Meet King Weapon

I really do enjoy doing this whole blog thing. Not only has it lead to my discovery of hundreds of talented people making music in the area, but it also lets me share their music and stories with all of you lovely people.

King weapon is the solo project of our stellar friend Tommy. With one of my favorite band name origin stories to date (in the article below) they produce wavy spacy ambient jams. I am not sure if you can say “ambient jams” it almost seems to be opposition to what ambient music is trying to do, still I can not contain my excitement. And neither should you! Jam out with Tommy Below as we chat him about King Weapon.

HISTORY OF A FAMOUS INVENTION a Mad-lib by, King Weapon

Bullfighting is a HUMONGOUS sport which is very popular in DING DONG, TEXAS. A bullfighter is called a matador, and his equipment consists of a long, sharp OINTMENT called BALLS, and a bright red BOW TIE. He waves his BOW TIE at the bull, which makes the bull SLIMY and causes him to charge. The matador then goes through a series of SQUISHY maneuvers to avoid getting caught on the bull's LIPS. If the matador kills the bull, the spectators yell, "NOOSE!" and throw their VESTS into the ring. If the bull wins, they yell "HOLY FUCKNUGGETS!!" and call for another matador. Bullfighting is a very TANGY sport, but it will never be popular to America because Americans don't believe in cruelty to WHIPS.

Would You Rather

be trapped in a dark closet with a swan or a scorpion? Please explain why. 

Swan! They seem more reasonable (and softer).

Some questions with King Weapon

What is the King Weapon?

The name comes from my childhood. When we were kids, my cousin Scott used to call certain people "weapons". The only connecting criteria for being called a weapon by Scott was doing or saying something weird or awkward or clumsy or whatever. Once Scott coined you a weapon, you were a weapon for life. One day, I tried a hand at calling someone a weapon, and Scott cut me off, saying, "What are you calling him a weapon for?! You are King Weapon!". I was quite proud, and loved how the name sounded. 

What is the all time best ever cure for a hangover?

I don't drink anymore, but when I did, a huge everything bagel and the largest coffee imaginable always did the job! 

Being a solo project do you show your work to anyone for feedback before it is released?

I actually don't, because I prefer not to overthink anything or get anyone else's voice in my head. I just want to get the songs out there. However, I do love and accept any type of feedback once it's out already, especially for recording, mixing, etc. things, because I still have so much to learn in that area. 

What kind of spaces do you want to bring people to with your music?

Maybe contemplative and calm... unsettled, but safe.  But really wherever they want to go! 

Do you see a correlation between tempo and emotion? Does this factor into your creative process?

I do. Music affects me very physically and I've been in so many different projects that have explored different tempos and time signatures and how they can spark different feelings or whatever. Most of the King Weapon stuff is at a slower speed, since there's no drums or beats or anything, so that naturally brings out more pensive or ethereal movements. 

Who are your favorite bands active in NYC right now?

I haven't seen them in a while, but Tiny Hazard puts out some crazy unique stuff, and their live shows are just superb. It's like King Crimson meets Bjork or something. Also Vaz. Echo Moth is great too. 

Has nature influenced your work? If yes then how?

Not directly, no, although I do love nature! I feel the sounds come from more internal spaces. 

Where is the best place to get pizza in NYC?

Nonno's in Bay Ridge makes such a simple and perfect slice. Grimaldi's has amazing brick-oven pies, although I haven't been there in a while. And Paulie Gee's in Greenpoint is intense, too!

What keeps you inspired to create more music?

Just that constant need for catharsis and expression (and fun!). I'm so grateful that I'm able to do this at all, and I've never taken it for granted. And externally, I'm still always on a giddy childlike hunt for new music to listen to.

Any final comments? (This is your electronic soapbox for one last answer.)

Follow your own voice and love the process of whatever it is you're doing!