Countdown to the Telepathic Windows Festival 2026 Vol. 1 // An Interview with TONE

• Thanks so much for the interview. Let’s trace your roots and story.
  

1991: Two guys work together at (the most) fantastic concert club; realize both share common ground on styles of music, including instrumentals & soundtracks. 30+ years later, we’re still chasing that wall of sound……

• What are your main influences and inspirations?

Soundtracks. Noise-rock & No-wave. 4AD. Constellation. ECM. IPR. Neurot. Temporary Residence.

• How would you describe your sound?

Arty-but-not-prog; pieces w/dynamics at forefront, shaped further by swipes from post-everything: rock, punk, metal, classical, ambient……

• What do the words ‘Shoegaze’ and ‘Dream Pop’ mean to you?”
  

It’s kind of all Robin Guthrie’s fault, yet he should probably be thanked daily.

• Tell us a little about your recording process and how you create your songs.
  

Thank you, J. Robbins (Magpie Cage), and thank you, Don Godwin (Tonal Park). Relentless repetition of riffs and parts and lines until worthwhile ideas rise up and stick.

• Which song(s) are you most proud of and best represent your sound?
  

A great deal of effort and collaboration went into our new album, “Mechanisms” (Sept 2025).

• What kind of old/new music are you listening to? Any bands or artists you are excited about at the moment?
  

Old: the first two Curved Air LP’s

Current: obsessed with Hammock and Clarice Jensen lately.

• Who would you most like to collaborate with?
  

Hammock. Manfred Eicher. Mick Harvey. Robin Guthrie.

• What has been your best/worst gig so far (both as a performer and spectator)?

As a spectator: 

WE LOST THE SEA, from Australia, who toured last summer (2025), were beyond brilliant — A-level majesty, execution, emotions and dynamics.

As performer:

9:30 Club w/Brandon Morse as collaborator/visual artist.

• As a Washington, DC rooted act, what is your take on the local scene?

Supportive. Perpetual. More facets & varieties than folklore and history attribute.

• What are your expectations for the Telephatic Windows Fest, and what should the punters expect from your performance?

A train ride, with lots of scenery, that we hope folks will climb on board with.

• What are your plans for the future?

Releasing both our current album, “MECHANISMS,” and our prior one, “ANTARES,” in vinyl LP editions – hoping for a distribution source for both.

• Any parting words?
  

Quite appreciate being asked to play this gathering of great bands.