Q: Where did your band name come from? What does it mean?
Liz: It was a real struggle to come up with a band name. The three of us kept going back and forth with ideas, but none of them felt right because they all seemed to connect to some existing idea or genre. So eventually, I started sending more nonsensical names that didn’t really have a meaning -- and that’s where Pawn Pawn came from. (Full disclosure, I liked it because it sounded like tauntaun). But the name doesn't have a defined meaning -- similar to the way our sound/genre doesn't have a static definition.
Q: What inspired you to put out an EP called "Halloween" in January?
Liz: A few reasons. First, this EP is much darker and heavier than our earlier albums, and even draws on some specific references to Halloween (like in the single, "Trick or Treat"). The title and even the cover art are reflective of that shift. Second, in thematic terms, this EP was about reclaiming emotions a lot of us have traditionally been discouraged from expressing. We're taught to suppress anger, be modest, and exercise restraint. But Halloween celebrates extremes, and is one of the few times of the year when we’re allowed to try on something new -- maybe express ourselves more than we usually do. And finally, it's always been our favorite holiday. So in the coldest days of winter, amidst all the chaos in the world, it felt like as good a time for Halloween as ever. Â
Q: What is the story behind the song "Trick or Treat"?
Liz: Writing "Trick or Treat" was a way to process rage. In recent years, I've had some anger towards folks who take advantage of kindness and empathy and think they can harm others without being held accountable in any way. But just because someone is kind and empathetic doesn't mean they are harmless. So this song is sort of a warning, and a way to release that anger.
Q: What does "Jealousy Looks Good On Me"Â mean?
Liz: It's about toxic self-criticism -- the jealous competitiveness that comes with constant comparison, the paranoia of potential threats, and the inexorable struggle to be what you think other people want you to be. It’s about being stuck in a vicious cycle that's slowly destroying you, and convincing yourself that it's a continuous improvement program.
Q: What is some of the first electronic music you remember hearing that had an impact on you?
David: I remember as a kid being thoroughly blown away by the synth work in "Jam On It" by Newcleus. And the vocoder in "Freakazoid" by Midnight Star. The KLF was also impactful. Other than that, nearly everything from my childhood.Â
Brandon: My first cassette tape as a kid was the Beastie Boys' "License to Ill." I didn't realize at the time what made that production so different from most of the music I was hearing on the radio. Once I got into drum machines and programming I was like 'OOOOHHH'!Â
Q: How do you think your music has evolved since your first album?
David: Vastly. But our newer work still captures the essence of where we started.Â
Brandon: Â When we made the first album, we were going for an organic 'live band' sound. Something we could reproduce live with a full band. As we progress, we keep getting farther away from that.
Q: If you could collab with anyone, who would your dream pick be?
David:Â Trent Reznor is my go-to but I would also really enjoy working with Tobias Forge of Ghost.Â
Brandon: From a production/cowriter standpoint, I think Dan Nigro is doing amazing work right now that varies with the different artists he works with. I'd love to work and learn from his approach.
Liz: Beborn Beton or Night Club.
Q:If you were an ice cream, what flavor would you be?
David: Â Rocky Road ... cause I'm nuts but kind of a softy.
Brandon: Â Superman ... cause I'm all over the place.
Liz: Vanilla: because I may be pale and unexciting, but you can count on me to be there!
Q:What do you want to say to anyone who reads this?
We have a new animated plus live action music video coming out soon for "Jealousy Looks Good on Me", so stay tuned to our YouTube channel. Thank you for your interest in our project! We really, truly appreciate your support. Thank you Eryk from Moon Burns Productions and William from Moon Coil Media.Â
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