Sagittarius J is the leader of the dream pop and rock project Seven Layer Piano Cakes (Justin Hoyt, a Los Angeles-based attorney and law professor). The single “Holy Water”was released on November 18 and a duet version with Ruby Friedman will be released in early 2023, following the releases of genre-blending and bending singles like “Endgame,” “Gumdrops,” and “Nebula Eyes.” Justin, a pianist and singer with classical training, was moved to compose, perform, and create music that pays homage to the complexity and sounds of various earlier eras while adding a contemporary twist. Seven Layer Piano Cakes rejects conventional musical structure and conventions, but there is one aspect that remains constant. You will always hear some intriguing chord progressions and dissonant tones, no matter what the song is. Additionally, you can count on hearing some seventh chords, a plethora of musical layers, emotive keys, and complex vocal harmonies (the “cakes”). Therefore, the name.
The Sagittarius J mix of “Holy Water” is a fast-paced, dark pop rock song about accepting what seems to be the end of the world. The music is intended to conjure images of two powerful thunderstorms with a light drizzle in the middle. It is influenced by several bands from the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s and is best enjoyed in a focused environment with a loud volume. Later he will be releasing a duet version with Ruby Friedman (Ruby Friedman Orchestra). Check out the song and the exclusive interview below:
1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?
SEVEN LAYER PIANO CAKES: I’m originally from Southern California, where, aside from a lengthy stint in NYC, I have always resided. I’ve been a classical pianist since I was a toddler, and then picked up the bass, guitar, and vocals in my teens. I took a long break from music in my 20s, but then realized I was generally unhappy with modern music, so I decided to go for it again, full bore.
2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
SEVEN LAYER PIANO CAKES: I was classically trained on the piano and even snuck into Juilliard for a hot minute, but I would say that what I ultimately bring to the table that is worth listening to comes from a different, less formal place, and is made by ear.
3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘SEVEN LAYER PIANO CAKES’?
SEVEN LAYER PIANO CAKES: My first and strongest musical influences were/are The Beach Boys, Pink Floyd, ABBA, ELO, and Radiohead. My stage name is all about my love for seventh chords, layers, the keys, and baking cakes.
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?
SEVEN LAYER PIANO CAKES: I have no business telling the listener what they should enjoy or not enjoy, and I really don’t like to describe my sound in terms of genre or style. But I suppose the chord voicings and progressions stand out, as does the layering and overall vibe. I simply can’t describe my sound because it changes song by song. I always loved artists like The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Sufjan Stevens, Thrice, and Radiohead, because they were so skilled at making so many different kinds of songs. To me, nothing is weaker than when an artist makes like 30 different versions of the same essential song.
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 INDIE?
SEVEN LAYER PIANO CAKES: I actually would never call my style “indie.” That’s such an overused word these days, and is applied so inconsistently that in my opinion, it’s a useless term. I think, though, I have learned a lot by deconstructing myriad songs in all kinds of styles, and then letting the subconscious part of my brain lead the way without regard for what kind of playlist my song should be on, or how I should label it. I think genres and labels have formed a disgusting marriage with playlists (which are geared to passive listening), and in large part have made it difficult for true artists to shine. So I let go and whatever happens, happens. Sometimes something poppier comes out, and sometimes something weird comes out. I don’t worry too much about that, though.
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?
SEVEN LAYER PIANO CAKES:
I think the roles and functions of music are whatever the artist wants them to be, and whatever the listener perceives them to be. I’ve tackled a few different topics, some more serious than others, but at the end of the day, I believe that the most important part of music is the overall soundscape, not necessarily the lyrics. That’s not to say that lyrics aren’t important, but the inherent limitations of words in musical format make it difficult, if not impossible, to say everything you’d like to say in the way you’d really like to say it. For me, the sound itself is more important in terms of expression than just the words. There are messages in the soundscape of every song, if you listen carefully.
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?
SEVEN LAYER PIANO CAKES:
I think I have gotten more out of it than I could ever expect. I love the writing and studio production processes so much, each step has so much to it and nothing else compares.
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?
SEVEN LAYER PIANO CAKES:
I isolate myself and pick a couple of potential themes and vibes, and stay in that place for a while. Usually, my music starts as a chord progression and basic melody on the piano, and then after that’s done, I get more into production and arrangement ideas – how is this sound ultimately going to sound, what instruments are going to play what notes. Lyrics are always last for me, as they are dictated by the music, not the other way around.
9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
SEVEN LAYER PIANO CAKES:
When Pepsi stopped mass producing Crystal Pepsi in the mid-1990s. Also, making music in the streaming/Spotify era. I despise Spotify with every ounce of my being.
10. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?
SEVEN LAYER PIANO CAKES: I ignore it. Social media is a void, it’s not real, and doesn’t matter. What matters are the real relationships we have, and the art that is made and gets put out into the world. That is where real love and connection comes from.
KEEP IN TOUCH:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY
Photo credits: Genevieve Lauren