LA’S NIGHT LIGHTS ILLUMINATE THE DARKNESS WITH "FIRE"
Photo: Nathan Tecson IG:@bringoutthegold /@nightlightsofficial From Left: Dag Hanken (@daghanken), Mau Jimenez (@maumaumau), Yusuke Sato (@yusukemusic)
The holidays are fast approaching, and the members of LA's indie rock group, Night Lights grace my computer screen as we take some quality time to Zoom. Members Mau Jimenez, Yusuke Sato, and Dag Hanken are each in their respective homes. Vocalist Mau is in his cozy LA apartment in the valley, guitarist Yusuke in snowy Pennsylvania, and drummer Dag back home in Norway. Despite their current whereabouts, Night Lights pride themselves in being a band of the world with Mau representing Mexico, Yusuke with Japan, and Dag with Norway. They all come from different backgrounds and paths of life, and together they make a great team.
Seeing these three separate from one another is a rare occasion. The trio has been thick as thieves since 2012 when they attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. The three take a moment and become excited to regale the story of how it all began. They begin by taking us back to a time before Uber. Dag arrived in Boston excited for his first week of classes. He hailed a cab from Boston Logan Airport en route to his sublet apartment that he found on Craigslist. When he got in that cab, little did he know he'd be meeting a friend for life in the first few hours of being in Bean Town. "The cab just took me to Yusuke, basically," says Dag with electricity in his voice. "It dropped me off right in front of the building I was subletting. It happened to be that Yusuke was in the same apartment building, and at 1 am he was sitting outside smoking a cigarette". Pure destiny takes over and just like that, a friendship is born. "Dag and I became friends the first week of school." Mau begins, "I went to Berklee with the intention of starting a band. We met a bassist at Berklee named Jeff Kinsey, then Dag introduced us to Yusuke, and we just started to jam. It was the right move where you find the right person." And just like that, the puzzle of their freshman year begins to piece its self together, and Mau's dream of creating an indie rock band begins to ribbon into fruition.
Initially, the band consisted of four members, Mau, Jeff, Dag, and a Music Production and Engineering student named Drew. The group combined forces and recorded a track for Drew’s MP&E project. When Yusuke came into the scene, they were a five-piece band with three guitars. In an attempt to add flair and dimension to the track, Yusuke played guitar with a bow. After much trial and error, the bow lost its day in the sun and did not make it into the project.
After graduation, Drew ended up leaving the band to tend to family obligations. The band decided to hit the waves and bask in the California sun, LA was the place for them. "The people that were mostly into the band and its music were Yusuke, Dag, and I", says Mau. "It made a lot of sense because we wanted to move out to LA and continue with production and writing. We wanted to change and evolve." Not long after, Jeff left the band to pursue other professional opportunities leaving the worldliest of the group to be the current lineup.
A common move out of Berklee is to pursue different music hubs and networks in Nashville, New York, or Los Angeles. But the move to LA from Boston was a no brainer for the trio. "My heart didn't really need to be blessed in Nashville", Yusuke sarcastically notes. "Bless your heart, Yusuke", Mau laughs. "We all really like the beach. We have that kind of vibe", Yusuke continues. "We're definitely not New York-y." Dag adds, "We like going on holidays in New York, but we wanted to live close to the beach." Mau nods in agreement and adds, "it's the lifestyle in LA, and also, musically Nashville is grassroots and well trained, but we are more indie rock so it didn't make sense in New York or in Nashville". Yusuke jumps in and adds, "it's all about the tacos!". "It's about the lifestyle, and who we are and what we are", says Mau. The answer to the 'who' and 'what', is alternative indie-funk. "You can't stop the funk!", Mau says. "There's funk in our music dude you can't deny that. The new stuff has more of a 90's influence, but it seems to be an eclectic mix of genres. I always wanted to play Coachella when it was still cool", says Mau. "My goal was to always start as a band in the small print and eventually grow."
Photo: Nathan Tecson IG:@bringoutthegold / From Left: Dag, Mau, Yusuke
As far as their inspirations, there's one band that takes the cake. The three answer in a simultaneous serenade, "Mute Math!" When asked what their target audience is, Yusuke immediately jumps in, "Democrats!" The group breaks out into laughter. "I've had to think long and hard about demographic", says Mau. " I don't think we've ever written with an intention of a demographic but I think we always musically had a visual of people who live in their feelings. The people that are introspective and depend on the music that creates a soundtrack to that image." Mau's face brightens as he expands his answer, " basically, anyone that's ever felt outcasted or insecure, and those who are scared of their feelings. That's always been the nerdy kind of people, the cool hipster, cool nerdy kids. I cant picture rave goers listening to our stuff. But at the same time, I guess it kind of chooses you." Dag smiles and says, "Mau is kind of describing himself". Mau nods in agreement with a big grin.
