Check out our interview with Eighty Ninety – the project of brothers Abner (vocals, production) & Harper James (guitar, production) who just released their new single “Face Like A Sunset.”
Eighty Ninety fuse intimate storytelling, sticky melodies, and minimalist pop productions built on acoustic instruments and electronic sounds in a style they call “808s and telecasters.” Since making their debut in 2016, the duo have racked up over 33 million streams, as well as accolades from Billboard, Alternative Press, and Ones To Watch.
Follow Eighty Ninety @eightyninety8090
Hi guys! Please tell us a little about yourselves.
Hi! We’re Abner and Harper James, we’re brothers, and we play in an indie-alt-pop band called Eighty Ninety.
How would you describe your sound in 3 words?
808s and telecasters.
Who influences your sound? Why did you choose to make music?
We love classic storytelling in songwriting, but we also love experimental sounds. We really try to blend both into our music. We grew up around music and gravitated towards it at a young age, so it never really felt like a “decision” for either of us. It was just something we both always wanted to do.
What is it like working together as brothers?
Well, as family you know you have your issues, haha. But, it’s great for the most part! We know each other so well and already have so many similar creative reference points that it makes communication and collaboration so easy.
Do you play any instruments?
Yes! Abner plays acoustic guitar and piano. Harper plays guitar, drums, bass, synths, and pretty much everything else on the records.
Tell us about your new single, “Face Like A Sunset.” What’s the story behind the song?
“Face Like a Sunset” is about the small moments when you realize you’re falling in love. It’s also about the recognition that our time on earth together is limited: a sunset is partly beautiful because it is
ephemeral.
What is the most rewarding thing about releasing music?
It’s the greatest feeling when we get a message or a comment that our music has connected with someone in any way. It’s really what keeps us going.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Trust your instincts. Follow what makes you happy. Find your joy and people will get it!
What’s next for Eighty Ninety in 2023?
We’re gearing up to release an album! We’ll be putting out music steadily throughout the remainder of this year.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Abner: I love matcha, if that counts.
And your favorite cheat food?
Pizza. Basic but how can you argue?
What is your own definition of happiness?
Calm.
If you could meet someone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
We would love to meet Taylor Swift so we could thank her for supporting our music and introducing it to so many fans!
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
Endings should be surprising in the moment, and inevitable in retrospect.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
As long as we’re able to continue making music, we’re open to whatever shape that takes.
Where can we follow you?
Spotify / Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / TikTok
Favorite Book: Abner: The Order of Time by Carlo Rovelli
Favorite Quote: Abner: “love is the willingness to recognize that which is real” – Erich Schiffmann
Favorite Movie: Abner: Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘Magnolia’
Favorite TV Series: Abner: The OA
Favorite Food: Abner: Pizza
Favorite Travel Destination: Abner: Paris
