Apples in Stereo Bring Disney Influences on New Album

To call Robert Schneider a mad scientist is not far-fetched by any means. On 'Travellers in Space and Time,' the latest from Schneider's Apples in Stereo, the accessible eccentric reveals yet again that his "theories" focus on astronomy, specifically solar systems and intergalactic travel.

"Very early on, the Apples have always projected this science fiction idea, even with sci-fi imagery in our album art and titles," Schneider tells Spinner. "I delight in writing about rocket ships, planets, even robots, and ever since I was a kid, I've had a fetish for retro space-art. I also went to space camp with my son Max before we made 'Travellers.' My life was just filled with space futurism and that changed the direction of the album."

The inspiration behind 'Travellers in Space and Time,' out now on Simian/Yep Roc/Elephant 6, draws not only from Schneider's life-long love of all things galactic and a jaunt at space camp, but also a trip to a certain famous theme park. The vocalist/guitarist, who is quick to call himself a "super-proud dad," may be the only rocker in history to admit that Walt Disney World influenced his music.

"A couple years ago I went with my wife, son and mother to Disney World, and there's that Tomorrowland area," Schneider says. "It was built in the '60s and it was Walt Disney's concept of a futuristic city and well, I love it! I went as a kid and so much of it was still the same. I had this epiphany while I was there: I want my record to feel like being here in Tomorrowland."

The futuristic songs of 'Travellers' are, without a doubt, the most gloriously pop-driven of the band's discography. After all, the Apples in Stereo might not have been the first to make retro-pop cool again, but they're one of the few bands that have managed to make it their shtick without seeming like a novelty act. A love of the Beach Boys and psych-rock is still apparent on 'Travellers,' but this time a '70s dance groove takes over.

"Originally, I had written a bunch of hard rock songs and thought the record was going to sound like AC/DC," Schneider says. "Then I broke all the strings on my guitar so I started writing songs on my electric piano. Suddenly what came out of me started sounding insanely poppy. The songs reminded me mostly of ELO, specifically their album 'Time,' but also Hall and Oates and Motown. This isn't an indie rock album -- this is piano-driven R&B."