How did you two meet? What made you decide to team up to form ASTR?

We met through a mutual friend of ours at a yoga studio in Manhattan. We had heard a lot about each other and were told we should write together. For a while we were just writing aimlessly, and then over time we solidified a sound and ASTR formed.

It has been a busy year for you guys, how’s the tour going?

The tour is going amazingly. We’ve been traveling and playing shows all year, so it’s really nice to be on an official tour. [Tourmates] Ryn Weaver & HOLYCHILD are rad, and we’re so happy to be on tour with friends and artists we respect.

While on the road, how do you find your work/life balance and time to create new music?

It’s definitely hard to find balance with everything going on. We’re promoting the EP we just released, while writing an album, while on tour. There are a lot of hats to wear and it can seem overwhelming at time. Sometimes we have to put things on ice, but we are always refining to make things easier.

Coming off the success of ‘Activate Me’ and ‘It’s Over,’ you just debuted your new single ‘Bleeding love’ on Indie Shuffle. What’s the story behind this new record?

“Bleeding Love” is the newest song we’ve written off the “Homecoming” EP. We keep finding ourselves drawn to writing tragic songs of unattainable perfection and destructive love. I think it represents us well. The EP itself is well-rounded, but stays true to our dark pop formula.

ASTR’s cover of Drake’s “Hold On, We’re Going Home” is a fan favorite. Any chances for a “Hotline Bling” cover?

No :) We’re cooling it with current covers for the moment and focusing on the album.

You’ve worked with legends such as Lyor Cohen to Rodney Jerkins. What are some things that you have picked up from these music icons?

They are amazing and have taught me how to trust myself and be my own boss, but I also learn from newer artists like Ryn Weaver and HOLYCHILD that are out here grinding to get their music to the masses. Being on tour with them has been inspiring.

What are some of your musical inspirations?

We grew up listening to house, hip hop and pop music. I think that all is inherent within our music.

As native New Yorkers, how has the city inspired your music and creative process?

There’s a hardness to New York City that definitely adds an edge to our music.

Your music has been dubbed urban-laced pop. How would you describe your unique sound?

We would describe ourselves as electronic R&B and pop.

What have you been listening to on the road?

We’ve been listening to Grimes’ “Flesh Without Blood.”

What’s next for ASTR?

We’re entering the final leg of our Misfit Toys Tour on the East Coast. After that we’ll be heading to LA to finish the album!