COVID-19 has put the band's future plans of hitting any stage or participating in tours on hold. But that hasn't discouraged the trio. They've taken the time to immerse themselves in self-betterment. "It's time to take a look at things you've been ignoring", begins Yusuke. "You finally have time to kind of look at yourself and tend to the things you've been saying you've wanted to but you've never had the time. Now is the time to kind of think about things like working out and self-discipline." Dag touches on the general challenge of keeping a band at its prime during a pandemic, "we've tried Zoom and sending info back and forth. It's been cool to explore creativity as well and it challenges you to try. As a band, it's cool to explore creativity in that way." There's an optimism in their overall outlook, "I think it's been a huge blessing to address and gain that perspective", Mau says. "Musically I think the biggest thing is that you have to discover a new way to connect with an audience. I've discovered that I'm not a good musician traditionally. I can't play the piano to save my life, and my guitar skills are mediocre at best, but I'm really good at coming up with a melody and I'm a really good writer. I'm just kind of discovering how I can help people and their processes. I think COVID has been a great opportunity for people to really figure out what life's about. Not so much financially, but emotionally it's been a huge positive."
“It's time to take a look at things you've been ignoring.”- Yusuke
Since their genesis, the band has released an EP from their Berklee days, and a myriad of upbeat singles. They've toured across the United States with a brightly colored, high energy show complete with backflips, and lighting effects. Their dedicated fans sing along to their songs, and after the show, the boys can be found selling merch and giving out hugs. Their 2018 single, "Talk To Me" is a fan favorite. "We wrote this one in a one hour challenge!" says Yusuke. "Production and mixing took like a month, but the actual song took an hour", Mau adds. Right away you're hit with the vocal hook, perfectly set in Mau's register. "I was listening to a lot of James Brown", says Mau. "So the opening line came from that. Lyrically it took a bit longer," he continues. "I knew the hook was the vibe and we were in a big nostalgic kick in the '90s. We knew who we were and the people we used to know. We'd think back to memories like that girl you used to dig on back in High School. After that, the song just pieced together".
The lyrics set up a flashback that you can't help but to participate in, "I miss the nights/ We can talk about the times/ We can talk about our lives/ Come on and t-t-t-talk to me". It appears to be simple in the way they describe it, but writing a great song in only an hour is no small feat. "We realized you have to make a lot of executive decisions with a little less preciousness" begins Mau. "We haven't written a one hour song since." The "Talk To Me" music video is jam-packed with Mau’s famous backflip, brightly colored windbreakers, scrunchie high set ponytails, fanny packs, a groovy version of Dag, and best of all, "The 90's bug"-- a brightly colored bug that takes you back to the good 'ole days. The creation of the video was a family affair. "My brothers are in the film industry in Mexico and they have their own production company", says Mau. "It was a family venture and when they walked me through the storyboard I was like, 'I've always wanted to bring my friends to Mexico', so we flew Yusuke and Dag out and it was a really fun video to shoot."
Their 2019 single, "Habits" takes on a whole new beast. The song reveals a darker edge, discussing personal struggles, and details of the human condition. After six months of work, the single was ready to release. "I was going through a self-deprecation phase of hating how much I was playing video games. It was basically COVID before COVID," starts Mau. "I was stuck in my room all the time. We wrote the song about bad habits. I kept bringing it up to Yusuke and Dag and they were like, 'yeah it's special but there's something we're missing.'" The song was slowly becoming a problem child for the band, but they didn't give up. "Every time we heard it we thought, 'oh there's something special here', we should figure it out". Mau digresses, "we showed it to the guy that produced 'Talk To Me' and he helped us come up with the wide section post-chorus after you repeat the chorus with everyone coming in."
The band describes the song as cathartic and vulnerable. They want to provoke feelings and emotions. As you listen, you begin to realize that the lyrics help you identify your own weaknesses, "Habits/ I chase the feeling like an addict/ And what's the difference if I can't let go/ But before I know/ Look what happens/ I started (started) Habits". Mau confesses, "it's a song that offers no solutions. It's not a hopeful song, but if you're going through bad habits and you feel stuck, it'll definitely help you feel understood". The "Habits" music video dives into that darker vibe but keeps the bright color and invigorating energy. Produced by videographer Lee Loechler, a budget was set, a storyboard was made, and with the help of some double-sided tape, the boys booked the studio. "We were trying to shoot it in like, super slow-mo and speed it up but it was hard to get the music timing down," Mau reveals. "It was hard to do, we finished the whole thing in ten hours".
The indie trio has been through the industry ringer through the years, but through the ups and downs, they're finally at a place where they feel they can grow. Despite the pandemic, 2020 has embraced a whole new vibe for the band. In their efforts to ‘keep the funk’, they're also setting out to become a bit more commercial without selling out. Their 2020 single, "Revolution" follows a similar Night Lights theme, with Mau's lyrics embellishing the opening sequence with the hook. Recently signed with Position Music, the band has challenged themselves to think outside the box, and relinquish some creative control. "We came in with the bones of 'Revolution', and the challenge with this was working with another producer named AKA Wolves. We've worked with him before and it was always a little hard to let go of the chef in us and let someone else take the reigns", admits Mau.
