With their latest album, "Shhh...," darkwave/post-punk duo Gelax emerges from a period of creative incubation, offering their most compelling musical narrative yet. Comprising vocalist Gelareh and multi-instrumentalist Tareq, the Toronto-based pair brings forth a fusion of darkwave, post-punk, indie rock, and electronic pop, delivering an enigmatic sonic journey punctuated by bold visuals and intricate lyrical explorations. Following a string of well-received singles and the acclaimed EP "Dreamonic," Gelax's return signals a deeper dive into introspection and societal commentary, inspired by global movements and personal reflections. With haunting melodies and striking imagery, Gelax invites audiences into a world where music becomes a vessel for expression and introspective dialogue.
How did the band form and what does the band name mean?
GelaX is sorta of a short nickname for singer Gelareh Keyvani. We liked the ring of it. It was either that or Purple pupils of Saturn LOL.
Previous musical projects? How'd you first get into music?
I think we both came from a line of diverse projects. Gelareh had many electronic and experimental underground ones back in her Iran. Tareq’s was in and out of rock, metal , bluesy bands since he came Canada from Middle East. He started by learning to play some Nirvana back when he was in middle school. Made a few amateur bands during school just playing at homes and garages haha. Was probably dreadful noise.
First concert that you ever went to?
Gelareh’s was underground secret local Iranian artists ( as music is very controlled by the government to whats allowed )
Tareq’s first was Megadeth in Toronto. Few months after landing.
What's your writing process like?
Very varied and so many different approaches. Sometimes it starts with a programmed beat that Gelareh puts down , then we’d start layering notes on it. Other times just a simple vocal loop. Guitar riff or progression sometimes. Even just a weird FX from a synth or something that has a rhythm n repetitive mood.
Gelareh does most of the lyrics with some contributions from Tareq. And other way around with the instruments. A lot of our songs come from conversations we have about current issues or struggles we’re having with what’s around us. Or just a question we have asked each other.
What other artists or songs inspire your music?
Other than the main long term influences of Radiohead, Depeche Mode, Pink Floyd, Massive Attack, our inspirations come from a lot of different things we’re listening to at the moment. Most recently would be De Staat , or our rediscovery of post punk new wave sounds of Sad lovers and Giants, The Cure, etc.
What's the live experience like and your philosophy on playing live? Do you think the music live should be identical to the recorded version or should it be it's own thing?
We’re probably more on the side of replicating certain moods and atmospheres on the album to the live show. We make emotional connections to the various moods in an album. Of course we also like it when an artist explores certain sections with some live improvisation that suit the moment.
Has the band toured? What has the touring experience been, best shows?
Only within Canada so far. Honestly the smallest cities with music bars that have tiny stages have been the most organic, and exciting shows. Crowds are usually more receptive and reciprocal than in bigger cities. Few that stuck in our minds were Peterbrough’s Garnet or Windsor’s Phog lounge.
What's up next for the band?
That’s a bit of a secret now. Haha. But let’s just say, we’re remerging.