Karma Glider Unveils New EP, Ocean Honey Violence
Ocean Honey Violence from Karma Glider is all about embracing the creative process, trusting your instincts, not overthinking art, and just letting it happen. The result is a sultry collection of elegantly swervy shoegaze and Britpop-informed melodic delights about longing and nostalgia, but also about hope and building friendships along your journey. From its tongue-in-cheek, AI-generated introduction on opener, “Back”, all the way to the crude poetry whispered softly on its jungle beat-driven, neo-psychedelic closer, “Submarine”, this new EP from Susil Sharma & co cleverly walks a fine line between heartfelt songwriting and nonchalant yet on-point production.
While debut release Future Fiction (2023) paved the way for Karma Glider’s underdog brand of indie rock, this sophomore effort from the Montréal outfit digs deeper, introducing more sonic experiments, and further exploring electronica-tinged grooves to support its dripping layers of fuzzy guitars and layered synthesizers. Written and recorded – with help from co-producers Adrian Popovich and Joseph Donovan as well as musicians Jean-Philippe Godbout (drums, additional production) and Matthew Peri (backing vocals) – in the span of a few months, Ocean Honey Violence (June 21st, 2024 via Mothland) is a bittersweet auditory daze that promises to strike a chord with fans of meddled rock music à la Primal Scream, the Jesus and Mary Chain or Spacemen 3.
After spending a really long time on our last EP, I really wanted to make something quick. I started writing these songs in September of 2023, and recorded everything myself and with our drummer extraordinaire, Jean-Philippe Godbout, in our jamspace shortly thereafter, which is a really quick turnaround for me. The philosophy behind this record was to make something immediate, trust the outcome and not second-guess myself. I was greatly inspired by the book, Tao Te Ching, Liam Gallagher as well as another Liam: my recently-adopted cat. I’ve also been listening to a lot of old school jungle and drum & bass (LTJ Bukem, Goldie, etc.), which definitely influenced the music.
I recorded and performed most of it by myself. Some of the drums were played and recorded by JP (Jean-Philippe Godbout), and my friend Matthew Perri sang a lot of backing vocals. I recorded most things onto my Tascam tape machine, and used mainly my Rickenbacker guitar and a cheap Casio keyboard, but also lots of sketchy samples and plenty of reverb. For good measure, I added some overdubs at Mountain City Studios with my friends Adrian Popovich and Joseph Donovan, who also mixed and co-produced the EP. I made the artwork, which is 4 iPhone pictures I took by accident superimposed over one another. It took probably about 40 seconds to make… Haha!
Susil Sharma from Karma Glider shares,
After spending a really long time on our last EP, I really wanted to make something quick. I started writing these songs in September of 2023, and recorded everything myself and with our drummer extraordinaire, Jean-Philippe Godbout, in our jamspace shortly thereafter, which is a really quick turnaround for me. The philosophy behind this record was to make something immediate, trust the outcome and not second-guess myself. I was greatly inspired by the book, Tao Te Ching, Liam Gallagher as well as another Liam: my recently-adopted cat. I’ve also been listening to a lot of old school jungle and drum & bass (LTJ Bukem, Goldie, etc.), which definitely influenced the music.
I recorded and performed most of it by myself. Some of the drums were played and recorded by JP (Jean-Philippe Godbout), and my friend Matthew Perri sang a lot of backing vocals. I recorded most things onto my Tascam tape machine, and used mainly my Rickenbacker guitar and a cheap Casio keyboard, but also lots of sketchy samples and plenty of reverb. For good measure, I added some overdubs at Mountain City Studios with my friends Adrian Popovich and Joseph Donovan, who also mixed and co-produced the EP. I made the artwork, which is 4 iPhone pictures I took by accident superimposed over one another. It took probably about 40 seconds to make… Haha!
First off care to introduce yourself to our readers?
This project is called Karma Glider. It’s a shoegaze project led by me, Susil Sharma. I used to front another band called Heat from 2013-2017
Tell us a bit about your recent release.
This is our second EP, and it is heavily inspired by jungle music, krautrock, and shoegaze. I would call it mid-fi. Lots of tape machines and Casio keyboards and everything was done as spontaneously as possible.
How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?
Usually, I overthink everything and it takes ages to write, record, etc. This time there was no thinking, just flow. I have a satchel of energy crystals and I try to meditate with them for at least an hour before recording.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for supporting this new release? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or additional content that fans can look forward to in connection with this project?
We have an EP launch Friday June 28th at Quai des Brumes with two very sick Montreal bands: The Wesleys and Sun Entire. We also made videos for each of the tracks with our friend Evan Sharma and you can find them here: Ocean Honey Violence [Full EP]
Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?
It was pretty sick to open for Ride last month, they are heroes of ours… Every moment under the influence of music is sacred.
Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward, what upcoming band or artist would you recommend your fans check out?
Gen Ray