Big Black Delta is the one-man electro-pop outfit of Jonathan Bates. Bates, formerly of LA band Mellowdrone, was also once a Boston guy too. Having lived in Brighton and studied at Berklee, the bassist worked his way out to the West Coast and more recently began recording music as a solo act. This year, he released his eponymous full-length to favorable reviews, and now he will be making a stop at Church of Boston on Thursday with Superhumanoids. We had a few words with Jonathan Bates about his ideas for Big Black Delta.

Hello Jonathan. So to start, tell me about how you were inspired to start making music on your own? Your work with Mellowdrone has produced a different style of music, but what have you been able to carry over from that project to your work with Big Black Delta?

Initially, it was frustration with trying to start a “band.”  I felt I was spending all of my time trying to find likeminded people that were willing to show up to practice, etc… I hated it.  When I found out you could record on a computer with minimal equipment and not have to spend $2000 just to “demo” out a song, I was hooked.  The amount of touring and live experience I got from Mellowdrone has really helped in putting together a live show for Big Black Delta. And I definitely know what it’s like to live in a van.

Bands have had to grow accustomed to new ways of releasing music, and many have ventured away from the standard “1 LP every 1 or 2 years” method. Big Black Delta has put new stuff out multiple times a year since starting up. What are your personal beliefs on releasing music in the current state of the industry? Does it ever feel like too much pressure to be able to release new material so regularly?

There shouldn’t be any pressure.  Put out what you want, when you want it.  With the way things are now, the artist can dictate how and when they want something to put out.  Just concentrate on making the coolest shit you can, and usually everything else follows.

With Big Black Delta, you have had the chance to remix some really cool artists. As a listener, how are you able to set aside what you want to remix from all of the stuff that you like?

I really like making a new song when remixing. The possibilities are so endless.  In fact, the farther from my musical comfort zone, the better the outcome. I just did a remix for my friends band Jaga Jazzist.  Incredibly lush and sometimes progressive cinematic music.  It was a lot of fun, because I took what was a 7 minute orchestral piece and made a 3 minute pop song, kinda like legos.

You will be playing Church in Boston on 6/20 and then returning to play Boston Calling in the Fall. Anything in particular that you’ve liked about playing Boston in the past? What do you like about playing festivals that’s different than playing other gigs?

I used to live off the Brighton stop on the B line when I went to Berklee.  Boston is a music town.  Festivals are different because its not your show, you are someones guest.  Very in & out.  Usually great catering.  You never really know what you’re going to get.

You’re clearly a multi-talented musician, but what are some of your hidden talents that go beyond music?

Thank you.  I’ve been told Im quite a cat whisperer.  No joke, Is that a talent?