Avant-pop duo Telepathe lounge about in the penthouse suite of the New York Barclay Hotel in Lane Coder’s shots accompanying the premiere of “Onyx”, from the band's long-awaited sophomore album Destroyer. Since Busy Gangnes and Melissa Livaudais released their 2009 debut opus Dance Mother, the pair decamped to Los Angeles for a few months seeking a change of scenery and a heavy dose of vitamin D. Energized by the sun and a radio populated by Egyptian Lover tracks, they wrote and recorded new material inspired by their enduring obsession with the 1980s synth-pop of Miami freestyle. “We both grew up listening to freestyle,” says Livaudais. “The rhythms are just so addictive.” The first release from Destroyer is a special mix of the title track by super producer Dave Sitek of TV on the Radio on his new Federal Prism label, with the B-side remix seeing Trent Reznor throw back to his Pretty Hate Machine days. “All the songs are about people we love. It’s a record about fucking, basically,” quips Livaudais. “We’re both so bored of hearing asexual indie rock. The new album is full-on predator.”
Spice Girls or Pussy Riot?
Melissa: Pussy Riot.
Favorite album of 2012?
Melissa: Something, by Chairlift. They are my favorite band and their album is my favorite of this year, hands down.
Busy: I agree, I love Chairlift!
Favorite new band or artist?
Melissa: I love everything Frank Ocean does, I love The Internet and I love Blood Orange.
NY or LA?
Melissa: My heart is always in NY.
Busy: LA.
High Street or Vintage?
Both: Vintage.