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A Sensual Groove Affair In The Studio

Nathan Cone
/
Texas Public Radio
Thomie Lazcano, Aldo Lazcano, and Dany Escobar

With the belief that music stems from an “intimacy with one’s self,” the Parallelephants say they’re using music to pioneer a new “sexual renaissance.”

Members Thomie Lazcano, Aldo Lazcano, and Dany Escobar create a soulful atmosphere through their deeply layered tracks. Originally, the group formed when Thomie and Aldo were teenagers and attempted to be pop-punk musicians.

Today, the Parallelephants are a combination of R&B, and a more soulful version of chillwave, that focuses more on the aesthetics of audio and visual art. Their hazy sound consists of a delirious blur of slowed-down beats, soft vocal harmonies, and intricate wavering tones that help create a “sensual groove affair.” As the group’s popularity grows, they have gained a dedicated fan base that relates to their messages of self-exploration and love in addition to their rejection of toxic masculinity and self-pride.

Danielle Trevino: Can you explain your thought process behind selecting the imagery surrounding “Supply’s” album art and the album as a whole?

Thomie Lazcano: I wanted to create something that was feminine in a lot of ways. Everything from the pink album cover to the artwork released with it, it all revolved around femininity. In the music itself, I try to pitch up my voice a lot. I use different recording methods to do that.... [The album] is mainly about rejecting most forms of masculinity and self-pride. I think we are in a new era where that is not necessary at all anymore.

During the two-year production period of “Supply,” the group remembers the experience as both scattered and collaborative. Thomie recalls contacting some girl they found on Soundcloud to sing on a track. “We used whatever resources were available to us [at the time]… We don't believe in going past what our current means are because if you keep doing that you are never going to finish something,” explained Thomie.

Asked if their production method makes it easier to record because they don't have to go into a traditional recording studio, Thomie agreed, saying:

“It is cheaper in a lot of ways too, but it also presents other challenges. Like, you never know when something is done. You can just keep editing and editing forever... I think if we were in more of a traditional area of recording, then we would've been done with the album a lot sooner. So I think that [our production method] presents its own challenges — like you never know when to stop."

The Parallelephants' latest album “Supply” can be found on Spotifyand Apple Music. Follow the group on Facebook and subscribe to their YouTubechannel to stay up to date with the group.

Danielle is a Trinity University student studying Communication and Studio Art. In focusing on the relationship between visual communication and political discourse, she discovered a passion for bringing people together through a common understanding of current events through different multimedia. Her experience includes book publishing, video production, journalism, podcasting, graphic design, and museum studies.