Blood makes noise

 

Led by exuberant guitarist Marcos Mena, standards is a math rock duo all of its own. Rounded out by Moises Popa on drums, the pair boast a fruitful combination of musical chops and catchy guitar-driven melodies which has garnished popularity among fans who laud standards for their uniquely danceable brand of complex instrumental rock. For almost five years, their instrumental compositions have captivated audiences all over the world as well as in their hometown of Los Angeles, California. Proclaimed as an interesting, new talent by Guitar World magazine, standards is poised to have their biggest year yet after signing with indie label Wax Bodega. As the band enters this new chapter, there is little doubt that they will continue to defy expectations of what an instrumental rock duo is capable of. 
 

 How did the band form and what does the band name mean?

standards was a name that was a bit of a joke. A jazz standard is a tune a jazz musician should know. We originally thought it would be funny to make a band called standards but not play any jazz standards. Also standards is an album by tortoise that we really liked.  

 

Previous musical projects? How'd you first get into music?

My first instrument was piano at age 5. Then I played violin when I was 8. Once I got my first guitar at 11, I really got into that. I started playing in lots of punk and metal bands in high school and then started really doing session work to try and further my musical experience. 

 

 

First concert that you ever went to? (Locally and National acts)

I first went to see a family friend’s band at a venue called Chain Reaction. It was hard to hear anything and it wasn’t the best show. After that I saw Slipknot and that was incredible.  

 

What's your writing process like?

I usually come up with most of a song and then send it to Moises (drums) for tweaks. Once we get a foundation, I might go back and tweak layers but try to keep things in line with the drums as much as possible. 

 

What other artists or songs inspire your music? 

When I first started the band I was really into a lot of math rock staples. These included Hella, toe and TTNG. I also really liked the midwest emo sounds of American Football and Tiny Moving Parts which inspired me to change the tunings of my guitars. Moises and I both really like fusion music like Return To Forever and by extension Chon. Something that I’m more into is video game and chiptune inspired music like Snail’s House or Ben Rosett. I think at this point we are trying to play catchy riffs and grooves while also having fun production from those influences. 

 

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?

I think a live show should be a fun experience. I don’t like when people are standing still and just keeping to themselves. I think people should express themselves outwardly and have fun. I don’t think it should be just as it is live for us, but maybe for other bands. 

 

Has the band toured? What has the touring experience been, best shows? worst shows?

We try to tour 3-4 times a year. Touring is always great! Never had too many bad shows except in the early days. We once played a desert festival for old people on our second ever tour, didn’t go so well. Everyone was on drugs and it was hot.  

 

What's up next for the band?

New vinyl pressings and new music that is going to be our best yet!