10 Questions for God and the Devil

In the grand scheme of things, maybe it doesn’t get any bigger that God and the Devil. However, when it comes to local indie rockers God and the Devil and their upcoming album, “The Cosmos and You,” that statement becomes arguable.

With a powerful sound sprinkled with psychedelic touches, God and the Devil has crafted an album that paints imaginary vistas as big as the universe. Standing bravely outside the comfort of short, radio-friendly tunes, the band is not afraid to explore and go beyond what almost everyone else sounds like. The record, which comes out this Thursday, Oct. 6, is a must-have for every indie rock collector and has already garnered praise from local media. To talk about the message behind the songs, the band collectively answered our ten questions.

1. When and why did God and the Devil get started? 

The group was formed in the summer of 2008 by songwriters Marc LeFebvre and Jason Garcia in order to fulfill their artistic visions. What started as friends hanging out and jamming quickly turned into a five piece rock band playing parties and shows.

2. How would you describe your sound to those who have never heard it? 

We'd describe our sound as head in the clouds rock music from down to earth people. We have a unique style that can be enjoyed by a wide variety of listeners.

3. Who are your influences as a group and why?

We love The Flaming Lips, Modest Mouse, My Morning Jacket, Apollo Sunshine, and White Denim. Of course we have also taken influence from the classic rock legends like The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix. The thing we find all of these bands have in common is that they are able to create a signature sound while communicating a powerful message.

4. Songs like "Goin' South" and "Indian Song" seem custom made for film; was that on purpose?

We feel that these tracks would be great for films, indie films in particular, but currently aren't slated for any. The purpose of our music is to try to create an environment that entices the imagination, allowing the listener to develop their own personal narrative. We do believe working with indie film makers is in our future, we just haven't found the right project yet.

5. The record has a bit of Jimi Hendrix ("Interstellar Medium"), God, love, space and the universe, where do you guys think the album fits in the current music market?

This album was intended to be a big picture sort of project. We're trying to relate a connected experience on a grand scale. Everybody is trying to find their place in the scheme of things. We certainly admire Jimi Hendrix and his ability to communicate that message. We feel the album fits between the 1960's and 70's classic rock sound and the emerging indie rock scene of today.

6. How did you guys pick the songs for the album?

We were trying to create a themed album and the songs that are on the album best fit the theme. Most of the songs deal with far out concepts, while others deal with the human perspective. Together these ideas created "The Cosmos and You."

 7. Is there a bit of a critique of contemporary culture in the new album or was that just me ("TV Screen" and "The Black Sheep," for example)?

Sure there is a little critique of contemporary culture in those songs, but at the end of the day, everyone is trying to find their own answers. We're not out to tell anyone how to live their lives. We're just making observations from our own personal experience.

8. What feedback from fans/critics regarding your work has touched you the most?

We have received a lot of positive feedback from our listeners as well as a great response from fans and audiences.  We have been described in Study Breaks magazine as "some of the best indie rock in Texas."  We also love it when people compare us to their favorite bands, it really is the best compliment we can get.

9. What would you like for people to take from your music?

Our intention is for the listeners to create their own meaning.  There are a lot of different messages that we communicate throughout our material, such as love, loss, war, the human experience, the expansive nature of the universe and the duality of existence.  We just want people to enjoy it and make it their own.

10. Could you describe the Austin music scene in one word?

 Innovative.

The band will be playing some music to celebrate the release of the new album this Thursday, Oct. 6 at the Hole in the Wall. The doors open at 9:00 p.m. If you want to learn more about the band or listen to some of their music, check them out on ReverbNation here. To check out some of their videos, visit their Facebook page here.