Check out our interview with Los Angeles based dream pop duo “The Know”
The Know began in late 2018 when Daniel Knowles suggested to his wife, Jennifer Farmer, that instead of traveling home for the holidays (to the UK and Texas respectively) that the LA based transplants stay put and try to create music together, just the two of them. This would be the married couple’s gift to themselves.
For the next few weeks, they isolated themselves in their home studio with no real plan except a mutual love of Beach House, Julee Cruise, Ye Ye, The Jesus and Mary Chain, 60’s girl groups, and the evocative storytelling lyricism of Patsy Cline and The National.
The first result was lead single ‘143.’ Inspired by Tom Waits’ ‘(Looking for) The Heart of Saturday Night’, the dream pop song melds autobiographical with fantastical lyrics and unfolds as a series of conversations, images, and hazy recollections of a night out. Their love for ethereal, dreamy atmospheres is shown in ‘143’, glistening with warm melodies, thick soundscapes, and quirky spontaneous flares.
Four more songs quickly followed in the wake of 143, tracks that provide an unflinching look at the couple. The EP often delves deep into the duo’s personal lives by honestly narrating stories from their relationship and life experiences against a kaleidoscopic sonic palette.
Follow The Know at @wearetheknow
Hi Jennifer & Dan, please tell us a little about you?
We’re a married couple making music as THE KNOW in Los Angeles and sometimes the UK.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
I AM AWESOME.
Who has made the biggest impact on your life so far, and why?
My husband and my parents. They’ve encouraged me to keep going in life, business, and music when I had very little faith in myself.
How did you get started in the business?
I met Dan!
Did you go to music/production school?
I went to school for music business but have no formal training or experience on the performance side.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
Annie Hardy of Giant Drag was a big influence of mine. Her lyrics are quirky and honest and I used to sing to her songs for years before we became friends. She was the one who encouraged me to sing. I remember the specific phrase she used but it’s a bit X-Rated….in true Annie fashion so I won’t repeat it here!
Do you guys ever get nervous?
100%. I’m a very anxious person to begin with so pretty much everything makes me nervous!
Tell us about your hit single “Hold Me Like You Know Me?”
The lyrics were written when I was going through period of intense isolation & loneliness. I work from home, Dan was away for work, my family is all in Texas and it was just generally a rough time. It’s about wanting to feel connected which I also tried to portray in the video.
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What is your next goal as a duo?
Keep writing and creating. Keep moving forward. Making songs and videos. Assemble a band for live shows. Assemble a team.
What is the toughest decision you guys had to make in the business the last few months?
We haven’t really had to make very many tough decisions yet but there was a lot of back and forth over what song to release first! We all had different ideas but I think ultimately 143 was the right choice.
What is different from your music to other artists music?
I think one of the cool things about us is we do everything ourselves from recording, to production, to mixing, etc – that’s all Dan! I handle all of the visuals & music videos so we have a pretty clear vision and idea of what we want things to sound & look like.
Any advice to other young entrepreneurs out there?
Just do it.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
My dad is an entrepreneur and I also own my own business outside of doing music. When I was a kid, he gave me “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill so I think that is a MUST for anyone getting started in any kind of business. I really love all of Robert Greene’s books, as well, so I highly recommend all of his work.
Now how was working with dancer and influencer Lexee Smith?
Lexee is great. I’ve known her for her entire life and we have always talked about collaborating. We’re both dreamers and creatives and always have ideas we want to see through. The timing for this particular idea worked with her schedule and it’s something she felt connected to, so we made it happen and I’m extremely grateful for that. She really saw my vision to life and I’m not sure it would have worked with anyone else. Since she’s someone I know, I was able to discuss details about the song and idea that I’m not sure I would have been comfortable talking to a stranger about. Also, a lot of it was freestyled which I really liked because it kept it authentic and real to what she was feeling in the moment.
What we can expect of The Know in 2020?
The full EP release, some live shows, and we’ve already started working on new songs!
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
I’m the ultimate car singer! My karaoke go to’s are Gangsta’s Paradise, anything from Spice Girls, Garth Brooks or These Boots Are Made for Walking.
Name one your strengths?
Seeing ideas through.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Living a meaningful life. Being content with the good and bad.
Any loves other than music?
Thrifting! I started my business through my love of thrifting and I have a knack for finding the coolest shit! People are always asking me to take them shopping.
Any exiting news you want to share with us?
I saved 10% by switching to Geico!
How’s a typical day in your life?
Structure is something I lack a bit of right now because I work for myself, from home! I’m trying to get in a bit more of a routine but typically I wake up around 9-10 and take the dogs out. Answer emails, go to the post office (I ship a lot of things for my business), eat lunch, work some more – I’m literally ALWAYS ON THE COMPUTER! Watch the ID Channel. Go to bed. Wash, rinse, repeat! That’s a pretty typical day.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Refer to the 143 video: Weekends Are All I Ever Wanna Do! Hold Hands, Kiss, Love, Can’t Even Move. 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPEJNyx58B4
What is your favorite healthy food?
I’m a sucker for fresh fruit and a good salad.
And your favorite cheat food?
I love junk food. Pizza and ice cream 100%.
Who is your biggest beauty inspiration?
I think I only follow one girl on Instagram named Luanna who would be even close but she’s more of a fashion inspiration. A few years ago, I totally copied her hair and did a fire engine red with bleached tips. She’s got a really cool 90s style which is what I like.
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
Considering we have been married for nearly a decade, this isn’t something I have really thought about but I can’t stand when people are texting/on their phones constantly or don’t look at you in the eye. Smacking would also tip it over the edge.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Kurt Cobain. Nirvana is my #1 all time favorite band and I’m too young to have seen them play live. They were sort of my “gateway” band if you will. I learned about so many styles of music and other bands through them. Pixies being one, who is also another favorite of mine.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully some touring and/or traveling under my belt. A house, a family……the American Dream.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Goodwill chic.
What do you think of Social Media?
Necessary evil.
Where we can follow you?
Spotify / Soundcloud / YouTube / BandCamp / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter
JENNIFER:
Quote: “The best advice I’ve ever received is, ‘No one else knows what they’re doing either.” – RICKY GERVAIS
Song: About a Girl by Nirvana
Movie: Ghost World
Travel Destination: Thailand
Food: Shabu Shabu
Sports Team: HOUSTON ROCKETS
DAN:
Quote: “We’re all going to die, all of us, what a circus! That alone should make us love each other but it doesn’t. We are terrorized and flattened by trivialities, we are eaten up by nothing.” – Charles Bukowski
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough” – Mae West
Song: Tom Waits – Jockey full of Bourbon or anything off the album Rain dogs
Movie: Mulholland Drive
Travel Destination: Japan
Food: Double Double, no onion, animal style fries
Sports Team: Spurs
Photo Credit: Josh A. Katz
