Interview: The Fratellis

The Fratellis is a name that pretty much everyone has heard of nowadays, having tasted success with their already released three albums (Costello Music, Here We Stand and 2013’s We Need Medicine), and a fourth on the way. We caught up with Jon Fratelli to see how things were shaping up.

Let’s start with the new album – Eyes Wide, Tongue Tied is the band’s fourth studio album, and it’s due to be released on August 21. What can you tell us about the album?
Really it was just how we sounded for four weeks last October. Ten months later I still really like listening to it. If we’d made the record today it would have been completely different. It’s always song dependent, these songs are what came out at the time.

Would you say you’re more nervous or excited as the release approaches?
As far as I can tell I’m neither! A long time ago I made a bargain with myself to just make records and play shows and to limit my involvement to that. Having said that it’s nice when people enjoy the music you make.

Tony Hoffer is producing, who produced your debut, how does it feel to be working together again?
Well really it was the easiest thing in the world. Tony is a big enough fan of us to trust him to make the kind of record that he as a fan would want to hear. He has a sound that suits us and in lots of ways our sound is his sound in the ears of the people who hear it.

What can fans expect from the new album in comparison to past ones?
Wouldn’t that be spoiling the surprise? A whole lot of effort and a melody or two, it’ll mean different things to different people with no reaction repeated twice, I like that.

‘Baby Don’t You Lie To Me’ is your new single, what were the influences behind the track? 
I honestly can’t even remember writing it! It sounds like I was having fun…

Festival season is now well underway, and you’ve got a few dates penciled in, what do you like about playing festivals the most?
I really find no difference between festivals and our own shows, I’ve done too many of each to predict what the reaction might be each time, depending on what kind of day your are having each has it’s ‘good’ and it’s ‘bad’ side.

You’ve also got extensive tours in both the U.S. and then of course the U.K – excited?
I’m always excited to play guitar on stage in front of people especially when you have new songs to play.

Have you got any bands confirmed as support acts yet?
Yes, we have Grizfolk playing with us in the US and we haven’t confirmed anyone yet for the UK tour.

Also, are they’re any other bands or artists that have been catching your attention recently?
I’ve just bought the new Nick Tosches book which I’m looking forward to reading but I haven’t bought a record in while, I’ve no idea what’s out there, I’m sure there’ll be something.

What was the first album you ever bought?
Thriller by Michael Jackson.

And if you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would that be?
Leonard Cohen Live In London.

Finally, is there anything else you want to tell us about? 
The rain has just come on…again…I had big plans for the garden which have now been ruined…

 

Huge thanks to The Fratellis for answering our questions!

James Cummins

James Cummins

James Cummins

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