian compadres first catch your ear?

DOTB – They started to send us some of their music and it always has a great vibe and quality to it. We have supported their productions since then and from their former guise, Staves. We are happy to have them on board with this project and the quality from them is there for all to hear!

WWD – What other artists and labels have been keeping your toes tapping over the last year?

DOTB – Once again far too many really but All Day I Dream, Hoomidaas, XYZ, Amulanga, Saisons, Powel, Kora, Zone+, Fulltone, Maxi Degrassi, Flowers on Monday, and on and on….

WWD – You’ve seen first-hand how the label landscape has developed, shifted, and morphed over the last decade. What role do you see labels playing in the electronic scene these days?

DOTB – Labels are more integral than ever as cultural beacons for us all. Especially with the community aspect. It supports and enlightens people lives. Also being a platform for new talent & music as well as more established artists. It can be equally as rewarding for everyone.. the artists, the listeners. It’s lovely to be part of something you feel included in and the relationships and creative and human connections that arise from such things are beautiful. 

WWD – With small signs of light at the end of the tunnel, what do you most look forward to about normal life returning?

DOTB – Obviously the social aspect returning to our lives, real connections and free travel too especially with touring which both these things we all took for granted (as much a tried not too) before this happened. If any positives can come from this it may be to appreciate and love the people that matter a little more. 

WWD – Are there any exciting music projects in the works that you can tease us in on?

DOTB – We are happy to say we have something coming out on Hoomidaas for their summer V.A. We recently recorded another All Day I Dream stream which came out end of March. We have a remix of Gadi Mitrani on Be Adult Music which is out now! Much more in the pipeline but we can’t talk about that just yet, or the time isn’t quite right with obvious delays and strains recently!  Other than that, we are focused on continuing to write music and work on an album. We are in no rush with this as we want it to be right but it’s something we have wanted to do for a while and we have set the wheels in motion but there is nothing like a pandemic to somewhat delay plans 😉 

WWD – Guys, thanks again for your time and wise words. We will keep jamming to Up Side Down until the world is right side up. Much love!

DOTB – Thanks for having us and thanks to whoever read this far! Enjoy our latest musical escapade and we hope that the next time we are talking or meet we are all the right side up! 😉 Big love Mark & Paul x

Death on the Balcony – Only Temporary EP [XYZ030]
Stream – https://xyzlabel.lnk.to/OnlyTemporary

Connect with Death on the Balcony
Soundcloud – https://soundcloud.com/deathonthebalcony
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/dotbmusic
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/deathonthebalcony/

Connect with XYZ – https://linktr.ee/wwd.xyz
Stream releases in full via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2uDd07z