Interview and photo by Izel Villarba, find more of his work here.
On the eve of The C.I.A.’s first show in New York, I stand front stage at Trans Pecos waiting for them to go on. I see Ty Segall and Emmett Kelly, of the Cairo Gang, plug in and line check their basses. They proceed to build a pyramid made of amps and a drum machine on the back wall. Everybody else in the room seems perplexed at the set up. Ordinarily, a rock band has at least one guitar, or a drum set, or both, but The C.I.A. is not ordinary and they have neither. They play with two basses, a drum machine, and one hell of a voice provided by Denée Segall, who is nowhere to be seen. The C.I.A.’s self-titled debut album is a pulsating, sonic maelstrom that is threaded ever so intricately by Segall’s earsplitting lyrics. After the two bassists finish setting up I can tell the crowd is on edge, itching to finally hear the band’s explosive sound live. At last, Denée steps out from behind the stage and approaches the mic. The room goes silent. It’s like we’re waiting for dynamite to detonate.
I had the opportunity to dig deeper into the voice behind The C.I.A. and interview Denée about her band, lyrics, and what it means to have a human connection.
Is The C.I.A. a fairly new project or has it been underground for a while and you’re just now releasing the music?
It’s pretty new. Our first practice was in fall of 2017.
How’s the response been to the new record at your live shows?
It’s been positive. Our audiences have always seemed to be receptive. They used to be a bit more contemplative and perhaps confused as to what we were all about. Rightfully so. Before the record came out we had only put out a demo tape that was 50% a sound collage and played a handful of shows in LA. Now that people have had a chance to hear the recordings the crowd seems to react with more energy. People sing along and dance now. It’s nice to see.
Did your experience in VIAL or Lamps shape at all what The C.I.A. was to become? Was there anything from those bands you learned that you were able to apply to The C.I.A.?
Just to have experience playing shows with those bands has made me a better performer. I had never sang in a band before VIAL. I was very self conscious about my voice. Singing back up vocals in that band definitely sparked a need in me. I didn’t truly know how cathartic it was to scream before then. I used to be pretty reserved in front of a crowd. Now I’m much more comfortable in my own skin.
Why do you feel this project, this band, and this music needs to exist, rather than have it as just an idea in your head?
My experience playing in this band has helped me put into words a lot of thoughts and emotions that were pent up inside of me for a very long time. It was a (previous unrealized) personal need for me to set those things free.
Where do the roots of your music come from and what ideas, sounds, and emotions do you want to evoke?
There was never any discussion between us as to what this band was supposed to be, instrumentally or idealistically. Ty and Emmett don’t really have to communicate verbally when they write. They know how to read each other and then this helps the songs form naturally and usually very quickly. Emotionally speaking, I write a lot about what angers me but also about what excites me. The subject matter is very personal and intense and I think people can feel that. As longtime friends, the three of us know each other quite well and share a common ideology. I feel very open and free when I write lyrics because I know my bandmates are going to stand behind what I have to say.
If you could make a non-music related analogy about your music what would it be? When I first heard the new album it sounded like my heart was going to explode, which is a good thing.
Good to hear. I’m glad we got your blood pumping! If this band were a film it’d be some sort experimental slasher / dark comedy / film noir. Rated R for light nudity, profanity and some disturbing images.
I’ve noticed you guys are pretty off the internet and social media, what is it about internet and social media that makes you choose to avoid them?
It is far more healthy to focus on real intimate human connection than to constantly worry about if strangers think we’re valid. If someone on the internet has something meaningful to say to me, they can email me (my email is listed on my website, my only real internet presence). Social media is so damaging to the way we treat and communicate with each other. It makes people more judgmental, envious, narcissistic, depressed. I understand that in the modern world it is indeed a very helpful and often a necessary tool to use social media for business. I get that and I’m not against it. I also realize that it’s an easy tool to help keep in touch with friends and family who may be far away. But easy doesn’t always mean better. How about a phone call? A letter? Even an email is more meaningful than clicking on a heart! Please understand that I’m not judging anyone for their decisions. We’re in it together. We’re all devo. Do whatever makes you feel good. Just evaluate if it actually makes you feel good. Life is short. Use your time wisely.
Does The C.I.A. have an intended audience in mind? Who do you hope finds your music?
Crucial Inclusivity Always. But no ✱s please.
Do you separate yourself from your performance?
No. I’m very much present.
Does the experience feel improvised or is it something you mentally have to prepare for before you step on to the stage?
A mixture of both. My mental preparation is simply trying not to get in my head so that I can allow myself to do what comes instinctually.
What’s your favorite song you’ve written so far and what’s the most personal song you’ve written so far? Are they the same song?
I don’t think I could pick a favorite. The subject matter varies and they all have value to me in different ways. The most personal song is “Power”.
What do you have in common with the (other) CIA and what makes you different from them?
We’re both sharp dressers that tend to emit an ominous presence.
Do you think they’re watching you right now? Do you think they’d like your music?
Of course. www.weknowwhereyouare.com 😉
You can follow Denée’s only real internet presence here.
