Exclusive Interview with FALLIN' ASTRONAUTS

Austria is home to the two-man Indie-Pop group Falling Astronauts. The 2020-formed Viennese duo blends spherical elements with vintage Indie-Pop sounds. Easily recognizable by their bright, typical guitar riffs, which are frequently combined with fading and reverse effects as well as polyphonic vocals. Check out the exclusive interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?

FALLIN’ ASTRONAUTS: We are a two-man Indie- Pop group based in Vienna, consisting of Max who is the lead singer and plays the piano and Emil who is the lead guitarist and does the background vocals. We were born and raised in Vienna and both have an educational background in classical music. That’s also were we first met, during one of our concerts at the concert hall of the Austrian Philharmonics. We decided to start a band with two other members but split up shortly after to start another project as Fallin’ Astronauts.

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

FALLIN’ ASTRONAUTS: We both had formal training with classical instruments. Emil learned trombone as well as Jazz-Piano and Max learned Cello as well as an education in musical singing. But in our current musical style we had no experience beforehand and many instruments we use are self-taught.

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘FALLIN’ ASTRONAUTS?

FALLIN’ ASTRONAUTS: Our biggest influence comes from bands like Coldplay, U2 and Bastille. We see ourselves as Indie-Pop Artists but try to also involve elements from other musical genres in our songs. Our band name “Fallin’ Astronauts” should be a portrayal of the way our music is supposed one feel. Especially the word “Fallin’” symbolizes the way of feeling weightless and giving space to drift away.

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?

FALLIN’ ASTRONAUTS: After many attempts of finding our own sound, we evolved a unique musical style which can be recognized by typical bright guitar tunes and spherical elements. We also like to use polyphonic background vocals and to involve more unusual instruments into the production. We think that there are many different ways to describe our sound, since we don’t want to stick to the musical boundaries of just one genre. But our music is supposed to give a positive message and allows space for imagination as well as interpretation.

5. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?

FALLIN’ ASTRONAUTS: Since we just started, finding the sound we identify with was probably the greatest achievement in our still young musical career. Of course we are hoping to experience much bigger moments in the future, especially in anticipation of our upcoming EP, which we consider the project we are most proud of to date.

6. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as Indie-POP?

FALLIN’ ASTRONAUTS:

Since we come from totally different types of music than we are doing now, there was a long phase searching for our own sound. We started with Classical Rock with our first band and proceeded to implement elements of Pop to finally end up making Indie-Pop, which we consider a fusion between Rock and Pop, but with more musical freedom to add experimental and alternative elements. We surely got inspiration from bands like Coldplay, especially when it comes to the production process and how to convert a certain idea into a good song.

7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?

FALLIN’ ASTRONAUTS: To actually be able to make the music which we want to do, gives us fulfillment in itself and we think that the amount of work we put into our projects is worth it since we do it with passion. It’s clear that we want to get our music out there and to reach a broader audience, so we are hoping that in the future we can turn our passion into a fulltime job. But we are glad for every step which takes us closer to our goals.

8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

FALLIN’ ASTRONAUTS: There is no definite answer to that question, since our creative process always starts differently. Sometimes one of us comes up with a lyrics first and then we try to create the sound to it, but it can also be the other way around, so that we start with a concrete chord progression our an melodic riff. We think that we complete each other pretty good in terms of shaping an idea and producing a song, we both stand behind of. Usually we involve others after the creative process when it comes to finalizing the project.

9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?

FALLIN’ ASTRONAUTS: Finding a good balance between making music and doing social media plus all around promotion online is still a task we struggle with since we would like to focus solely on producing. There’s definitely a phase of doubt in every bands journey where you feel like overwhelmed of the challenges as well as the opportunities which you have to deal with at the beginning.

10. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?

FALLIN’ ASTRONAUTS: We always try to transport a positive message through our songs but with the idea of giving every listener room for their own interpretation. Because of that we try to write about topics everybody can relate with, without giving a clear direction. Music is always a personal depiction of ones feelings and stories so for us it is important that everybody can tell their own story with our music.