Kylesa’s innovative samples and sound collages make them distinctive. Phillip started doing samples and collages in his old band and his interest grew over the years. He says, “Live, it’s samples, but recording, everything is made from scratch. We’re not sampling records or TV.” Phillip’s enthusiasm for sound collages and samples spread to the other members of Kylesa as they joined.
Although Laura states that Carl runs all the samples live, the soundscapes can be a source of contention. Billy says, “In some instances, where everyone is contributing to the soundscapes, who gets to do that part live becomes an issue.”
For the most part, however, the problems are financial. Phillip whittles the problem down to basics. “There is technology and money,” he says. “If we had a little more gear, we would all be doing it. Right now, money is the issue. We are constantly trying to figure out how to do it better. It’s better than it was last year, and next year it will be better than now.”
“We have had a few bands look at us and try not to steal [one of our two drummers]. [They’re] like, ‘Fuck you. How did you get two?'” -Phillip Cope
Asked whether they had trouble transferring what they did in studio to a live show, Corey admits it was tricky in the past, “because you have to have the right technology to be able to do it, and we were always ghetto. But throughout the years we have gotten a bit smarter to where it’s a lot easier.”
Since Phillip and Corey claim that they scrounge around off tour, it is good that the band is doing well.
Phillip, Laura, and Corey are long-time members of the band and they are hoping Jeff and Carl will stay with the group.
Kylesa has had two drummers since February of 2006. Laura says, “We got [Carl] and started jamming everyday, basically wrote the album, and recorded in June.” Phillip claims the acquisition has caused some envy. “We have had a few bands look at us and try not to steal them,” he says. “[They’re] like, ‘Fuck you. How did you get two?'”
– Billy Barry