We caught up with the electronic duo to talk about their new release, fashion and what’s in store for 2017.
ADAM’S ANSWERS
Why did you choose AlunaGeorge for the vocals on this track?
We have been huge fans of AlunaGeorge’s work for years now so it was always a dream to work with them. When I had this beat sitting on my laptop it was our initial dream idea to have Alunas voice on it… one thing lead to another and the dream came true! Stoked.
Who influences you musically?
Francis & The Lights, Kanye West, Boys Noize, Justice, Sebastian… the list really could go on for years!
What do you most enjoy about being musicians?
It’s a true blessing to be able to live off doing what we love more than anything else. Every day we pinch ourselves wondering how the fuck we ended up here.
Where is the most memorable venue you’ve ever played?
Coachella was wild as shit… Red rocks in Colorado is so stunning it makes your jaw drop, that was amazing. Also we used to play at a club in Sydney called Chinese Laundry… those nights were some of the wildest, sweatiest experiences we’ve had. Nudity and a good time tends to ensue at most of our shows these days which is dope, everyone’d there to have fun.
What’s your favourite song at the moment?
May I have this dance – Francis & The Lights
Are you going to any music festivals this year?
We’re playing Splendour in the grass on the mainstage this year which is a real milestone for us, we’re debuting our all new live show there so we can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve been working on. We’re also doing a bunch of festivals throughout the US of A!
What does a typical day in the life of Peking Duk look like when you’re not creating music?
Skateboarding and basketball.
Favourite film?
Pulp fiction and Lost in Translation.
Who’s your biggest style & fashion inspiration?
Dennis Rodman meets CRuella De Vil.
Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to make a career in music?
Do you. Don’t follow a trend and always keep it fun and the rest will follow. Don’t make music because it’s hot at the moment, it will pass. Stay true to you and the magic will happen!
REUBEN’S ANSWERS
You’ve just released your latest track & video for your collaboration with AlunaGeorge, Fake Magic. What’s the inspiration & meaning behind the song?
The song is about a girl, taking this guy away from all the cluster and meaningless things in life. Showing him why money and all the things we fantasise about are meaningless. In the world of today most people are following celebrities and alike on instagram, often drawn by the glitz and glamour of their lifestyles…. It seems like they live a life of constant magic. The lyric excerpt “Honey, money only buys you Fake Magic” is a reminder to everyone that happiness is never bought.
Describe your sound?
Our sound as of the last few years has been kind of rock influenced, kinda hip hop influenced but mostly French electronic influenced. Some people have said to us we have a distinct sound but I think we just occasionally use some of the same techniques in our music production.
When did you first realise you could make a career in music?
A career is quite a long term. We’ve not worked in cafes for 5 years now but hard to say it’ll always be the case, you never know what could happen in music. I guess that also makes it all the more exciting. Especially when the platform on which we listen to music is constantly evolving.
If you could collaborate with one other artist in the world, who would it be?
Kanye or Julian Casablancas.
What is the most memorable performance you’ve ever seen?
Probably LCD Soundsystem at the Hordern Pavillion in Sydney. They brought Hot Chip along as support and by the end of the show both entire bands were on stage all playing instruments whilst bashing on drums and nothing I think will ever compare.
Who’s your favourite artist at the moment?
Right now listening to lots of Funkadelic and Parliament. But phases with favourite artists change every few weeks. Of the last 5 years D’Angelo and Tame Impala put out my fav albums.
Which of you is the serious one and who is the joker?
Neither of us take anything too seriously. Adam is probably the joker though.
Drink of choice on a night out?
Fernet Branca or Negroni.
Describe yourselves in three words?
Sweaty excited clowns.
Give us your best chat up line?
When I was doing the boys euro trip after Year 12… I remember my mate telling a girl that he knew The Strokes and she went for it. It then worked again in every city.
Thanks for the chat Peking Duk.
Take a listen to their new track with AlunaGeorge below:
