Shabazz Palaces Q&A

Ahead of their gig at the Hare & Hounds on the 10th of November , Leftfoot spoke to Shabazz Palaces about their latest record ‘Les Majesty’ , which somehow combines thunderous synths, out of time jazz samples, glitchy noises and unintelligible raps in the most subtle way conceivable. Their brave provocative album title, translates as “offending the royalty”, and the LP contains whimsical, yet at the same time thoughtful lyrics such as “trapped inside imagination tickling at my face”. The combination of political messages and weird, often alien music, would sound conceited if it was made by anyone else, but with Shabazz Palaces, who are just some laid back, friendly and down to earth dudes from Seattle, you believe this is the music they love and want to create rather than being in anyway contrived.

You guys are currently living in Seattle, Washington and on the legendary label Sub Pop, which has been home to some of city’s most famous artists from Nirvana to Pearl Jam, and was hugely influential in the creation of the 90’s grunge scene. In what ways has living in the city inspired Shabazz Palaces and informed your current sound?

The rain makes the vocals extremely wet

2. Ishmael Butler, you first found an audience as a member of the 90’s hip-hop trio ‘Digable Planets’. When working with Tendai Maraire (as part of Shabazz Palace), what lessons have you learnt from being in a hip-hop collective before which has been useful when creating music with Mararie?

When playing in minor keys sometimes moving the scale up to beginning on the 5th gives the sound an eastern spatial feel that is mysterious and enchanting especially when run through the space echo

3. Digable Planets came about in the early 90’s when Hip Hop was going through a golden age. From 1991-1993, there were a number of seminal albums such as Tribe Called Quests’ jazz-rap classic ‘Low end Theory’, Wu Tang’s Clans visceral debut and one of my personal favourite’s Pete Rock’s and Cl Smooth’s ‘Mecca and the Soul Brother’. What were your favourite records from that period? Also how do you think today’s hip-hop compares to that early 90’s scene?

A Tribe called Quests ‘Peoples Instinctive Travels’ and Nothing Compares to that Scene

4. Let’s discuss your new album ‘Lese Majesty’, which has a diverse array of styles including cosmic Jazz, electronica, dub, rap and hip-hop. What artists did you draw from when creating the LP?

Nep Sidhu MAB Frank Lloyd wright, faruq e bey, pollack and bop dancers in chicago like deelo

5. What artists have you been really into this year? Are there any artists who you think have been overlooked in 2014?

Ariel pink and the Haunted Grafitti

6. Finally, you’re performing at the Hare & Hounds in Birmingham on the 10th November , what can we expect from a Shabazz Palaces show?

Pyrotechnics that will rival Whitesnake in their earning prime. Big time sensuality and a visit from the dance gods to a few lucky revelers. 

Advanced £10 tickets for the show are on sale now, get hold of yours by clicking here.