If Angel Deradoorian's voice sounds familiar, then you're probably a fan of Dirty Projectors. The Brooklyn-based musician is the former bassist and vocalist for the seminal avant-garde band that built its reputation in part on virtuoso, layered female vocals. But Deradoorian, performing under her surname, has established herself as a notable artist in her own right and a beacon in the art-rock community, having collaborated with artists like Animal Collective, Flying Lotus, and Vampire Weekend. (Deradoorian is also a member of Animal Collective founding member Avey Tare's side project, Slasher Flicks.)
To record her debut album, Deradoorian decamped to Los Angeles, where she occasionally collaborated with other musicians, but did most of the writing and recording herself. The result is The Exploding Flower Planet (August 21 via Anticon), an exotic, experimental, and complex album that's almost impossible to categorize. The record's lead single, "A Beautiful Woman," which you can hear below, is steeped in eerie psychedelia and drenched in harmony. Much like its creator, it's beautiful.
How would you describe your aesthetic?
I like red, black, gold, and green right now. My music is pink, green, blue, and orange, with black. Caves, rock mountains, singing women, bright blue days.
How did your career get started?
With a flute, guitar, accordion, and a friend who finally let me be in his band.
Where do you hope to be professionally in five years?
On Earth.
What’s your next project?
Furthering the exploration of music and writing.
What are you most proud of so far in terms of your career?
I'm proud of my previous bands, the musicians we/I have collaborated with, the continual will to explore my musical interests and self.
What famous person dead or living do most wish you could have as a roommate?
George Gurdjieff. We would play harmoniums together. He would teach me philosophy. I'd cook him Armenian food.
What is your favorite driving music?
Disclosure, Black Devil Disco Club, Terry Riley, Terence McKenna lectures, silence.
If you had to live in a past time, what do you think would be the most fun era and why?
Paris in the '20s. It seemed like a magical moment in art, music, and literature. Plus I'd be into wearing those cool dresses and headbands.
What activities do most enjoy doing alone?
Writing words, reading, and singing.
How do you wind down before bed?
Fall on bed. Sleep.
When are you most relaxed?
Listening to drones. When my sister gives me a shoulder massage. A dark room.
What kind of person were you in high school?
I think I was nice and very interested in making visual art. I enjoyed acting.
Can you tell me a quality about yourself that you are genuinely proud of?
I'd like to think I am generous.
Do you have any phobias?
Sharks. Ocean.
What’s a serious side of you that people are unlikely to know about? Either in terms of interests, hobbies, or personality?
I'm pretty transparent. Some may not know that I have an interest in studying astrology and psychology.
What are some new hobbies you would like to take on?
Muay Thai.
How do you hope to grow as a creative person?
Listening to others.
If there was a phrase that you think best sums up your approach to life what might it be?
Put fear in the periphery, do something that gives to others.
