Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros Talk New LP, Collaborative Songwriting & Their Love Of Australia

Over the past six years, LA troupe Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros have dazzled the world with their infectious brand of sunny indie folk.

After bursting into the spotlight in 2009 with debut album Up And Above and the smile-inducing festival anthem “Home”, the travelling collective of modern hippies have attracted a lot of attention. It has seen them playing some of the biggest festivals around the world, appearing on late night talk shows and even strolling down the red carpet at the Grammys.

The Magnetic Zeros are now embarking on another adventure, their new self-titled third album garnering praise thanks to enchanting lead singles “Better Days” and “This Life”. It’s a reminder of what made everyone kick off their shoes and join the Zeros’ rapturous, foot-stomping cult in the first place.

Speaking with drummer Orpheo McCord, the easy-going Californian is currently soaking up a well-deserved rest from the band’s hectic recent touring schedule.

“We’ve had a break for the last week and a half so everyone went to their respective homes to decompress a little bit before we head out for another six-week run,” says the chipper percussionist.

“Like anything it gets tiring if you’re constantly on the road. But we’re all pretty good at helping support each other and keeping each other up and allowing the positivity to prevail.”

It’s odd to picture the 10-plus members of the Magnetic Zeros ever being apart. To borrow a term McCord uses frequently throughout the interview, the band have become a “close-knit family” since first being brought together by frontman and band brain Alex Ebert.

“It basically started around Alexander having an idea and a concept for the first record and through the process of recording the band came together,” says McCord.

“There was something natural and easy about the whole thing… something was unfolding and we knew we were all supposed to be a part of it.”

“In the beginning there were 10 of us and from there things kind of picked up and we were off and running. When I first met everybody I only knew Alexander, so it was like getting to know everybody but it felt really relaxed and exciting and fun.

“There was something natural and easy about the whole thing. As much as there were little challenges here and there, something was unfolding and we knew we were all supposed to be a part of it … we just rolled the wave and saw where it was taking us and here we are six years later…”

It’s a wave that continues to gain momentum, culminating in their latest, most personal record. Speaking of the recording process for the new album, McCord explains how each of the 10-plus members now add their own personal touches at every corner.

“A lot of the time it will be like, ‘here’s an idea’, and everyone puts in their interpretation of what they want to bring or add to it,” McCord explains. “We definitely all put in our own input and everyone brings something forward. It’s a pretty organic experience.

“It’s really fun when we get to do the vocals because we all just go into a room arm in arm, throw around a couple microphones, and it’s pretty hilarious. There’s a lot of laughing and joking and silliness…”

‘We all just go into a room arm in arm, throw around a couple microphones, and it’s pretty hilarious.”

The image McCord conjures seems to encapsulate the very essence of the Magnetic Zeros family, one that comes to life each and every time they perform. It’s this sense of a community that McCord says “has been the dynamic of this group since the beginning.”

Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros have had a consistently stellar track record of Australian visits, having toured the country in 2010, 2011 and 2012. As soon as the topic of a possible return enters the conversation, an excitable McCord straight away spills the beans and confirms they’ll be returning once again in 2014.

“We’re coming out in April of next year, so not for a while but we’re getting that sorted out now,” he announces, the date implying they’re on the Bluesfest lineup, which, after this interview was conducted, proved to be true.

It’ll be the troupe’s fourth visit in five years, and though McCord must be quite familiar with our country’s soil, it’s clear he and his bandmates are still raring to get over here.

“Australians, from my experience, have been so hospitable,” he reveals. “It’s just a friendly, welcoming culture. You know, it was so easy for people to be like, ‘oh yeah mate, come on let’s go for a surf’ and we’d have a day off and go down to Byron Bay or the Gold Coast or wherever.

“It’s so amazing to be able to surf and go back and play a show – it’s pretty rare that you get to have that experience, so to be able to do that is so fun and so exciting.

“That’s the best – that’s the ultimate. If I could just do that while I’m touring I could tour all the time, forever,” he says with a bellowing laugh. “I’m itching. Itching for a good surf.”

Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros’ new self-titled album is out now through Create/Control. Check out our review of the record here.

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