Andy Suzuki & The Method started out as two guys who wanted to make music and have fun. Fast forward almost a decade later and with multiple releases under their belts, vocalist Andy Suzuki and percussionist Kozza Babumba have brought their thoughtful lyrics and beautiful melodies to the masses. The Brooklyn band is releasing a new album, The Glass Hour, on Friday (February 3). We had the chance to chat with the band to talk about how this album differs from past work, as well as the statement they've decided to make with their powerful song, "Fight."

Homebase: Brooklyn, NY

You guys have been playing together for almost 10 years. How have you evolved as a band and as musicians? 

Kozza and I started out as college homies trying to figure out how to write songs. Almost a decade later, we are still homies who met in college. But with three albums (or four albums, depending on who is counting), hundreds of shows, and countless hours of working on our craft under our belt, we are a completely different band. We have definitely taken the long road, but it's been pretty scenic, and we are better for it.

How did you approach The Glass Hour compared to your last two albums?

We took a completely different approach in making The Glass Hour. In the past, we've found the musicians and the producer, then just paid for studio time and hit record. For The Glass Hour, we knew we wanted to work with a producer who would push our sound to a brand new place — maybe even a place we weren't comfortable with at first. First, we spent over a year working on a bunch of acoustic demos of melodies and lyrics, writing way more material than we actually needed. Then, we began working with LA-based producer Juny Mag, a long time friend who took our songs and transformed our sound. That process with Juny Mag, of give and take, push and pull, took a year as well.

What is "I Can't Live" about?

"I Can't Live" is one of our favorite songs from the album. We wrote this song about that person in life who you need so much, but you sometimes can't stand. Everyone can identify with that feeling. No single person, and no single relationship is perfect. Realizing that is key, but we wrote "I Can't Live" from a place of not having that knowledge.

Your video for "Fight" is a powerful one. First, what inspired the visual? Secondly, what do you hope people take away from the video?

2016 was a crazy year for America. It's looking like 2017 is going to be even crazier. We seem to have forgotten all of the things that people who came before us fought for — to make our country a better place. We partnered with director Cam Fairfax to make the "Fight" video into something that will inspire people to redouble their efforts in making this world a better, more equitable place, for everyone.

There are some people who feel that musicians should stick to the music and not be so political. What's your response to that?

People should stand up for what is fair and good and speak out accordingly, no matter what their profession is.

Aside from the new record, you're going on tour. What's the best part about touring?

The songs on The Glass Hour haven't seen the light of day for two years. We have been agonizing over every little songwriting and production detail for so long, all leading up to the moment that we can play these songs live on stage for our fans. There is no better feeling. I also love finding out how songs start to transform - in live performances you find nooks and crannies in yours songs that you originally didn't know existed.

What song from The Glass Hour are you most excited to perform?

"Fight." Because duh.

What's else should we expect from Andy Suzuki & The Method in 2017?

Beyond our album release tour, we will be releasing a bunch of music videos and remixes to songs on The Glass Hour. And we are working on jumping on to some bigger tours and traveling across the country, playing these songs for everyone who wants to listen. It's going to be a good year!

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