Image credit: Mario Simic

Eau Rouge’s latest single ‘I Know That You Know’ touches underneath the facade of a relationship that has no potential to grow. Providing a lighthearted chorus and flow, this single is a gentle nudge to all that need some much-needed soul searching, especially when it comes to considering a new partner. Eau Rouge features band members Jonas Teryuco (Vocals, Guitar, Keys and Bass), Bo Zillmann (Guitar, Vocals, Bass and Keys), and Magnus Frey (Drums and Percussion).

We find out the motivation behind their music in the interview below with band member Jonas.

 Your latest single embodies all the qualities of an epic and laid back indie-rock anthem. Would you say this is your signature sound/brand for future releases?

It definitely will be part of it, yes. We had been working on a handful of new songs last year when I found a new setting on my octaver-pedal which turned my guitar into this retro hofner-like bass. We immediately started jamming on all the new songs with that sound and then somehow Bo came up with the ‘I Know That You Know’ guitar lick and Magnus joined in on the drums. We basically wrote the whole song in a 20-min jam, using what is for us very few different sounds.

As it worked for all other new songs as well it kind of developed to the new baseline-sound. But of course, we didn’t forget where we come from and there will also be some classic Eau Rouge-elements on the new album.

Looking back, what were some of your earliest entries into music appreciation? And music production?

I remember a light blue cassette my mom had, but I just can’t remember the track that was on it. But certainly the vibe it had and that I wanted to listen to it all the time. It either was ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ by Van Morrison, ‘You can’t Hurry Love’ by Phil Collins, or ‘Solsburry Hills’ by Peter Gabriel.

Music production started with the first demos I made and kind of evolved, for this Album Bo and Magnus trusted me with even doing the pre-mixes for all the songs!

Take us through your songwriting process. Are there any particular steps you take when putting music together?

It’s different all the time, most of it starts with an idea of a sound or a riff by either Bo or myself, then we jam on it and go from there. Sometimes we put together things remotely on our computers as well.

What gets your creative juices flowing?

Movies, stories, the blue hour between night and day. When your mind takes off for a couple of moments…

As a musician, it becomes apparent that there is a huge difference between the art and the business. Is there anything about the music scene that you would personally change?

In a perfect world airtime would be distributed equally between all artists and then the audience decides… but that’s a bitter topic probably haha.

What was the driving force for producing the lighthearted energy that is evident in your latest song?

‘I Know That You Know’ has a defiant attitude that might come from the new self-esteem we found when developing the new sound with the courage to just follow our vision. We wanted to portray this in the song and send a message to all listeners to stay true and honest to themselves, be as unique as you are. You can create your own mantra, completing the ‘I Know That You Know’… – sentence. Say, “I know that you know you’re talking BS” to your haters.

Say, “I know that you know you only want to divide and create hate” to Trump. It is supposed to be an empowering sentence. We felt everyone could need a bit of positive energy in these times. You can create your own mantra.

Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, which do you prefer?

Studio time is great when you see a piece of work coming to life, but there is nothing better than to play live to people who appreciate a good gig.

What is the most memorable response you have had to your music?

We were the opening act for Fu Manchu, which was a bit of a strange combination. And after the gig a guy from the audience came up to me and said: “You’ve just been on stage, right? let me give you advice: Do something different but not music!” Hahaha sorry didn’t follow that advice :).

What’s on your current playlist?

New Albums by Eefje De Visser, Klangstof, Sorry, Deftones, and Dogviolet by Laurel. Makes a good 50/50 of female and male voices.

Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you in the near future?

We’re currently finishing the mixes of our second album with a whole lot of surprises in the songwriting and sounds, as well as some classic Eau Rouge soundscapes!

Famous last words?

Not yet… haha cheeky isn’t it?!

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