Five Questions with…Tiombe Lockhart
January 29th, 2010
The self-proclaimed “East Village spaced-out R&B acid-house revivalist outfit Cubic Zirconia” is known for what singer Tiombe Lockhart affectionately calls “soul white-boy nerdy disco dance house fun party-time music.” Nick Hook, who starts their music with a beat, says, “I like to write things that invite maximum participation.” Guitarist Todd Weinstock writes the chord progressions, and Tiombe comes up with lyrics and melodies. Although each person focuses on one aspect of songwriting, they all end up tinkering with each aspect. The next few days are big for Cubic Zirconia because their new single, “Josephine,” comes out on Tuesday on Don’t Cry Records—with remixes by Waajeed, Greenmoney, Egyptrixx and DJ Sega—and they play Music Hall of Williamsburg tomorrow night. In advance of that show, Tiombe took the time to answer five questions for The House List.
Which bands that you listened to growing up do you still listen to?
Sarah Vaughan, Fela Kuti and Earth, Wind & Fire.
What’s the toughest part of playing New York City?
The guest list.
What music or song always makes you dance?
Anything with some heart.
Do you have to be depressed to write a sad song? Do you have to be in love to write a love song? Is a song better when it really happened to you?
You don’t need to be depressed or in love to write about those subjects. It does help to have experienced these things, whether in a mild or extreme capacity.
It’s 4 a.m. and last call has come and gone. What’s your next move?
Not going home probably. —R. Zizmor
