In SOUND CHECK, we check in with some of our favorite musicians. This edition comes direct from Primavera Sound in Barcelona!
Glasser (aka Cameron Mesirow's) homespun, technicolor pop draws from an eclectic assortment of influences, most notably her unorthodox musical upbringing: Mesirow’s father was a member of the Berlin edition of Blue Man Group, while her mother made new-wave tunes with Human Sexual Response. Last night, we caught up with the Boston-born, New York-based songstress before her set at Primavera Sound in Barcelona, where her dreamlike tunes were as hypnotizing as the humidity at the Pitchfork stage.
SHAWANA GROSVENOR: My name is ______ and my sound is ______.
GLASSER: My name is Glasser and my sound is like an empty room.
Can you tell us what’s behind the name Glasser?
I guess what’s behind it is just a nice sound. It came up in a dream of mine and I just liked the sound of it. And, I was like, “I’m going to go with that.”
If you could perform with one person, living or dead, who would it be?
The last person asked me that as well, and I forgot what I said. I don’t know; I feel like if I could just make another version of myself and collaborate so that I could spread out the responsibility, I would probably like to do that. I could get more done faster. [Laughs]
Your LP, Interiors, seems to suggest anxiety and closed-offness. Where is your favorite place to close yourself off from the world?
Anywhere. Being on tour makes you need to trust that you can zone everything out.
Is there a band right now that you’re really listening to?
A lot of times I listen to instrumental music when I’m by myself. I’ve been listening to Apollo by Brian Eno. That’s my touring record right now.
We read that you grew up in California. What are your thoughts on the Cali music scene and where do you feel most at home recording?
Interesting question, because I did move to New York. I grew up in California mostly; I was born in Boston. Definitely wouldn’t say Boston. But, California and New York are both places that I recorded and I feel great in both places.
Is this your first Primavera? What do you love most about Barcelona?
Oh my god, I love everything about Barcelona. This is my second time doing Primavera. The first time was in 2011, and I did the exact same slot. It was great. I hope it’ll be great again. It was much nicer weather then, but hopefully it’ll be not too freezing today.
What is your on-tour necessity?
Lets see, on-tour necessity? I read on my iPad all the time, so that’s probably it—that&
Glasser (aka Cameron Mesirow's) homespun, technicolor pop draws from an eclectic assortment of influences, most notably her unorthodox musical upbringing: Mesirow’s father was a member of the Berlin edition of Blue Man Group, while her mother made new-wave tunes with Human Sexual Response. Last night, we caught up with the Boston-born, New York-based songstress before her set at Primavera Sound in Barcelona, where her dreamlike tunes were as hypnotizing as the humidity at the Pitchfork stage.
SHAWANA GROSVENOR: My name is ______ and my sound is ______.
GLASSER: My name is Glasser and my sound is like an empty room.
Can you tell us what’s behind the name Glasser?
I guess what’s behind it is just a nice sound. It came up in a dream of mine and I just liked the sound of it. And, I was like, “I’m going to go with that.”
If you could perform with one person, living or dead, who would it be?
The last person asked me that as well, and I forgot what I said. I don’t know; I feel like if I could just make another version of myself and collaborate so that I could spread out the responsibility, I would probably like to do that. I could get more done faster. [Laughs]
Your LP, Interiors, seems to suggest anxiety and closed-offness. Where is your favorite place to close yourself off from the world?
Anywhere. Being on tour makes you need to trust that you can zone everything out.
Is there a band right now that you’re really listening to?
A lot of times I listen to instrumental music when I’m by myself. I’ve been listening to Apollo by Brian Eno. That’s my touring record right now.
We read that you grew up in California. What are your thoughts on the Cali music scene and where do you feel most at home recording?
Interesting question, because I did move to New York. I grew up in California mostly; I was born in Boston. Definitely wouldn’t say Boston. But, California and New York are both places that I recorded and I feel great in both places.
Is this your first Primavera? What do you love most about Barcelona?
Oh my god, I love everything about Barcelona. This is my second time doing Primavera. The first time was in 2011, and I did the exact same slot. It was great. I hope it’ll be great again. It was much nicer weather then, but hopefully it’ll be not too freezing today.
What is your on-tour necessity?
Lets see, on-tour necessity? I read on my iPad all the time, so that’s probably it—that&