Chances are, you’ve probably never heard of Lotus. The band is truly it’s own entity and caters to an audience that appreciates smart live electronic music. No, not Justice, MSTRKRFT, or the latest chillwave/laptop/bedroom artist to come out (no I’m not making fun of them, just listen). Lotus specializes in creating an unforgettable live experience for believers and non-believers of what it means to perform in-depth electronic music. And their reputation is way beyond what you’d expect. Starting in 1999 as funk/jam band, the group eventually morphed into a healthy combination of jam band influence and late 90s electronic music experimentation. They have garnered crossover fans due to playing festivals like Wakarusa, Starscape, Bonnaroo, Nateva, High Sierra Music Festival, All Good, Ultra, moe.down and Nocturnal plus the 90-115 live shows per year, and now Outside Lands Music Festival. With 2008′s Hammerstrike, two follow-up EPs, Oil on Glass/Feather on Wood, and now a new LP in the works, Lotus will have plenty of careful layered electronic rock & roll to share with an eager Bay Area crowd.
You can catch Lotus at the Twin Peaks Stage at 2:15PM on Friday, August 12th at this weekend’s Outside Lands Festival.
Today is Part 3 of the Outside Lands Music Festival Kuestionnare Series with lead guitar / keyboardist Luke Miller as he provides one more reason to see Lotus live with his answer to question #12.
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1. Could you state your name and what you do in the band?
Luke Miller. I play guitar and keyboards.
2. How would you describe your sound?
Live – electronic dance rock
3. What is your favorite local band?
Dr. Dog – Philadelphia
4. Any concerts that blew your mind recently?
Nothing recently, probably Radiohead a few years back in Philadelphia.
5. Any non-musical influences you would like to mention?
Craft Beer, Biking, Conversation
6. If your music was to be the theme of a film/TV show, what would it be?
A Clockwork Orange, specifically the menage a trois in hi-speed scene
7. What musician/artist would you like to collaborate with for a day?
JS Bach
8. What is the album you listen to on a cold rainy day?
Beach House – Teen Dream
9. List four songs you would listen to on a roadtrip?
Jessica – Allman Bros.
Cross-Eyed and Painless – Talking Heads
Get Innocuous – LCD Soundsystem
Everlasting Light – Black Keys
10. Where do you see yourselves in 7 years?
In the mirror, like I usually see myself.
11. What is the last book you read?
The Drunkard’s Walk: How Randomness Rules Our Lives – Leonard Mlodinow
I like reading nerdy math and science books written for the layman.
12. Is image a factor in music or is it a waste of time?
During a live show the audience looks at the performers on stage. So the visual element does matter. We usually rely on our light show and the fact that we are playing electronic music on live instruments and at times improvising as a group, rather than putting on airs with haute couture or irony. We have fun playing and I think it shows.
13. Any embarrassing moments on stage you would like to share?
We did a David Bowie themed Halloween show a few years ago and I had to wear a skin tight Ziggy Stardust suit. I think I pulled it off though.
14. Any favorite tour locations?
Red Rocks – Morrison, CO
Chicago
New York
15. Lastly, what is your present state of mind?
Relaxed, just got back from a vacation on a undeveloped lake in northern Michigan without phone or internet service.
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Blacklight Sunflare by lotusvibes
Lotus – Blacklight Sunflare (tigersapien remix) by lotusvibes