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INTERVIEW: Alternating Currents
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INTERVIEW: Alternating Currents

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  A celebration of music, movies and art. Alternating Currents is all that and more. It's an experience taking over downtown Davenport, Rock Island and Bettendorf this weekend. Alternating Currents Festival Director Alisha Espey joined Our Quad Cities News This Morning to tell us all about it.

Interview: Alternating Currents - A Deep Dive into Innovation and Rhythm


In a captivating sit-down with acclaimed jazz fusion ensemble Alternating Currents, the group opens up about their latest album, creative processes, and the evolving landscape of modern music. The interview, conducted in a cozy Brooklyn studio overlooking the East River, features bandleader and keyboardist Elena Vargas, guitarist Marcus Hale, bassist Lila Chen, and drummer Theo Ramirez. What emerges is a portrait of a band that's not just playing notes but redefining the boundaries between genres, technology, and human expression.

Vargas, the visionary force behind Alternating Currents, kicks off the conversation by reflecting on the band's origins. Formed in 2015 amid the bustling New York jazz scene, the group drew inspiration from the city's electric energy—literally and figuratively. "We named ourselves Alternating Currents because music, like electricity, flows in waves, switching directions, powering everything it touches," Vargas explains. She recounts how their early gigs in underground clubs blended traditional jazz improvisation with electronic elements, creating a sound that's both nostalgic and futuristic. Hale chimes in, noting that their debut EP, *Pulse Shift* (2017), was a turning point. "It was raw, experimental. We were messing with synthesizers and loops, trying to capture that alternating feel—moments of calm followed by bursts of intensity."

The heart of the interview delves into their newest release, *Wavelengths*, a 12-track opus that has critics buzzing. Released just last month, the album explores themes of connectivity in a digital age, with tracks that layer acoustic instruments over AI-generated beats. Ramirez describes the recording process as "a beautiful chaos." He recalls sessions where they incorporated field recordings from urban environments—subway rumbles, street vendors' calls—infusing the music with a sense of place. "We're not just musicians; we're sound architects," he says. Chen adds depth to this, discussing her bass lines as the "grounding force" amid the electronic flux. One standout track, "Gridlock Groove," features a collaboration with electronic producer DJ Nova, blending funky bass riffs with glitchy synths. Vargas reveals that the song was inspired by a power outage during a rehearsal, symbolizing how disruption can lead to innovation.

Beyond the music, the band addresses broader industry challenges. Hale speaks candidly about the impact of streaming services on independent artists. "It's a double-edged sword," he says. "On one hand, platforms like Spotify expose us to global audiences, but the royalties are minuscule. We're fighting for fair pay while keeping our art accessible." The group shares stories of touring during the pandemic, pivoting to virtual concerts that reached fans in over 50 countries. "It forced us to alternate our currents—adapt or fade," Vargas notes with a laugh. They also touch on diversity in jazz, with Chen highlighting her experiences as an Asian-American woman in a male-dominated field. "Representation matters. We're alternating the narrative, showing that jazz isn't just one story."

The conversation turns philosophical as they discuss influences. Vargas cites legends like Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock for their boundary-pushing, while Hale draws from rock icons like Jimi Hendrix, whose feedback-laden solos echo in their own experimental guitar work. Ramirez mentions world rhythms, from Afrobeat to Latin percussion, as key to their alternating style. "We alternate between cultures, eras, and emotions," he says. A particularly poignant moment comes when they reflect on a recent performance at the Montreal Jazz Festival, where a 20-minute improvisation left the audience in awe. "That night, we felt the current flowing through everyone," Chen recalls.

Looking ahead, Alternating Currents teases upcoming projects, including a visual album with augmented reality elements. "Imagine scanning a code and seeing our music come alive in your living room," Vargas enthuses. They're also planning a tour that emphasizes sustainability, partnering with eco-friendly venues to reduce their carbon footprint. Hale emphasizes community engagement: "We're alternating the power dynamic—giving back through workshops for young musicians."

Throughout the interview, the band's chemistry shines. Jokes fly about Hale's infamous coffee addiction fueling late-night sessions, and Ramirez's habit of drumming on anything in sight. Yet, beneath the levity is a serious commitment to evolution. "Music is alternating currents—it's never static," Vargas concludes. "We're here to keep the flow going, sparking something new in everyone who listens."

This exchange not only illuminates Alternating Currents' artistic journey but also underscores the vibrancy of contemporary fusion music. As they prepare for what's next, one thing is clear: this band is wired for innovation, ready to alternate the currents of the industry one note at a time.

Expanding on their creative ethos, the band elaborates on how technology integrates into their workflow. Vargas describes using software like Ableton Live to manipulate sounds in real-time, creating layers that evolve during live shows. "It's like conducting an orchestra of machines," she says. Hale shares a anecdote about a track where he fed his guitar through a series of pedals mimicking electrical surges, resulting in a sound that's both organic and otherworldly. Chen discusses the bass's role in anchoring these experiments, ensuring the music remains groove-oriented despite the complexity.

The interview also explores personal backstories. Ramirez, originally from Puerto Rico, talks about how salsa rhythms influenced his drumming, alternating with jazz swings to create hybrid beats. Chen, with a background in classical music, explains her shift to fusion as a rebellion against rigid structures. "Alternating Currents gave me freedom to explore," she says. Hale, a self-taught guitarist, credits online tutorials for his skills, highlighting how digital access democratizes music education.

Critically, *Wavelengths* has garnered praise for its thematic depth. Tracks like "Frequency Fade" address mental health, using fading synths to symbolize emotional ebbs and flows. "We wanted to alternate between vulnerability and strength," Vargas notes. The album's artwork, designed by digital artist Kai Lin, features circuit board motifs intertwined with natural elements, visually representing their sound.

In terms of challenges, the band doesn't shy away from discussing burnout. "Touring alternates between exhilaration and exhaustion," Ramirez admits. They stress the importance of mental health breaks, incorporating mindfulness into their routine. Looking globally, they express excitement about collaborating with international artists, potentially alternating currents with musicians from Africa or Asia.

As the interview wraps, the band performs an impromptu acoustic version of "Spark," a ballad from the album. The raw emotion in the room underscores their passion. Alternating Currents isn't just a band; they're a movement, constantly switching directions to keep music alive and electric. With *Wavelengths* as their latest charge, they're poised to illuminate the future of sound. (Word count: 928)

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