An Interference-Free interview with Salem's Symmetry/Symmetry

Symmetry/Symmetry is a ‘science fiction indie rock’ band from the PNW, made up of good friends Daniel Jones, Joel Uram, and Andrew T. Quackenbush.

“It's been 18 years of making music together… I've said no to a lot of projects but something about this one just felt special,” said Andrew...and the rest is history.

Their newest release, Interference, showcases years of collaboration and hard work. Although recorded in roughly three days, the album took nearly six years to mix and master. The band recorded most of the EP together live, which posed a unique new challenge when it came to editing it all together, said Daniel. “The mics had lots of, well, interference, which was a fun box to work our way out of.”

Many of the songs on this album have been performed live for some time, but are only now getting recorded. One song, “Letters to Home” written by Daniel, has been in the group's setlist rotation for years. It was not a song he felt strongly about, but when recording it for the album, Joel felt “it brought the song new life.” He now considers it one of his favorite tracks of the new release.

Along with the older songs, Interference presents some new material. Inspired by bands like Radiohead and Bjork, it features some heavier-sounding ballads with a jazz-inspired rhythm. “Jazz is a serious love for me, the guys are laughing at me, but rhythmically we tried to capture that improvisational sound, that flow,” said Andrew. That flow can be heard throughout the album, alongside other sonic features new to the band.

When asked about what aspects of the new album stuck out to them as particularly special, all three members brought attention to Joel’s piano part in “Hello the Life.”

“Joel recorded live grand piano, as well as vocals without a click track or anything, which is a truly amazing piece of musicianship,” said Daniel.

Joel spent several hours working alone — just him, a microphone, and the piano. “It was fun being a nerd by myself into the wee hours of the night.”

Watch for upcoming shows with Symmetry/Symmetry. Get their new album Interference at Drum Bug Music in Pringle Plaza.

— Paisley Torres

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Your Winter in Salem Playlist

Sharing our love of local music, enjoy this Playlist of Salem bands curated for issue 22 | Winter 2024

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