Gigslutz Interview With: ALBERT HAMMOND JR

First coming to our attention as the big haired guitarist in The Strokes, Albert Hammond Jr is certainly a busy man. If he isn’t in the studio or touring with one the biggest bands of the 00’s then he’s working on solo projects. His latest offering is his 5 track EP titled ‘AJH’ which was released on Julian Casablancas’ Cult label to critical acclaim. Gigslutz caught up with the man himself to have a natter…

Hello AJH! How are you today and whereabouts can we find you today?

I’m great thanks! I’m down in Brighton….

Your in the middle of a solo tour promoting your new album, AJH. Do you prefer recording music alone or with a full band, is it easier to be creative with the freedom to do what you want or is it better to bounce ideas off each other?

I always like bouncing ideas off of people and I always feel free… Both have treated me well I suppose.

The new album is out on Julian Casablancas’ label. How much input he have have in what went on to the new album?

The amount it needed.

2013 has been pretty busy for you, what do you have planned for 2014?  

I’d like to release more music and tour more.

Recently you’ve opened up about drug use. What sort of impact would you say it’s had on the music that you’ve made, both with The Strokes and on your own?

I can’t separate myself from what I love to do and feel natural doing. Not being on drugs has just helped that. It has allowed me to be more creative and focussed on ideas I want to get across.

You’ve been touring over here in the UK over the last month. Do you find there is a difference between British and American crowds? 

A good crowd is a good crowd. A great crowd, well that’s a moment you don’t forget.

How would you say ¿Como te Llama? differs to AHJ and why?

Albums capture a moment in time……..

Oooookkkkkkk…….. So, what new music are you listening to at the moment?

Rey Pila

Good choice, check out our interview with them here. Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground are big influences for you, what was your initial reaction to his passing? Did you ever meet Lou Reed in person, if so what do you remember of him?

I can’t describe an emotion like that. It’s a deep sadness, but also an understanding that that’s the way the world works. Things come and go. I met him many times. I remember his music….. Meeting someone is seeing the reality of the dreamer……I rather live in his dreams

Poetic stuff there Bertie. Has the conversation of new Strokes’ activity come up? 

It’s never ending

Look forward to that. Your tour is taking you Europe over the next month, what would you say is your favourite European city to play?

I don’t have favorites. It would keep me from experiencing new things

We know that you co-designed a range of men’s suits and also that your look has changed quite dramatically since you were in The Strokes. How important do you think fashion/style is in music?

Your outward style is just a visual representation of your personality. It’s as important as you want it to be. It’s another way to communicate to people without using words….

We have a radio show and we ask our bands we interview to pick a ‘mini playlist’ would you like to pick 3 songs for this? These can be your own / other bands / guilty pleasures / absolutely anything…

1. Adiago Un Poco Mosso From Piano Concerto No. 5 In E Flat, Op. 73 “Emporer”

2. Adagio Sostenuto From Piano Sonata No. 14 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No.2 “Moonlight”

3. Moon River

4. NO TIME/JAY RETARD

Thats 4. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

1+1 is 2.

Nice on Albert …………… 

@ameliasward