FLIGHT FACILITIES land at Waterfront Park March 14; Photo By: Kemi Mai
Flight Facilities final west coast destination lands at Waterfront Park March 14 with their full on stage show checking in.
The Australian electronic music duo, Jimmy Lyell and Hugo Gruzman, recently launched their debut album, “Down To Earth” which also features several guest vocalists.
Concert Guide Live checked in early with Gruzman to find out more about their stage show, their interest in flight, and playing at Coachella.
CGL: Why the fascination with flying, airports, etc.?
HG: The theme started from my grandfathers company founded in the 1970s. The company was called flight facilities and was used for small plane charters and search and rescue. You can read the full story http://awol.com.au/made-in-merimbula/961
CGL: Are either of you pilots?
HG: Neither of us are pilots, however we both just went up in the Red Bull Stunt plane with the Red Bull pilot. We did all the tricks and reached 8 G’s! I don’t think I’ll be rushing back to do it anytime too soon, I’m still feeling the after effects.
CGL: Apart from Coachella, have you previously played any clubs in Southern California?
HG: We’ve been down a few time to play Detroit Bar and then came back to play the small room at the Observatory. We love it down there, it feels like home for us. Does someone want to take us to the Wedge or Trestles?
CGL: What was your Coachella experience like?
HG: Amazing, stressful, intense but, well worth it. We knew the magnitude of the festival when we booked it late in 2013 and it wasn’t until you get there you realize how big it is. I mean we’ve played some big festivals around the world but nothing quite as big as this. They basically setup a small city for the 2 weekends – we can’t wait to go back!
CGL: Where in Australia are you based?
HG: We spend most of our time in Sydney, we’re biased but its one of the best cities in the world.
We both started DJing here so it’s definitely played a huge part in shaping us. In the early 2000s, Australia produced some of the best electronic music to this day – The Avalanches, The Presets, Cut Copy, Midnight Juggernauts, Lost Valentinos and Bang Gang. These are the people that shaped our tastes and paved the way for us to do what we want to do.
CGL: What can fans expect when attending one of your live shows?
HG: Our full show has only visited the US a few times and this will be the first time in Santa Ana.
We’re traveling with a huge amount of production including our lighting show, huge video wall and a few special guests.
CGL: Is it just the two of you or do you have guests on tour with you?
HG: On the road this time we have 2 vocalists, first of which is Owl Eyes who has traveled with us for a year or so now. Her music on her own is amazing, check out her song ‘Nightswim’. And for the first time ever we have Surahn on male vocals. He’s a touring guitarist for Empire of the Sun; he’s released on DFA Records and worked with Usher!
CGL: What type of equipment do you like to use?
HG: We have a few new gadgets, Rolands TR8, Ableton Push Controllers, Korg MS20 and of course our trusty Pioneer CDJ 2000 Nexus.
CGL: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
HG: Thanks for listening! See you on the 27th of Feb.
Flight Facilities land at The Observatory Feb. 27 and stopover at the Fonda Feb. 25 Photo By: Kemi Mai