Ghostland Observatory: “The Lasers Rule The World”

Leaked on Tue, Jan 13, 2009

When you picture a robot making love to a tree, what type of sound do you think it makes? Wlle now its easier than ever to listen to such an noises. Just play a Ghostland Observatory album. The duo of Aaron Behrens and Thomas Turner’s music has been described as electro funk rock to those who don’t have the imagination to picture the band self description of robot tree love. The band released their first album delete.delete.i.eat.meat on Turners own Trashy Moped label in 2005 and within a year released another. The band has been featured on The Late Show with Conan O’Brien and on their own town’s special program, Austin City Limits. The group has played also made festival appearances a large part of their tour schedules. This past year alone they were featured at the SXSW festival, Langerado, Bonnaroo, and STS9’s Red Rocks weekend. The group has also amassed a rather large following due to the fact that their concerts don’t only stimulate the ears, but all the senses. Between the multicolored lasers shooting from behind the stage and the psychedelic Mic Jagger like persona of Behrens, the music of Ghostland Observatory is more than enough to draw the audience into the show. Thomas Turner spared a few minutes of his time to answer a few questions for F5F right before they wrapped up their last American Tour.

F5F: Currently, you are the only artist under Trashy Moped Recordings. Are you looking to add artists to the label? If so, what types of bands/musicians are you interested in incorporating?Thomas: I would love to as soon as I can catch my breath. We have been touring for 4 years and my wife and I run the label so we have been swamped. I am not interested in signing tons of bands just 3 or 4 really interesting groups. I do look forward to producing and helping new acts. F5F: A large portion of your success may be attributed to positive word-of-mouth advertising from your fans. How would you hope to hear your show described by an audience member?

Thomas: Insane. or Face melting.

F5F: Your recent tour history has included both small clubs and large festivals. With being able to bring your laser show to both types of venues at this point, which type of show do you enjoy more, an intimate theatre, or a large outdoor setting?

Thomas: They all surprise you. Sometimes you think a club sow is going to be a certain way, then you are completely wowed by the response. Festivals are always interesting. There have been many cool shows we’ve done in the past few years that we were not looking forward to. Just goes to show.. We do enjoy the full production though, the lasers rule the world.

F5F: Whether on stage or on a disc, at a club or at a festival, with the lasers or without, the electric energy created by you both is a true testament to your showmanship and ability to perform. What current artists give you an electric shock?

Thomas: Los Tigres del Norte, Ratatat, Daft Punk to name a few.

F5F: What’s your writing process? Does Thomas write the music or is it more collaborative between you both?

Thomas: Aaron and I work together on everything in one way or another. As time goes on you don’t look at who does what so much as how it works out and sounds or feels in the end, and most important that we stay friends through the process.

F5F: How come there is little to no guitar in Robotique Majestique? Is that a sign of the direction you want to take your music?

Thomas: Not at all. That is what was going on during the writing and recording process at the time of Robotique. Who knows, the next record may have more guitar than the other three records combined.

If you want to see a robot making love to a tree live, I highly suggest that you catch Ghostland Observatory in concert. You can decide for yourself if their concerts are indeed “face melting”. They will be touring most of 2009.