It’s only fitting that the Nina Protocol Mackeeper interview is dropping on St. Patrick’s Day. As the duo let us know in our interview, the brothers Miles Cohen and Nick Harwood are part Irish and grew up treasuring the holiday. Their new EP even features a track, “Pieces of Yours,” that rocks with a bit of a Gaelic lilt. The whole project is full of melodies that will stick in your dome for days. Though it’s built on musical blocks that should be familiar to any diehard Nina Respecter, charm and pop smarts give Rock Candy an ineffable edge. Read our interview with the brothers—and listen to Rock Candy—below.

You mention Red Lobster on “Pop.” Are you talking about the restaurant? If so, what is your favorite item to order there?

Miles: I’ve never been to Red Lobster but I hear they have actual quality lobster for the price. I can’t remember the last time I had real lobster.

What is the best and worst thing about making music with a sibling?

Miles: The best thing is decades of shorthand and familiarity and references. We have the same sense of what feels embarrassing or cool or cheesy or you name it. Worst thing is it can get personal.

How did the Mackeeper project in particular start? 

Miles: It started when we wrote “Oh Canada” and “Pieces of Yours” and magically a perspective cohered outta that. 

Can we talk fonts for a second? I really like the font you used on your album cover. What’s up with it?

Nick: We wanted really classic type, so we went back to Blue Note, specifically their 60s catalog like Midnight Blue by Kenny Burrell. Ordinary grotesk fonts that convey a ton of personality with some clever maneuvering. Also Ian Swift was an influence, he revived that exact style digitally in the ‘90s for Straight No Chaser etc. Shout out to Mac Andrew who helped develop the final look.

“Pieces of Yours” has a really Gaelic-feeling melodic thing happening. Do you fuck with Irish music?

Miles: Definitely fuck with Irish music. The melodies feel eternal. We are part Irish too and growing up St Patrick’s Day was a favorite holiday. Every year, we eat the cabbage and the corned beef. Can’t wait to play shows there I feel like the crowds will really get it.

Who are some of your favorite rappers right now? Do they inspire your songwriting in any way?

Nick: I learned everything I know about music from hip hop. I couldn’t shake its influence if I tried. Rap taught me that I should have something to say and I better say it with my chest. At the end of the day, I’m a bars-based writer. Much like Lana Del Rey. But also, what you say doesn’t matter, as long as you say it in a fly way. Being asked my favorite rappers in an interview is a lifelong fantasy of mine, thank you for fulfilling a dream, however I’m too excited to answer.

What are your feelings about Canada? 

Nick: True story, I have a Canadian permanent residency application filled out and ready to submit. With the FBI background check and everything. Shout out to my in-laws.

Miles: I’m obsessed with Canada, they are our brothers. I’ve only ever been to Vancouver but it’s one of my favorite cities. I got lost there for a whole day without a cell phone when I was 16, it was scary. I also had the best meatloaf sandwich of my life

What is the best and worst candy to eat on an empty stomach?

Miles: Everlasting Gobstoppers would do the trick. Or a Snickers because of the protein. Worst candy would probably be wax bottles. 

 

Nah wax bottles are fire. Worst is cola gummies.

Photo Credit: Natalie O'Moore