Standard Culture

In the Grace of The Rapture

Tonight, we join forces with Justine D. to celebrate a New York miracle: the return of The Rapture. Released September 6th on DFA Records, their new album sounds as magic and uplifting and beautiful as their first single “How Deep is your Love”. Enjoy the exclusive Standard Q&A and see you later tonight at the DFA & Throne of Blood Dance Party!

(The Rapture. Photo by Ruvan Wijesooriya)

The Standard: While recording your album in Paris, you said it was going to be “mystical, magical”. Did it happen?

The Rapture: Yes.  For sure! This mystery cannot be conveyed with words. It can only be felt.  If you are in a deep slumber it will wake you. If you cannot be roused out of your deep sleep than no mystery other than that of your own lethargy will you ever experience.

Philippe Zdar of Cassius fame produced the new LP. He is probably one of the coolest guys on earth and a kind of magician himself. Was it fun working with him?

Yes, it was incredibly fun to work with Philippe.  We created a new style together.  We were born ready to create this new style. It is inimitable, so don’t even try.  You will hurt yourself if you try.  In short, Philippe is our brother.  If you fuck with him you will experience anguish and pain beyond your conception. 

Can you tell us what are your five all-time favorite Parisian (or French) artists - it does not have to deal with music?

Olivier Messiaen
Guillaume Machaut
Le Corbusier
Jean Despiser   
Jacques Tati

The first single “How Deep is Your Love” sounds like the 2011 summer anthem. Does the whole LP has the same uplifting tone? Was it your state of mind at that time?

Yes and yes.

You are about to tour all over North America and Europe - 42 gigs are already listed. Are you looking forward to it or is it just… scary?

We plan touring non-stop until December 21st 2012.  I think Vito mentioned to me that the world is supposed to end on that day. Have you heard about that? 

Since the release of your first album, we can say the music business has collapsed. At least the music business as we knew it. And it is not only the business but the way we enjoy music - the CDs have actually disappeared. Do you feel comfortable in the new world? Do you feel safe at DFA?

Totally chillin’.  It’s just one small change in an ever-changing world.  I’m way more thrown off by all the new buildings and strange new neighborhoods in NYC. 
And yes, totally safe at DFA.  Have you ever been to their office? Those cats have a super high-tech alarm system, a moat with alligators, a team of angry midgets and their very own giant named Ellroy. All of that just to protect their artists.  AMAZING!

Last one, what are your favorite sources of inspiration in New York? Did it change since the early 2000’s or are they the same?

Walking down the street or through the park is when I get most inspired. That’s always been the case. I usually get musical phrases and ideas in my head when I wander. There are unique rhythms in NYC, they are always fun to engage with and respond to.

———————————————

On Friday August 19, Le Bain & Justine D. present a DFA & Throne of Blood Dance Party featuring Nancy Whang (LCD Soundsystem), Tim Sweeney (Beats in Space) and Populette (Throne of Blood). Doors open midnight.

“In the Grace of Your Love”, the new album by The Rapture, to be released September 6th on DFA records.