We had the pleasure of speaking with Parissa Tosif, one half of the renowned electronic duo Vallis Alps. Over the course of five years, Parissa Tosif and David Ansari from Vallis Alps dedicated themselves to the creation of their debut album, "Cleave." This record seamlessly weaves together elements of electronic, indie, and pop music, serving as a reflection of the distinct journeys undertaken by the duo. While physically separated between Sydney and Los Angeles, Tosif and Ansari's enduring friendship shines through in "Cleave," a testament to their unwavering commitment to navigate the complexities of adult life side by side.
Describe the sound of your debut album Cleave?
Sonically diverse, eclectic, detailed, emotional electro-pop grounded in lyrical reflections on human nature.
What inspired your latest single Start Again?
The song helped me reflect on the cycle of inadequacy, self-doubt and then confidence that I feel on the day to day. It’s almost become that I use the song as a form of encouragement for myself when I’m feeling those things. A theme that feels strong on this album is motion. In life, the times that have been hardest have lacked a sense of moving forward - dynamicism. The idea of trying to always move onwards and upwards in some way, and not letting the dust of life bog you fully down as much as possible is a part of these songs.
We grew up in Canberra too! What is the one thing you miss most about Canberra?
The fact that people hang out at each other's houses a lot instead of having to be out and about all the time! I also miss the lake a lot.
What are your favourite pieces from the Alpha60 Spring Summer Collection?
Such a tough thing to choose, such lovely and easy to wear pieces. I think the Reid Pleat Top that I have in grey is unlike anything I’ve seen. So delicate and strong at once - absolutely beautiful.
What album best reflects your vibe at the moment?
I’ve been trying to connect with my Iranian heritage through music lately. I really love the album Back From The Brink by Kourosh Yaghmaei. It’s a 1970s record that feels like an auditory time capsule for what many young Iranians were experiencing.
How do you navigate the distance between you and Vallis Alps’ other member David Ansari?
For a long time we really struggled, and actually almost quit being a band. The differences in our personalities was heightened by the distance between Sydney where I am and LA where he is. When things almost ended for us in 2020 we worked through all of our issues in mediation and built completely new processes around how we collaborate (and actually wrote a song about it called You + I). Two things we learnt that were crucial: call each other as friends once a week and never give creative feedback in written form. These tips and many more have saved us.
Where are your favourite places to visit in Sydney?
I love: Auburn for Persian food, McKell Park, many many of the cafes of the Inner West and sometimes I love to do the touristy thing and head to Haymarket or Darling Quarter. So much fun.
If you weren’t pursuing music - what would you be doing?
I love jewelry, I think I’d be either making it or working with it somehow.
www.vallisalps.com
@vallisalps
Photos by Sean Walker