Since Dominic Lalli and Jeremy Salken joined musical forces to create Big Gigantic in 2008, they have established a reputation of high energy live performances that differ from many other electronic acts. The duo frequently combines more well-known electronic elements like laptop effects with Lalli’s saxophone and Salken’s drums. Their unique style has gained them an enthusiastic following across the United States and around the world. They are currently on tour before the release of their next studio album, due out sometime in early 2014.
The NewsHouse was able to catch up with Salken before Big Gigantic’s stop in Syracuse on Thursday at the F Shed [9]. Salken talked about the band’s growth, their live shows and future collaborations. In addition, he touched on what it was like for the band, who has called Boulder, Colo., home for the better part of the last decade, to play at the historic Red Rocks Amphitheatre [10] and how they were able to help out with flood relief efforts after the recent devastating storms.
The NewsHouse: How have you grown since you formed the band together in 2008?
Jeremy Salken: We’ve grown through this whole process and done really well considering we’ve only been around for about five years. We’ve learned a lot about each other and the music industry in general.
NH: You’ve been all across the country to play shows as well as different parts of the world. What are some of the most memorable locations or venues that you’ve played?
JS: We’ve played a lot of great festivals. We’ve played Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza, and also headlined our own shows at Red Rocks in Colorado. Those are probably the most memorable, you could say.
NH: Living in Boulder, was it a goal of yours to be able to headline at Red Rocks?
JS: It was definitely a dream to be able to play at a place like that, just because it’s such an epic venue. To be able to do that and headline in our new home state is pretty cool. It’s something to be proud of.
NH: Is there anything different about your live show as an electronic band because you play live instruments during the show?
JS: I don’t think there are many other electronic bands that have things like saxophone when they are playing. It’s definitely something completely different. The way we build and drop during the show is basically what you would do in a band situation. I’m not sure if any other electronic bands have solo sessions that build and drop in that way.
NH: We wanted to talk to you a little about what you did for the Colorado flood relief. You had a couple of benefit shows along with contributing to relief efforts in Boulder and Denver. Why was it important to you, and how did you see Colorado respond in the midst of all the damage?
JS: Colorado is definitely one of those states where everyone comes together to try and help each other out. There are a lot of places like that, but you definitely get that vibe in Colorado. People showed up and were willing to help in whatever way they could. Some donated, some volunteered. It was sad for us because we were on the road while it was happening, so we just saw it on the news. We’re just trying to do everything we can to help out now.
NH: It was great for you guys to use your platform to help out. Getting back to the music, what can fans expect from you going forward as you continue to tour?
JS: We have a bunch of new music that we have been playing on tour and that we’ll play at the show. We have a new light set that most people probably haven’t seen. It’s going to be a fresh, new show. We also have a badass dude opening for us (Opiuo), who has a great vibe. It’s the total package for an evening.
NH: You recently collaborated with Sabina Sciubba. Had you done anything like that with lyrics before?
JS: We hadn’t, no. We’ve done remixes before, but never a track with a vocalist.
NH: Do you have plans to do more of that in the future?
JS: There are always plans to do different stuff. We work with a lot of different people. We’ve got some surprises for our new album along those lines.
NH: Do you know when the new album will come out?
JS: We are shooting for January. It will be around the same time that we released our last album, so about two years in between.
Big Gigantic will be playing at the F Shed on Thursday, October 24. Doors open at 7 PM. Tickets can be purchased online [11], and their music can be accessed on their website [12].
