FREEwilliamsburg: TONIGHT: Cale Parks & Lemonade @ Santos Party House

By now you know that we're loving Cale Parks. And you've probably been chipping your manicure just waiting for the interview with the man himself. You're also probably really excited for TONIGHT's show at Santos Party House, which kicks off his next US tour with Lemonade. I know I am. Especially since I just realized that the first single, "One at a Time" reminds me a lot of this guy, and that can't be bad.

See below for what Cale had to say about stage moniters, Brooklyn, and the new album, To Swift Mars, out on Polyvinyl now. Also, check out the video premiere of "One at a Time" HERE.

FREEburg: There's a certain satisfaction that comes with wailing on an instrument, like playing drums with Aloha and White Williams for instance. How do you describe the transition to drum machines and synth?

Cale Parks: There was no transition, just a simple logistical issue that I couldn't play the drums and make the music I wanted to make. I love drum machines and synths. There's a specific type of satisfaction you experience when you tweak a drum sample or synth chord in the perfect way that you just can't compare to getting all choppy on the drumset and vice versa. I've been doing the solo thing exclusively for almost a year now, but I'm really, really missing sitting behind a kit. I guess this is why Phil Collins jumps behind a second drumset for a solo or two on every solo show.

What vocalist do you find yourself channeling while on stage? And how did the decision come about for you to move from the back of the stage percussion to up front and center as lead?

Usually, I'm just hoping to nail all the samples, keys, and aux drumming while trying to sing. I'm not really consciously channeling anyone but I do love Scott Walker, DavidGahan and Sheila E (percussion while singing, but not so much channeling her voice ;)

You just came off of another tour with Passion Pit, how do you think your upcoming tour with Lemonade will be different?

There's not as many all ages shows, and the rooms are smaller, but spirits will be higher than ever. Lemonade are some of the most positive guys I know. It's so evident when you watch them live. This tour will be a perfect, fun summer's end. And there will be more bass.

Are there any upcoming shows you're looking forward to attend as an audience member?

Broadcast with Atlas Sound in October. I've always been touring on those rare occasions when Broadcast comes over here and haven't had a chance to see them live. The show is at Le Poisson Rouge and I love it there. That should be a fun one. I have to mention seeing The xx at Bruar Falls last Sunday. I haven't been totally floored by something live in a long time. They were right up my alley I guess. They're completely in control of their sound, which is hard to do with drum machines and other instruments live. I have problems with this myself. There are a lot of bands trying to do what seems to come so naturally to them. So yeah, kudos to them.

What's a song that got stuck in your head recently?

Self Control by Raf/Laura Branigan

The first single off of To Swift Mars seems to be a bit more upbeat than the rest of the album- what's up with all the dreamy melancholy? And what were you thinking about when you wrote "One at a Time" that gives it a stand out sound?

I made the beat and pulse of One at a Time on a sampler after I got home from a dinner party at my friend Shawn's. He was playing me all this slow groove disco. I wrote the lyrics after I watched The Lost Boys one day last winter. As for the dreamy melancholy, I don't know what to say. I'm not an aggro person and my favorite records to listen to are of the dreamy melancholy variety.

What's the one thing you miss the most about Brooklyn when you're on tour?

I really long for the general convenience of walking, in close proximity, for any little thing. On tour you have to drive out of your way, roaming some suburb for whatever you may need that day. Here I can pick up a roll of duct tape at the hardware store, which is across from the fruit stand where I'm buying lettuce for dinner, which is next to the dvd store I need to return last night's rental before walking down the street to see my friends band play. I definitely miss Brooklyn and it's specific loved ones while away.

What band would it be a dream to collaborate &/or tour with?

Broadcast. I've loved them for years. I always get in arguments with people that compare them to Stereolab. It's really very different. Each record is so unique and way ahead of everyone else. Trish's voice is perfection. I think they've gone thru a lot of drummers. I'm not sure who they're using now, but...

If you were to be a piece of equipment on your stage, which would you be?

I would be the stage monitors. I'm always complaining about how they're never loud enough. I'd like to see just how loud I could get and honestly know that the sound person couldn't make me any louder.