CASH+DAVID reflect on dualism, similarities and opposites, the past and the future.

Cash+David, producer Tim Ross and singer-songwriter Liz Lawrence, are embodiment of vital and multi-layered electro-pop. The representation of ethereal sounds spreading emotional message, filled with sleek and gentle vocals which easily blend into energetic percussion and sublime synths. But that does not mean their sound lacks powerful guitars or steady bass lines. Add well-crafted songwriting skills and outstanding production and you get really enjoyable and melodic harmonies.

I caught up with London-based duo before their set at The Pickle Factory in London. I remember seeing them performing at Scala a while back when they were supporting Gengahr on tour. But as they say – We are much better now.

The electro-pop duo released new SIDE I EP last month (Apr 22) which is a part of their dualism concept. It is clean, ordered and precise pop music that casts a soft and vulnerable light on the band. Its songs are about offering yourself to a lover without resistance and learning how to repair damage. It’s an invitation to the moment; every lyric exists in the present tense, in the now.

The clip for the lead single When You’re Lonely was shot in the sparse desert of Death Valley, California. Cash+David talk about the idea behind it and why they decided to go for this particular one.

We got a couple of treatments in but that one was a stand-out for various reasons – Liz explains. We had some aesthetic quotes with the Pythagoras’ table of opposites that we’d been using and we had the quotes about emotional intent for longing. We sent this brief out and Sleepy Puppies [the directors of the video] came back with this beautiful idea and we just went like “Yeah!” They filmed it in L.A. and we did a lot of stuff via Skype. Actually, it was really good it worked out because we are control freaks, I guess.

SIDE II EP, the counterpart to SIDE I, will emphasize a darker side of the band with track listing as follows

Alright Now

Adore

When You’re Lonely

Ain’t Got Time

As they explain:

We are just unleashing other musical ideas – says Tim. The songs are certainly rougher but instead of putting it all in one song we decided to split it up.

Yes, the sound is bigger – Liz continues. Lyrics as well. That type of songs about things you don’t want to admit you think about, you know? That less presentable self, I suppose. In a way.

And it will be released this year – Tim adds. After summer, I guess but there will be a single that will lead up to it.

Ross and Lawrence go way back but they formed as Cash+David in 2014. They reflect on their musical similarities and relationship transformation.

In terms of music and aesthetics I think we’re very similar – Tim starts. We make really polished but also really rough and aggressive music. We don’t really differ from many artists.

It’s true – Liz claims. We’ve got the same birthday so we’re similar in some kind of energy way. We also have this scale of how we work. I think we’ve evolved a lot. “Funn” was the track that we released right at the start and I think when you listen to earlier stuff you can hear different things going on there, places that have developed in songs, the production, the mix and everything. I think our relationship now is super siblingy. We can poke each other.

Any highlights so far?

I loved hearing “Funn” on Pretty Little Liars – says Tim. So cool. And such a great scene.

Yeah, that was pretty good – Liz agrees. That was like a TV sink but I don’t know.. I feel good about today. I’m such a future-thinker. Yeah bring it! I think ‘now’ is my favourite thing.

As the conversation unravels their musical influences and similarities become even more obvious. This is why instead of asking who they listen to nowadays I decide to find out if there is any song they both find let’s say, annoying.

That Lukas Graham “7 years” song – Liz says. But just because it’s been played off the air a lot. Somewhere in a corner shop, when you’re buying a pint of milk, it comes on and for the next six hours you can’t stop singing .

That Tracy Chapman remix – Tim quickly makes up his mind. Just, no.

I started to like it – Liz admits.

Did you really?

Because I was in a car so much… But the original song is..

Oh it’s phenomenal.

So maybe it’s just singing to the song.

Yes, I think it’s the song – Tim sums up.

Oh well, now I can’t stop singing to it.

Cash+David are playing at a few festivals this summer and I highly recommend you to go and see them! You won’t be disappointed. After that lots of bits and pieces over the next six weeks and then we’ll get back in the studio – they say. And we cannot wait to hear more!

Photo: Kasia Osowiecka