Watching the...Détective?

This duo is really a new thing! Détective formed this year, put out 2 EPs and also released an album, However Strange, on cassette tape. The man and woman behind Détective hail from two existent groups:  Guided  By Voices and Useless Keys. They are James Greer and Guylaine Vivarat. And their name comes from a Godard movie. Also:  they are on tour presently- they're based out of LA- and will be hitting Phoenix on September 14th at the Sail Inn. 

I chatted with them rather briefly about...you know important things! 

UC:  How did you two get together?

D:  We met at a French film festival here in Los Angeles that Guylaine was at that time co-directing. Which in retrospect seems appropriate.  

UC:  Are you both big fans of French new wave?

D:  Yes! We like new waves of all kind. Mostly, we have a mild obsession with JL Godard. Guylaine can't help it since she's French, and James has spent a lot of time in France and also loves French film. But really, we'll watch anything, not just the New Wave. Especially if there's a car chase or people hunting with bows and arrows.

UC:  So you are touring in conjecture with the Guided By Voices tour? How do you think fans will react?

D:  Guided By Voices fans are very devoted, and usually very supportive, and often very drunk. It's always difficult being the opening band, because everyone is excited to see the main act. We plan to get off the stage before we wear out our welcome.

UC:  So far:  what has the reaction been like?

D:  Really great! People seem to like the music, except for this one jerk, and we had him killed. (good!)

UC:  Why did you decide to make music together now?

D: We thought it would make a good front for our jewelry smuggling operation. Also, Guylaine has played in a few bands in LA as a bass player or keyboardist and singer, and now she gets to record her own songs, too, in addition to all that other stuff. James hasn't played in a band since Guided By Voices and didn't think he'd ever want to play in another band, but we started doing this at first as a studio project and then we played out a few times and had a lot of fun so we decided to keep doing it. Until it becomes not fun, which is when we go back to cat-burgling. (smart move)

D: The highlight to this point is clearly this interview. (aww shucks)

UC:  What's been the best part so far?

UC:  Anything else you want to add....by all means! Also, I see you are coming to Phoenix- that's where I am! 

D:  Oh, I think we've said enough. You should come to our show. But wear earplugs. It might get loud. But we promise we'll be nice-ish.

Hmmmm….well, give these guys a listen!