Despite the new direction, Night Lights doesn't hold back the emotional narrative of the human condition. The theme of the song focuses on the uncertainty and lack of control in their personal, and professional lives. "To be fully transparent, COVID hit, Dag was moving back to Norway, and our focus kind of changed," begins Yusuke. "We couldn't gig and so we decided to try and do TV-friendly music, a bit more commercial but not selling out completely." Mau expands, "that's what Position does really well, so with their expertise and knowledge I think they helped us shift in that direction. The boys nod in agreement, reflecting on how they've overcome their challenges together. "I think we've been challenged in a way we haven't been before. Personally, the struggle of writing something intimate and personal is technically scarier. That's something we've been doing for eight years now. Position came in saying, 'we love what you guys do and who you are. How can we take that and add the flair so that gets on the accurate project?'" Mau takes a deep breath, exhales, and admits his struggles. "It was hard man. As a songwriter, I was challenged to come up with something I'm proud of lyrically and musically that can be generalized. It's been a fun challenge, especially lyrically."
“I think a 'Revolution' can either be very negative and violent, or it can be an opportunity for change.”- Mau
The band's mission has always been clear, to make an influence on the listener, and address the real-world issues that follow us every single day. "'Revolution' is about change, it's about unity. It's about COVID and about the outcome of this," says Mau. "We desperately wanted to write something optimistic because I think people are scared of change, and I think a 'Revolution' can either be very negative and violent, or it can be an opportunity for change. So the whole idea is the improvement of self through isolation and introspection. To revolt and come out on top." The band released their music video for "Revolution" last Friday. The video harnesses the COVID life, with each member expressing their personality in their own little square via Zoom. A perfect video to jam out to as you attempt to conquer your own isolation.
Their newest release, "Fire" has been long awaited for the band. "I want to get people 'fired up'... pun intended!", Mau begins. The boys break out in laughter. Dag states that the release has been a long time coming, "'Fire' kind of stood the test of time. We wrote it a while back and we've toured with it. It was always one of those songs that the crowd reacted to. We had a lot of fun with it." "Fire" was one of the tracks written with Position Music in mind. With that, the boys found it a struggle to once again, come up with an appealing song that was commercial but was still true to them. "'Fire' was the first song that we finished off the EP," says Mau. "Writing it was really uncomfortable, we were trying to figure out who we were as Night Lights but also trying to stay open-minded".
Despite the overwhelming challenges, the band got through the challenge with their identity enhanced and their dignity intact. Mau has realized over time, that the song has grown a new set of legs, and it's going places he's wanted it to go all along. "Hearing it and playing it to people, and seeing how it affects them has been really eye-opening. Like, 'oh this means something to someone. This can encourage someone.'" Their new vibe is electric, crunchy, and it doesn't miss a beat. The trio states that the underlying theme is self-improvement. "The song is about confidence. It's about being okay with being different and viewed as weird," says Mau. "It's an encouragement song and that was really hard for us to be like, 'yeah I dig this, and I stand by what it says'. I think we're all a little more grown-up and okay with it. We're pumped to release it. It's a good hype song."
“This means something to someone. This can encourage someone.”- Mau
Photo: Nathan Tecson IG: @bringoutthegold / From Left: Dag, Mau, Yususke
Throughout the flux and flow that this band has been through, together they have managed to navigate through their challenges, strengths, and weaknesses. They relish in their accomplishments, and in their creativity. Throughout it all, their mission remains clear, "Night lights are these tiny little lights that protect you from big bad monsters when you're a kid", says Mau. "If you can be that tiny light and glow just a little bit, the world around you will be that much better." Yusuke and Dag nod their heads in agreement, there's a sense of serenity in Mau's tone as he continues, "if you can inspire someone else to be that little light, man oh man! It's gonna be pretty at night. If you can glow in the darkness, then we have succeeded. We want to inspire people to take control of their actions. If our music inspires you to be a little bit brighter and kinder regardless of your circumstances -- 'cause that's a choice, then we've done our job." In a world that seems to be crumbling all around us, accountability is key. With each passing day falling through our hands, it's imperative to have something, and someone to lean on. Night Lights provides you with a new soundtrack to your new life. With Night Lights by your side brightening your path, the dark doesn’t seem so scary. They provide a glimmer of hope, a hope that Dag says is, "what we all need right now".
“If you can inspire someone else to be that little light, man oh man! It's gonna be pretty at night. If you can glow in darkness, then we have succeeded.”- Mau
Photo: Nathan Tecson IG:@bringoutthegold / From Left: Yusuke, Mau, Dag