When I wake up, I don’t want to listen to dance music. There are some days I do, but mostly I like listening to something a little more downtempo and something that chills me out leading me to dance music in the afternoon. This band is one of the bands I listen to on a regular basis. The lyrics are unique, and the sound is cool, calm, and collected. You can throw this stuff on, sit back, and just relax as you start your day. Recent tracks like “Say No More” and “Supernatural” justify his time spent on my playlist. He also has some DJ sets out there, and they are equally as good. His real name is Brian Suarez. But no one knows him by that. He’s an ally. Brian lives in New York, and I was excited when this interview presented itself. His friends might call him Brian, but I call him Allies For Everyone.
Where did the name Allies For Everyone come from?
When I was coming up with the name, I was in a place where I was starting to really appreciate my friends and how everyone was supporting each other. So the name is just a fancy way to say “friends”.
Brian, you are a singer, songwriter, producer and DJ. In all that you do, do you prefer one to the other?
I love all of it! DJing is important for the process of making music. It urges me to listen to a lot of music see what vibes and/or peaks and valleys of a tune make it work and take inspiration from that.
You will be performing live at the “Cut Rugs Not Lines” party. Got anything special in store for that performance?
Yes, I’m performing live. I have a new track I wrote last week that I’ll try out, plus two other new tracks I’ve only ever performed live once. Should be fun to see how folks respond to them.
Tell me about your experience working with Kid Recordings.
I love Kid! I have a lot of freedom with what goes on releases. And it’s nice to get feedback on tracks since Craig at KID knows his shit and I trust his opinions when it comes to music.
When you worked with Elle Magazine, did you get to meet Jean Paul Gaultier?
Yes, we spent a week traveling together so I could get inspired for the remix I did for the project. Just kidding. It was all via Internet and he was not directly involved with what I was doing.
Your new EP Scavenger, is only four songs. Why only four?
Of the tunes I had ready at that point, those four made the most sense to release together… but there’s definitely more on the horizon.
Your EP release party was at Le Baron. Did you have fun?
I had so much fun. It was a crazy amount of work to do it because they did not have a stage but once all the prep work was done, the event was a success. Everyone enjoyed themselves and the show.
Who designed the album art for Scavenger?
I designed the artwork, and the image used inside of the Allies logo is a photo by a friend.
Who write all your lyrics?
I write all of the lyrics. Usually the tune and lyrics happen at the same time, although I find it a bit more difficult to write lyrics than music. It’s a tricky balance between what idea I want to get across and how to say it in a way that doesn’t seem contrived.
I am listening to your new EP on Spotify. Do you use Spotify?
I just started using Spotify. For a while, I thought it made everything I listened to public and there are a few guilty pleasures I’ll listen to that I would love to keep private. But my friend showed me that there is a private setting, so I can now use Spotify with no fear.
What can fans expect from a live performance?
My live show is me singing, pushing buttons, turning knobs and playing synths 90% of the time. I also use projections which are layered with footage I shot and some found images of nature.
Where are you originally from?
I was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised about an hour north of the New York City.
Do you ever tour outside of the United States?
I have but for the immediate future, I’m local.
What is the biggest crowd you have ever played for?
Hmm… maybe opening for Loco Dice at Dekalb Market.
Do you have a job outside of music?
I did interior design prior to doing music full time. Recently I did a soundtrack for an installation for Architecture at Large at the AD France show in Paris. So it was nice to approach the vibe of a space from a musical angle rather than what I had done in the past.
I love your voice. When did you realize that you wanted to perform for a living?
About a year or so ago, I decided to give my music 100% and see what happened. Positive response to the tunes and shows also helped push me in that direction.
There are a lot of clubs out there. What is your favorite venue?
Hmm, I don’t know that I have a favorite venue. I’m more nomadic when it comes to clubs. I’ll go where the DJs I like are playing, rarely hit the same venue more than once a month.
When you are not performing, what are you listening to? What’s on your iPod?
I’m listening to Purity Ring right now. But what I listen to varies widely. Last night I went out to dance, heard some Finnebassen, Lee Foss, Jamie Jones… then came home and listened to Suede.
You are all over Facebook, Twitter, and SoundCloud. Who manages all of these social media channels?
I do all of that stuff. I don’t love doing it, but it’s a major part of music these days…you’ve got to be visible and as present as possible.
What is your favorite song on the new EP?
It shifts often, usually it’s either “Scavenger” or “Say No More”, but I think “Move When I Run” is my favorite to perform off the EP.
How did you get connected with the Bushwick Film Festival?
People who have been to my shows invited me to play it.
Do you ever cover songs?
I have not done any covers yet. But at least once a week I’ll think of a one I’d like to do. I think I need to choose one and just go for it!
Are you getting excited about the CMJ?
Yes!!! After my CMJ show last Friday night, I’m went to the Fat Records showcase to see Lagwagon, then to see my buddy Illich Mujica open for Stacey Pullen at a Verboten party… though I don’t think the last event was affiliated with CMJ.
Pepperoni or sausage?
Both.
Do you ever listen to the Deep House Cat Show? It’s one of my favorite iTunes podcasts.
It’s a strong podcast. The mixes on their always have something I haven’t heard before. The newest one has some remix of Phil Collins “In the Air”. I’m into it.
What’s next for Allies For Everyone?
I have a remix single and video of “Scavenger” coming out in November that has a bunch of strong mixes of the track. I just did a remix for Blue Foundation which should come out this fall as well.
Thank you so much for doing this. I know you are busy. In all of the interviews I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.
I’m doing this interview on the LES NYC and two peregrine falcons are flying around. I’m going to make more coffee.
