Alternative shoegaze band Quali has released their new album, When The Dark Presses, on California indie label It’s Okay I’m Crying. The album has a thematic through-line of experiences with episodes of sleep paralysis.

Quali was started in 2013 by Isaiah Nery in Los Angeles. He spent the next 2 years writing and recording all of the instruments for their debut release, The Familiar and the Other (2015). After moving to San Diego, Nery recruited friends to help with live performances. In 2017, the band released their second album, Awaken The Quietus.

We had a chance to talk with Quali as part of our Refrain Interview Series. Check it out below.

Refrain Music Blog: Thanks for taking the time to do this interview. You have a new album out now. What’s it called? 

Quali: When The Dark Presses

RMB: How many songs on the album?

Quali: 8

RMB: Is this your first album? If not tell us about your previous work and how this differs from your previous work.

Quali: This is our third album. Our first album is called “The Familiar and the Other”. TFATO is more of a collection of songs made while I was still trying to figure out our sound. It’s more eclectic in nature and less cohesive of an album. “Awaken the Quietus” is our second album. That album has more of and overarching concept involving death and mortality. WTDP is about my experiences with sleep paralysis and all the fear that came with that. I would say it’s our most confident sounding album yet.

RMB: What’s the story on how it was recorded? The Who, When, Where etc. Was it a long process or quick? Any good stories about the recording process? 

Quali: In early 2020, we had set aside time to record this album with a friend and then the pandemic happened. During those first six months of lockdown, I learned how to use Ableton and recorded a trip hop album with Glen(drummer of Quali) and my fiancé Bri. After we released that album in early 2021, I felt that I could record WTDP. So we recorded all the drums, bass, and guitars at our practice space. I recorded all the vocals in my closet. And I mixed everything in my office at home. I watched a lot of YouTube videos on how to do things in Ableton. I messaged friends that have way more knowledge than me on recording and mixing. I also read a lot about Alan Molders techniques for recording and mixing. I have always been a fan records that he’s involved with. It helped me out a lot, when it came to mixing guitars. I tried to not over think things on mixing and looked for sounds that were more interesting and present then trying to make a super “polished” sound. I also listened to a lot of Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine to help me find where the guitars should lay in the mix. This was a very satisfying time of my life, working on mixes and making my fiancé listen to every single version of every song. Bless her for putting up with me and this album.

RMB: Do you have a favorite song on the album? Tell us about it?

Quali: I’m pretty sure every song has been my favorite at some point or another. But if I had to pick one today, it would probably be “Stalker” I’m a sucker for slow burns and this song is the definition of it. It lulls you, and at the same time has this mood to it that let’s you know it will open up but you have to be patient. I think it’s me trying to make a movie with sound. It’s about feeling like I’m being stalked by whatever this entity is. Feeling it walk through the astral plane to me.

RMB: Are there any overarching themes on the album?

Quali: The album is about me dealing with the fear and anxieties that I would have because of these sleep paralysis episodes. 

RMB: Who are some of your biggest musical influences? 

Quali: I would say for this project in particular: My Bloody Valentine for the guitar work. I think Kevin Shields is in a league of his own when it comes to giving the guitar it’s own emotions through bending with the tremolo arm. Slint for mood. Swirlies and Sonic Youth for the spontaneity and quirkiness. D’Angelo and J Dilla for giving rhythm and tempo a voice almost in the way MBV bends sound, they bend time. I also dig Pinbacks knack for melody.

RMB: What’s the one thing you are most proud of in your career so far?

Quali: Recording this album is definitely up there. I never thought I’d be able to sit down and put that work in. And I’m so grateful we were all able to make it happen. It feels amazing to be able to have feelings and ideas you want to share and being able to translate them through sound.

RMB: If you had to pitch your music to a potential fan in less than 10 seconds, what would you say?

Quali: Noise Pop

RMB: What’s one piece of advice you’ve gotten that you think everyone needs to hear or that has meant the most to you?

Quali: Be in the present. The best times are when you have an idea and work on it.

RMB: If you could go back in time, what’s a piece of advice you would give to a younger you?

Quali: Be true to yourself and never settle.

RMB: What’s coming up next for your musical project?

Quali: We’re in the middle of a recording another album that should be out late next year.

Quali Is:

Isaiah Nery, Glendon Romett, Sean Maristela, Josue Galarza

Connect With Quali:

INSTAGRAM   /   SPOTIFY  / SOUNDCLOUD  /   BANDCAMP / FACEBOOK