Sounding Out: Exray's

I was really intrigued listening to Exray’s self-titled release. Jon Bernson & Michael Falsetto-Mapp, the duo behind Exray’s, are boundary-pushing musicians who are not afraid to challenge themselves and listeners regarding what constitutes aesthetically pleasing music. On their new album, the two use hi-fi and lo-fi instruments and electronics to take a collection of new songs, with catchy pop frameworks, and transform them into sonically off-kilter soundscapes.

What I appreciate about Exray’s, is that there are so many layers to pull back as you dig into this collection of songs. Thematically, they are quite diverse and deciphering what was intended with each song can be a bit challenging. Jon has said that he creates songs in groups that are supposed to reflect off of one another. Given this, I was curious about his approach to this collection.

“Michael and I have made a lot of records and done a lot of recording, but these two albums are the first for Exray's. We're into a lot of different music, so we experimented a lot, and tried many different ways of putting the songs together. We brought in a bunch of friends to contribute on various tracks on the record, and none of them come from one particular genre or scene, so I guess that accounts for the diversity of the songs and sounds.”

Hesitation   

I love the idea of approaching music as an experiment. I asked Jon if there is a conscious starting point from which he and Michael work to form songs.

“Most of the time, I have the songs written before we start recording, so the basic form is already in place. That said, we approach the recording process with open minds and allow the songs to change as we track and arrange them. We like to experiment and push songs ‘til we've gone too far and then pull back, kind of young soul type of stuff, you don't know your limits, or your place in the world, so push until something pushes back.”

While the music is quite diverse and boundary pushing, Jon said the there is a common thread running through the lyrics to these songs. “They are based on my personal life. I wrote a play that strings the characters and events in the songs together, but decided not to release the writing because I felt it would distract me and the listeners from the music. I'm still happy with that decision, just keeping it surreal.”

In an interview, Jon had said that John Coltrane’s ‘A Love Supreme’ was the most influential album in his life. He had said, "It is so immediate, emotive, challenging and endless. The album longs for a world far beyond the world of music." I asked Jon if there were albums in other genres that have had a similar impact on him and his music? And if so, was it for the same reasons or something else?

“Probably every album I've heard has an influence. Sometimes the ones I hate have as much sway as the ones I love.” He said that it's nice to have something to strive for and something to strive against. “Erik Satie's Gymnopedies, and Steve Reich's 'Different Trains' are two records that I'll probably listen to for the rest of my life. Obviously Exray's music doesn't bear any resemblance, but I think at this point, I'm just making music that I'm capable of making with the inspiration and tools on hand. My influences may sound kind of high brow, but the reality of how I make music is really just practical in a way."

You Forgot   

Exray's is a second run of sorts for Jon and Michael. Previously, they recorded under the name Ray's Vast Basement. I asked Jon why they stopped recording under Ray’s Vast Basement. "I kicked myself out of the band and then Michael's contract was up so we started a new band with a different vibe. Everyone's on better terms this way," he said.

Beyond Exray's Jon is a very busy man. Besides being a founder of Howells Transmitter, a record label and arts collaborative, Jon runs the Urban Music Program in San Fransisco. The program is a non-profit that is dedicated to teaching music to kids in the Sunset Neighborhood community of the city.

Given the many hats that Jon wears, I ask him what expectations he and Michael have for Exray's, long term. He joked that he is investing in software that will continue to make the music he would have made after he's gone. "In order for this to work, I'll need to provide my imaginary staff with a decent catalogue so they have enough work to receive benefits. As for shorter long term, we plan on making about 33 more records, including another EP this year followed by our follow up LP."

While Jon's answer was not serious, I thought that it was the perfect ending to our conversation. Exray's will continue to push on what is possible until they can't.