Silicone Valley: Conversations About Nothing
I don't remember exactly how I came across him, but I am grateful for whatever force led me there.
With an abstract blend of analog and digital production, coupled with the mystique of his social presence, his work stands out uniquely in a saturated electronic space. This week, the radio presents Silicone Valley in an intricate conversation about nothing.
Who is Silicone Valley?
Silicone Valley started as a sort of fictional character I created, but then I quickly turned into him. It’s also a place and a band; but it’s all just me.
Walk us through an average day in the life.
First thing I do when I get out of bed is go get a cold brew. I drink it relatively fast so the caffeine hits me all at once. Most days, I have to work. I pay the rent by creating custom perfumes for people. I work on that from noon to 7pm most days. I’m unsure about the long term effects of that job. Lots of fumes, my kids are going to have 3 heads..
When I’m not working, I’m in the studio. Every time I sit down to work on music, I start a new project. I’m bad about returning to old songs and actually getting things finished. Most music that I end up releasing are ones that I finish in one session. There will be times where I don’t leave my studio for 18-20 hours straight, and that usually means I have something worth releasing. That was the case with POW MIA and AA Chrome. I don't feel hungry or tired for the duration.
Most recent source of tangible inspiration?
I’m in Florida right now. I grew up here. I live in Brooklyn so I don’t get to come down here as much as I would like. This state is magic, I like all the creatures and the quiet. It makes me want to write.
My father, who I’m visiting, builds guitars. It’s been inspiring seeing an instrument built from the ground up. He’s helping me build a modified Esquire. It’s similar to a Telecaster but with only one pickup. We did this layer of Shellac on the body. It’s a beautiful amber color. It’s made from insect poop. I did a layer of gold over that and sanded it off so the amber shows through. It looks cool. I’m really excited for it to be done.
Musically, I’ve been listening to a lot of Billy Idol. I am fixated on the song Rebel Yell. I spent hours the other night sampling and re-creating the drums from that song. Watch the music video. It gets me going. Beautiful and effortless.
Which Pop Star is producing something captivating to you?
Dominic Fike. We’re from the same town. Used to run into each other at house parties. I think that he is a wonderful songwriter and musician. He captures the essence of growing up in Florida very faithfully.
Favorite item you’ve shoplifted?
Comme des Garçon PLAY T-shirt in like 8th grade. Right out of Nordstrom. It was a freak incident. I’m not a thief.
Favorite form of self expression?
I can abstract my deepest secrets just a little bit and then put it in a song. That is a powerful freedom. I can sing “Jonathan must die” but it’s not a threat, just a lyric. It all comes from a real place.
Do you believe in the afterlife?
I actually don’t think about death very much. The afterlife is how you live on in people’s heads. Their memories of you.
Describe your outlook on the music scene you operate in.
I live in nyc now. There’s always something to do if you want to. When I first moved here about 4 years ago I went through phases where I wanted to go out every weekend with my friends. We would go to mostly raves. Spots like Basement, Rash and Le Bain. We would also go to these events thrown by a group of kids called Lust Hill. They threw parties in the forest in Queens and under bridges in Brooklyn. They were crazy. Someone had a flamethrower at one of the forest ones. Terrible idea.
Now, I usually only go out if it’s something someone in my friend group is playing at or some irresistible spectacle. My friends and I are in a group called DYAD. We throw parties on occasion and I think they’re the best in the city. DYAD consists of Garett @garettcaramel, Tashi @shopping4images, Ilyas @amyis0nline, V @velvetteblue, Rubi @r0ckerfish and myself. It’s been really fun getting to travel with them around the country the last year or so to play shows. That’s never really happened until very recently. I love those guys. We all have our own strengths and support each other.
You asked what the crowd at our shows looks like. I’m in pure adrenaline mode when I’m performing so it’s hard to really say. It looks like everyone is having fun. At our last live show at the Broadway, everyone sang AA Chrome with me. That was awesome. I always leave feeling lots of love. Very thankful.
Last song you were listening to?
Aphex Twin - Windowlicker. I’ve been listening to it all day. I’m about to transcribe the drums. That song is a prime example of tension. The way the snare hits reverse into themselves. I’m obsessed with it. It makes me laugh every time. How the fuck did someone make this? Music doesn’t usually leave me in awe, but this one does every time. He is an inspiration to me forever.
What can we expect from Silicone Valley in the near future?
I know that an Album is long overdue. I have a lot of songs sitting in the hard drive. Most of them will probably stay locked away. I’m far from a perfectionist in every other aspect of life besides music. I’m trying to produce as much of it away from my computer as possible. A lot of synthesizers. And guitar. And yelling. The songs need to be pure and timeless.
13 songs. NEVER FORGET.
I’m working on a couple songs with artists I really love too. It’s been fun opening up the process and working with other people. Really excited for you guys to hear.
Thank you for having me, love.
Clayman A.
Follow Silicone Valley on Instagram: @silicone___valley
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By: Thomas Shade & Carter Houck
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