Savoir Adore make the kind of beautiful hook laden experimental pop that Bowlegs always keeps an ear or two out for. Underlying funked-out bass-lines drive the songs; while the chemistry and understanding between band members Paul Hammer and Deidre Muro is undeniable. We caught up with the pair for a chat about Bach, Peter Gabriel and a rest-stop in North Carolina.

Bowlegs: Which album has been a major influence in your life, and why?

Paul: Glenn Gould Variations of Bach – the melodic motion in Bach’s inventions are incredible. It’s proof that simple combinations of notes and their movement can create intense emotion. I think about it every time I write or record.

Deidre: The Beatles’ ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’, probably because it’s one of the first records I can remember really getting into on my own. My Dad had a copy of it and I would just sit in my room listening, probably somehow internalising that, whatever this seemingly effortless, magical journey is, this is what a musician should strive for.

Bowlegs: What was the last album you bought?

Paul: Washed Out – ‘Life of Leisure’.

Deidre: Goldfrapp – ‘Felt Mountain’.

Bowlegs: Which bands have you been listening to this week?

Both: Cocteau Twins, Beach Boys, Washed Out, and Bubba Sparxxx.

Bowlegs: Name an up-and-coming band Bowlegs should look out for?

Both: Darwin Deez! Also, French Horn Rebellion and Oberhofer.

Bowlegs: What was the last gig you went to?

Both: Secret Garden Party last weekend – Darwin Deez, Lissie and then the Skatalites!

Bowlegs: Who is the best band you have ever shared a bill with?

Paul: Deidre and I got to open for Cut Copy with French Horn Rebellion this week (we play in their live band as well). That was pretty amazing.

Bowlegs: What was the first gig you ever went to, and who did you go with?

Paul: Saves the Day, by myself.

Deidre: Most likely to see one of my parents give a concert, and with my brother.

Bowlegs: What made you realise that being a musician was the career of choice?

Both: Deep down inside, it’s always felt like the only choice.

Bowlegs: What is your favourite music documentary?

Paul: Tie between the ‘Last Waltz’ and ‘No Direction Home’.

Deidre: I suppose, most recently, I couldn’t turn away from the train wreck that was ‘Dig!’. Also liked ‘This Is It’.

Bowlegs: What was the last film you saw, and was it any good?

Both: We saw ‘Inception’. Still trying to figure out the second part of the question.

Bowlegs: Name three great books Bowlegs must read?

Both: ‘Danny and the Champion of the World’ by Roald Dahl; ‘The Fountainhead’ by Ayn Rand; and ‘1984’ by George Orwell.

Bowlegs: What do you see when you look in the mirror?

Both: Myself!

Bowlegs: Name a song that takes you back to a certain time in your life?

Paul: ‘Shoulder to the Wheel’ by Saves the Day. Nothing brings back high school in upstate NY like a well-crafted emo jam. It’s also the song I listened to when I drove a car for the first time.

Deidre: Peter Gabriel’s ‘Sledgehammer’ reminds me of being at home around the time I was 12 or 13, as I was always following whatever my brother was into musically. We also had a laserdisc of a Peter Gabriel concert.

Bowlegs: What is your favourite album cover of all time?

Paul: ‘The Freewheelin’’ by Bob Dylan.

Deidre: I don’t really know. I don’t have an all-time favourite!

Bowlegs: What was the last thing that made you laugh out loud?

Both: Our drummer Timmy is pretty much the funniest person we know, so I’m sure it’s something he said. (Also, Dr. Steve Brule’s ‘Check It Out’ show on Adult Swim…)

Bowlegs: Do you think music videos are important and do you like making them?

Both: Yes, I think they’re a great opportunity to enhance an artistic idea or to collaborate with someone. And we like making them a lot! We shot and edited our own video for our last single, ‘Bodies’.

Bowlegs: Are albums still important or is it more about individual tracks?

Both: Albums are definitely still important. As much as artists focus on singles these days, there’s still a large focus on creating wonderful, cohesive albums, and a lot have been made in the past few years … like Bon Iver’s ‘For Emma, Forever Ago’, or Neon Indian’s ‘Psychic Chasms’.

Bowlegs: What do you have planned for the next six months?

Paul: We plan on spending a lot of time in the studio working on new material, for Savoir Adore as well as our other projects. We also hope to come back to the UK and Europe this fall, since the record is being released worldwide on August 16. I also plan on exercising a lot and eating healthier.

Bowlegs: What is on your iPod?

Paul: A lot of new music and a few episodes of ‘24’. A quick view of the most played: Cut Copy, Cocteau Twins, Sun Kil Moon, Ryan Adams, Passion Pit, Washed Out, Phoenix, M83. Deidre has only a fat old iPod that doesn’t stay on very long, so she doesn’t use it.