New Moon Soundtrack: An Indie Party

Music has always been associated with the Twilight Saga. Author Stephenie Meyer has said that she has listened to several artists while writing the books and has even listed the songs  that has inspired her writing every book. Now with the release of the first single of the New Moon soundtrack, Meet Me on the Equinox by DeathCab for Cutie, Vanity Fair talked to the artists involved in the soundtrack on what inspired them to write the song and many more. Here is an excerpt:

Alex Brown Church of Sea Wolf on “The Violet Hour”

How would you describe Sea Wolf’s sound?

People often describe us as chamber pop, which applies to everyone from Belle & Sebastian to Arcade Fire. We’re basically a folk-rock band with sea-shanty instrumentation.

What does your song “The Violet Hour” sound like?

It’s a very up-tempo, peppy kind of song with a dark twist to it. It’s about a girl who is interested in me but is also wishy-washy—someone aloof. I get the sense she’s leading me on but I’m not really sure. It’s a little bit sexy.

That sounds very “Bella.”

Maybe it could apply to her character. The song does suit the movie—the vibe and lyrics, definitely.

Do you know what scene it will be featured in?

All I know is it’s going to be in a party scene … a house-party scene.

Annie Clark, also known as St. Vincent, on her song with Bon Iver, “Rosyln.”

When did you start playing music?

I started playing when I was 12—guitar and singing.

What were you listening to when you were a teenager?

I was really into Riot Grrl but six years after it started. I was late to the table on that one!
Growing up in suburban Dallas and not really having tons of access to what could be considered counter culture, I was aware of other stuff going on, but I didn’t have first-person access to it. You’d go to your local record store and listen to music for hours. This is back when they had CD listening stations. As much as you could find out about bands, you still had to do mail order or go to the record store. You couldn’t check out music online like you can now.

How does it feel to have your music reach the legions of Twilight fans?

If I had a soundtrack with Thom Yorke, Grizzly Bear, and Bon Iver [on it] and had been hip to that music even earlier on in life, I think I’d be better off and have a richer creative outlet to draw from at a younger age. That’s the sweet thing to me about being included on this soundtrack.

Have you read the Twilight books or seen the first film?

I saw the first movie. I went with my sisters to see it because they read all of the books. I think they walked out of it dreamy-eyed about Robert Pattinson.

How did they react when they found out you were going to be included on the soundtrack?

I pretty much got every female member of my family just beside themselves. I’ve been asked many times if I think I’ll get to meet Robert Pattinson—fingers crossed, fingers crossed. I have a nine-year-old sister who calls me constantly about it, and I also have a 39-year-old sister, and she and her kids are thrilled about it. She’s a Twilight mom. She’s got little boys, and they love Twilight, too. It really is a phenomenon.

Tim Nordwind of OK Go

Did your inner teenager relate to the story of Twilight?

I remember when relationships felt like life or death, which is pretty great. I think Stephenie Meyer has done a wonderful job capturing that unbridled teenage lust that I’m not sure I’d ever want to go through again but every once in a while I get nostalgic for. I think the stories are genius in capturing what it’s like to be a teenager.

Have you read the Twilight books?

Well, three of the members of the band are vampires. In a broad sense you could say that we all are! I’ve started reading Twilight, yes. When I heard we were going to be a part of the soundtrack, I figured I should get to know what it’s all about. I have to say it’s a pretty entertaining read! I can see why millions of copies have been sold. It literally is on my bed stand.

What’s the song “Shooting the Moon” about?

It’s a story about an astronaut who tries to go to the moon but doesn’t quite make it. He has to come back and apologize for not making it.

An astronaut? How does that relate to Twilight?

It’s a song about trying to do the best thing but failing and then having to come back and explain. It’s about false hope.

To read more of their interview, click on the link above.

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