Exclusive Interview with NOSPACE

NoSpace is a band from Richmond, Indiana whose music is difficult to categorize. The four-member group combines production with meticulous attention to detail and catchy pop choruses. The band draws inspiration from a variety of artists, including the Beatles, Tame Impala, and Steve Lacy. The band focuses on music as well as other creative forms by collaborating with artists and videographers who they believe complement their aesthetic. All members were formerly in a band and have known one another for the most of their lives. You can feel that same synergy in their music, whether it is demonstrated by grandiose production or by each member going personal on a tune; they keep everything incredibly tight. Each member contributes significantly to the group’s production and vocals. Noah Ilano who specializes in bass, Jackson Haynes, who plays the keys, Sam Gamboa, who jams on the MPC and has mastered his distinctive sample skills, and Adam Mathews, who is the guitarist and principal audio engineer in charge of mixing and mastering.

This group’s second single is a daring, experimental, production-heavy pop tune about an eternally depressed state. Check out their song ‘idle’ and the exclusive interview below:

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

NOSPACE: Yes, we are a band from Richmond, Indiana now living in Cincinnati, Ohio. We all met in school over a period of time. most of us have known each other our whole lives. Adam plays guitar, Noah is on bass, Jackson does keys, Sam does sample chops, Nick mans the mixer and we all try to pitch in on vocals.

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

NOSPACE: Adam, took guitar lessons but other than that everyone else is self-taught.

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

NOSPACE: Tyler the creator for the group across the board. Tame Impala probably inspires our sound the most. Jean Dawson also definitely got the ball rolling for trying to find our sound.

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?

NOSPACE: As focus on our production more than anything so we try to make that the forefront. Our goal is just make a sound you would want to here again. hopefully get a catchy hook on it too!

5. 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 POP?

NOSPACE: We started off rapping more in a different band. Definitely tried to copy Brockhampton in the beginning, but once that group split we changed our style around to music we had been listening too more at that time. We have always tried to make sure production is our strong suit.

6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?

NOSPACE: We really just try to say what’s on the mind at the time. Once we start making projects we’ll try to generalize a theme/meaning to it all but for now it’s just a vibe.

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?

NOSPACE: Not yet, we are still poor so we’re working to change that. Definitely feel like we’ll be doing what we want in the near future like touring and stuff.

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?

NOSPACE: Normally we start jamming together and whenever we get something we like we’ll lay it down. We try to get everything done in one sit down to avoid overthinking but sometimes it doesn’t workout that way we are finish it another time.

9. 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?

NOSPACE: We definitely are hard into letting the people interpret the song how they want. Once it’s out in the world it’s not ours anymore and someone gets to decide what it is to them.

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

NOSPACE: Probably when we all moved in together. It was a brave thing to do and we’ve all risked so much to be here. Excited to get all the rewards for it soon!