Los Angeles-based Historian have always exhibited a perpetual state of growth with each subsequent release. Their introverted music seems at odds with the increasingly extroverted cultural zeitgeist, but by aiming for emotional reaction with little regard to commercial viability, they have matured to embody an explorative, singular band.

Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.

Chris Karman - vocals, guitar, synth, piano

John Bottrell – bass, synth bass

Pae Boonsirichai – synth

Ennio Liverani – drums

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Historian? How long has the band been around?

John, Pae and Ennio have all have been in or are currently in other projects that they're a part. Historian is primarily my baby. I've been working as Historian since 2012 (we played our first show around the end of 2012 and released our first album Shelf Life in September of 2013.

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?

Historian was born out of a brainstorming session I had with the original members of the band. I am a bit of a music historian (specifically, the 60’s to the present). I have over 100 books on rock-era history, I have extensive lists of my top albums of each year and decade (which I try to make as objectively as possible, but let’s face, they’re pretty biased). At first the name Historian was a joke — a joke namely because it is so on the nose-- but then we grew to like it and it ended up being our favorite option.

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

I (Chris) write the songs. A big theme in Historian is time; the passage of time, the effects of time, I’m fascinated by time probably to an unhealthy degree. A lot of songs are about searching for personal meaning, significance and the ethereal things in life that transcend my comprehension. Pretty universal struggles. This could all get to be pretty pretentious, I think the key is in the delivery. I try not to beat people over the head with my beliefs and focus more on my own internal reflections. Historian also provides a great outlet for me to deal with our constantly changing culture. As it changes, so do my observations.

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

Recently, I've been really inspired by Julia Holter and Deerhunter. Both artists have a way with crafting music that's a bit expirimental and ethereal, but also pretty accessible. Julia Holter does such a great job of pulling from disparate influences (jazz, classical, expirimental pop) and creating something pretty otherworldly. I'm really fond of the last year's Amen Dunes album for the same reason.

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?

I'm not sure if there was one artist that inspired me per se, but I've always been drawen to artists who carry a lot of weight. Artists like David Bowie, Radiohead, Damon Albarn and Brian Eno are all a huge influence. I realize they are for millions of people, but it's their amazing ability to draw from so many disparate influences and resources and make something that’s pretty accessible and melodic, yet they consistently weave in experimental touches. They were instrumental helping me understand how you can use sound and atmosphere as an instrument. Also, they're artists that live in perpetual states of growth and exploration, pushing their sound to the limits of what it can/could be.

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …

I probably should do something intentionally to prepare for a show, like maybe meditate. I'm realizing I don't have anything specifically that I do, aside from practicing the set obiously.

What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?

The biggest highlight for me has been working with the great artists I've had the priveledge of making music with. I cried the first time I heard Quartetto Fantastico play on one of my records. I just couldn't believe it was my album I was listening to.

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

If I'm being completely honest here, I would have to say Radiohead, despite the fact that I feel like it's a bit of an obvious answer. It's almost like saying The Beatles. It's like, sure, who wouldn't? They were just so instrumental in helping me realize the style of music I enjoy playing, and listening to, the most. And they're amazing live, so getting to watch them every night after our set would be awfully inspiring. Outside of Radiohead, it gets pretty difficult to choose. Perhaps Brian Eno, just so I could pick his brain for the entire tour (if he'd let me!).

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I never had an inkling when I started Historian, that about six years later, we'd be putting out our fifth album! I just feel very fortunate beyond words to be able to continue doing what I love!