It's impossible to deny the abundance of homegrown talent budding in our very own backyard. Miami quartet Krisp, comprised of Andres Ledesma, Jason Mavila, Alex Lopez, and Charlie Woods, is blooming under the South Florida sun and thriving in the scene. They make boogie ready music that is both chill, modern, and retro.
While their influences, according to the band: "Jesus, Mohammed, Moses, Chuck Norris, and the Little Prince" are big names, these indie hometown boys don't deny their roots. They're often busy blowing the roof off of the Electric Pickle, Vagabond, Bardot, and Grand Central. Their first EP, Mamani Vice, is being released at Green Room tonight. We chatted with Krisp about their humble beginnings and collective dreams.
New Times: So, what would you guys say influences Krisp's sound the most?
Andres: We are definitely influenced by Wynwood and the are scene that surrounds it.
How about musically, any favorites ya'll jive to?
Right now we're really into Arboles Libres, ANR, and Jaccuzzi Boys. They might not have a lot to do with our music, but they're great local bands.
Well what would you say, then, makes "Krisp" different from other local acts, especially those in the electro/dance/indie genres?
I think the fact that we don't pigeonhole our sound... It's noticeable that the songs come from the same place, but we aren't afraid to venture out of our comfort zones, and we still have a lot more to come.
What can fans expect from Mamani Vice?
The record is a lot of things. It's our first official release -- we've never released anything previous to this EP. It's also a summary of what we have achieved this past year. It sort of marks the ending of a "chapter one" so that we can move forward toward our first album.
Right on. Where was your first performance together?
Our first perfmorance was at an event in Kendall called Rok Art. It was an art show put together by Chido's (Alex the band's bassist) cousin, which actually led to our first show in Wynwood at GAB Studio.
How about where Krisp practices? Does your space have any cool nicknames?
We've moved around a lot, and sometimes haven't been settled enough for nicknames. But, we did rent out a warehouse on Sample [in Pompano Beach] that at some point earned the name "the Oven." As for the band, everybody calls Alex, our bassist, "Chido" and our synth player is officially known as Charlie Woods.
When you're not busy making hits and playing shows, what song makes you dance?
There's actually a very memorable video of us all dancing to "Days" by the Drums.
Since Mimani Vice has been so well received, let us dream. Who or what would be your dream band to open for or play with on tour?
Well, since it's a dream, I think we'd love to open for John and Yoko in Madison Square Garden for their performance of Double Fantasy. Then we'd be invited to jam on stage for the song "Every Man Has a Woman Who Loves Him."
Krisp's Mimani Vice CD Release party with Cog Nomen on Saturday, August 25 at Green Room, 109 SW 2nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Five dollar entry (includes a copy of Mimani Vice).
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