AÑO: 5 | NÚMERO 49
THE 13th UN A R E V IS TA IM A GINA RIA
NICHOLAS MERZ FROM DARTO THE IDEAL LABEL: PART OF MY CREATIVE WORLD
[ Interview with Nicholas Merz from Darto by Diego Centuriรณn Photograhs: Matt Burink and Gordon De Los Santos. ]
THE IDEAL LABEL: PART OF MY CREATIVE WORLD
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Nicholas Merz is part of a band called Darto. And that would not mean much but for this interview two fronts of very different questions are opened, on the one hand the debut album of Nicholas as a soloist, and on the other, a new EP that Darto will release. Two really different worlds, two different realities, two different sensations. Two completely different jobs. Perhaps united by Merz and by Aagoo Records, who is the label that publishes both works.
Hello Nicholas! Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. To begin let's start with Darto. For those who do not know the band, tell us when it was formed and why did you choose this name? Candace and I formed Darto around 2010, and named it after a nickname that was given to my father when he was younger. We honestly chose the name because it meant something to us and was very open to interpretation for anyone encountering it. We're fans of simple names, and it's nice to not be heavy handed with something significant like that. Something that can be molded as.
tic, It is based a lot on experimentation. What is your feeling about the compositions and process for this new EP? We're always approaching different ways with constructing songs. We really love limitations and how that can affect the work and process. We set some boundaries with this and got a lot more interactive with lyrical writing together. I feel as if we are working towards being as vulnerable as possible with each release.
You have some shows coming up in November. What plans do you have as Darto for the remainder of this year? We're in the process of negotiating a potential EU tour in Nov, but nothing is cerAfter last year's album "Human tain yet. We have our release show in Giving", go are back with a new EP, Sept and one more Seattle show in late "Fundamental Slime".Tell us about October, then after November, we take a this new release? break for some rest and writing. Fundamental Slime is a batch of tunes that came out of the writing process for a We turn the page and focus on your new LP. We had these songs that felt like solo debut album "The Limits of Men". a cohesive idea thematically, so we deci- What made you decide to go it alone ded to put this out in between records to and put out a solo album? allow more time for the next LP and to stri- It was a combination of things, but mainke while the iron was hot with these tunes. ly situational and this sort of suppressed idea that had been in the back of my mind While your band’s sound is quite eclec- for many years. I just had this really great
opportunity to quit my job and just focus on writing and recording before I moved to Arizona for a temporary work training program. I decided to take full advantage of that situation and out came a record. I feel that the album is a collection of songs devoid of complexities and even a much more relaxed atmosphere. How do you feel about the final product?How did you end up working with Aagoo Records for these releases? I'd say it's probably the most lyrically complex record of mine to date. It was very intentionally sparse instrumentation wise to leave as much room as possible for the words. All of the major recording with it happened late at night, so that probably aided with the vibe. At that point I had no real intention to release it, I just wanted to complete it. I shared it with Aagoo and they said they were sold after the fifth or sixth line of the first track... The fear of section
in Generation. Aagoo is a huge part of my creative world at this point. Without their belief in Darto or myself, I'm not sure I'd be responsible for this much physical work. In the album there are moments when it seems that the atmosphere and climate s to mind the works of Nick Cave or Michael Gira. Is there any declared or undeclared fanaticism happening here or is this just a coincidence? I'm a fan of what both of those people do, but I feel like I don't delve that deep into the darkness. I really want a good balance of light and shadow, and humor, can't forget about that. I also think about them as being really enormous intimidating people, almost unreachable. I never want to be that. I'm a people person. I always want to be in the trenches, with the common folk. Besides, I'm much taller than both of them, so I don't have to make up for it as much in my music.
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I would like to ask you for a track by track breakdown of your album in your own words. "Generation" Scenes from my Generation. And different ideas I touch on in the record. It's sort of an overview before we get into things. "Fashion" This one is pretty self explanatory. "Without Women" Male sibling relations. "Bulled Rose" Laboring, family and understanding your place in society. "The Empress Of The Garden" This song was written for my sister. She taught me everything I know about masculinity. "Neon Figures" A spiritual awakening. "Domestic Dispute" A domestic dispute. "Down Range" Making peace with where you are and what you are. "The Great American Tail" It's all in the lyrics. I didn't have enough room for the chorus.
Now that your solo album has been released, what are the next steps in your solo career? I'm going down to Joshua Tree with my friends Adrienne H., Candace H., Cory H., Evan B., and Robbie C. to record another solo record at the end of October. Get ready, this one is going to be the real deal. Is there anything you’d like to tell us in closing? Yes, I'd like to thank all the serious listeners out there. Thank you Nicholas!
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The13th U NA R EVISTA IMA GINA RIA