I was first turned onto the French funk outfit Who Parked The Car when they submitted their second single, “Other Side” to me for review. Their throwback sound, in line with modern sensibilities, inspired me to the extent of reviewing their song on this very blog. Who Parked The Car showcased a seamless blend of soul, disco, electronica, and jazz, with a cohesive groove that can be hard to achieve among larger bands. On their debut album release, Mad Weather Good Friends, the group displays an equal smorgasbord of influences, with the length of the project affording the opportunity to dive deeper into these sounds. In line with their new release, and owing to the plethora of ideas they explore, I sat down with the band to curate a soundtrack to their lives.
What are you playing for the Friday night pre-game?
Alejandro: The full album Sylva from Snarky Puppy!
What about a quiet Sunday morning?
César: “Broken Harvest” from Madison Cunningham
Who are you listening to that should be bigger?
Sebastián: Matt Carmichael. A young Scottish tenor saxophonist with one of my favorite sounds and also compositions. Listen to the album Where Will The River Flow
Which song directly influences a song by Who Parked The Car?
César: “Things – Louis Cole” (influenced our track “Other Side”)
What was the song you listened to in the 8th grade that you still listen to today?
Laura: “Get Involved” by Raphael Saadiq
Are there any songs you love but don’t listen to very often?
Sebastián: “Trains” by Steps Ahead. Because I love it so much that I don’t want it to get old, even if I doubt it ever could.
What’s the best cover you’ve heard?
Sebastián: “Weird Fishes” (Radiohead) by Lianne La Havas
César: “Exit Music” (Radiohead) – Brad Mehldau
What is your guilty pleasure song?
Ludo: “Future Nostalgia” by Dua Lipa
Is there a track your friends have made?
Ludo: “Cliff by the Riverside” by Inks Estate
Mad Weather Good Friends is the debut album from Who Parked The Car, and is available now on Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music, and other major streaming services. You may read more about the band here
