Hi Grimes. How are you?
Good.
Who is behind the moniker, 'Grimes'?
I guess my real name is Claire Boucher but I really hate it because it sounds dorky or something… or boring. I just graduated from college and I want an adventure, so hence this project.
Do you do all the instrumentation yourself?
I do all my instrumentation - though it is mostly synthesizers. I also use a violin and a ukulele occasionally.
What is your most trusty piece of kit?
The most trusty thing I have is my Juno-G synth. I'm really worried I'm going to break it one day...
How would you describe your music to those uninformed readers of Mane Shakin' Folk?
Goth, experimental and chorale influenced pop with a strong focus on vocals and production that focusses on the lower frequencies.
What inspired you not only to release two albums last year, but to upload them as free downloads as well?
I just feel like music should be free, and people will get it for free anyway if they want it. If they want to donate they can, but they should pay what they feel the album is worth. I would make it anyway, regardless of whether or not people heard it. So it should be free.
You recently supported How To Dress Well on his Canadian tour - how was that?
REALLY cool. He is an amazing person, way too smart. If anything I just really enjoyed making friends with him, but he also gave me some really good pointers. I learned a lot from his set.
So, what's hot in 2011 for Grimes? Are there any particular records you are enjoying at the moment?
I am loving this dungeon family record called "even in Darkness." It's basically an outcast side-project and it's just phenomenal. Really experimental, especially with vocals. Really tight R&B harmonies but with a gospel soul influence over crazy beats and the production is impeccable. But I'm making it sound more boring than it is. They use kraftwerk samples and stuff too. Totally totally love that album.
Download her Halfaxa LP for free here (or if you're feeling altruistic, you can support her by making a donation alongside the download).
Weregild by Grimes:
