The Astronauts Talk New Single, Their Voices And More
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By BJF Media.PR
The Astronauts are Benjamin Fox and Gordon Cooper, American musicians collaborating trans-atlantically between Detroit and Ireland. Their new single ‘Ease Up’ is out now and the pair waxed lyrical with us:
Who is in The Astronauts, how did you meet and what do they play?
Benjamin Fox and Gordon Cooper are the Astronauts. We met in school when we were like 4 or 5 years old. We both play everything in the band.
What is your earliest musical memory?
My Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Lorensen playing accordion during class. So like 5 years old, I remember it was really loud and I loved all the keys and buttons.
Gordon- I would agree with Ben we had the same Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Lorensen.
You have your new single ‘Ease Up’ which is out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?
The inspiration is really just about betting big on yourself. It was conceived when I was thinking about what all people agree on or get excited about.
Was it a difficult song to write?
No quite the opposite, it was like a 10-15 minute kinda song which made me think it had something right out of the gate.
Gordon – Nope not difficult at all. None of songs have been difficult at all. We have a really good work flow down now and it makes the whole process so much easier.
Do you have a visualiser to accompany the single?
Yes we do, I shot a video like 20 years ago of some buskers in Downtown Detroit that my wife Fiona Fox brought to life through some slick editing!!
Gordon- “WHAT UP DOE” “ITS SO COLD IN THE D”
Where did you record the single and who produced it?
Gordon and I work out of our own home studios. I live in Ireland and he lives in Detroit so it’s a very long distance recording situation. It was produced and mixed by Nick Brine and Ian Laughton.
Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?
The most notable one for me is not having anything but the chorus written and making up the verses on the fly.. I listen to it now and realise I’m somehow trying to think of something to sing next while singing. I think that’s where the ch ch chill bit happened. The vocal take on there is the OG first take as well.
Gordon – pretty much the same for me. I heard Ben’s demo of it and already heard what I was going to do. I played through the song 2 times and then hit record and did it in one take. I went back and doubled it a few days later to thicken it up a bit.
Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?
Not really anything that interesting to be honest, I used a Shure Sm-7 on everything vocal wise cause it can just handle everything especially when you are just riffing vocally.
Gordon- I used a tone bender clone that was made my a long time friend from Kent. Thanks Kalani!! Soldano SLO Pedal Super Lead Overdrive and Electro-Harmonix Canyon were used a lot on this one.
Which of your tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?
Well this track is my favourite so far, it just has some swagger to it which was a first for us I think!
Gordon- Happiest -Ease Up
Angriest- Do not have one
Most reflective- the next two songs we release TBA
Do you have any further music releases planned for 2025/2026?
Hopefully a few more singles and then the album early next year hopefully!
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
People leaving on a high note and that we played our best.
Gordon- everyone had fun and everyone that was there felt they were in a safe space.
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?
Not really, I just recently bought a Fender Jag and it’s playing pretty great. The Cobain Signature model.
Gordon- avalanche run and a vintage small stone.
How do you look after your voices?
I ease into singing more these days, warm it up good!!
Gordon- less smoking and warming up helps
You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?
Probably The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway, it’s always on the move, getting into situations left and right. Night life.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
Our hometown is called Port Clinton, Ohio… Five words to describe it would be
Midwest
Siberia
Snow
Prohibition
Islands
Gordon- Peace Love and Good Vibes
Do you have any live dates in the UK/Europe planned for 2025/2026?
Definitely but can’t say anything yet.
Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?
I have loads – Radiohead would be a big one for me…I’m loving Turnstile at the moment.
Gordon- Deftones, Smashing Pumpkins and Gunna
What makes The Astronauts happy and what makes you unhappy?
We love making songs and we don’t love wasting time.
Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By BJF Media.PR
The Astronauts new single ‘Ease Up’ is out now on Flip Flop Records.
Stream here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/theastronauts2/ease-up
https://www.instagram.com/the_astronauts22/
