Quick-fire Questions: 10 minutes with FIDLAR
The last time FIDLAR were on UK shores, our very own Thomas Leatham claimed to have broken his nose twice in the space of the same gig. Now, I’m not entirely sure you’d pop that testimony on an official press release, and perhaps it is medically questionable, but it certainly typifies the appeal that the band have for a certain legion of music fans. For the rest of us, there’s the back of the room to enjoy the tunes that also exist in the welter of this energetic outfit.
They’re set to head our way again later this year to promote their new EP, That’s Life. It’s a record that reclaims the vitality of punk. We live in convoluted times, and FIDLAR’s boldly visceral work cuts through the bullshit of the era like Cillit Bang through limescale and dirt. Riproaring tracks like ‘Move On’ and ‘Nudge’ are joyously not for everybody, upholding the effrontery that has enamoured the band a legion of supporters.
That same bold honesty and clear-eyed outlook is reflected in the songwriting, too. As Zac Carper said of ‘Move On’: “I noticed that everyone kept saying ‘you just gotta move on dude.’ And it just seemed like such a stupid response. I wish this song was about a romantic relationship, but it is more about the friends that come and go in your life. Best friends turn into ‘used-to-be-friends’.” Alas, this isn’t presented with emo mopey-ness, but rather an adrenalised c’est la vie.
So, clearly, the band have their heads screwed on. This was evidenced even further when Carper told us, “I’m a big fan of the National Treasure movie franchise.” In fact, you could find his cutting, to-the-point attitude in full swing below as we posed a few quick-fire questions his way. Enjoy…
Quick-fire Questions with FIDLAR:
1. What song would you want played at your funeral?
“‘At Your Funeral’ – Saves The Day.”
2. Where is the best pub in the world?
“Dave’s Stagecoach Inn, Kansas City. The bartender opened a bottle with a compact disc, and my mind was blown.”
3. What has been the best album of 2023 so far?
“The Hives – The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons.”
4. Do you believe in UFOs?
“100%”
5. What song are you most proud to have written to date?
“‘CUFF IT’ – Beyoncé… she really took that song to a whole new level… just didn’t sound as good with my voice, ya know.”
6. What album do you think you’ve listened to the most?
“Daft Punk Alive 2007, guaranteed pump up; it’s like sonic cocaine.”
7. What dream venue would you love to play on your next tour?
“Rumour has it there’s a venue in Antarctica, I want to play there. I want to play on all seven continents. We’ve got Africa and Antarctica left; let’s make it happen.”
8. What’s your most controversial cultural opinion?
“Jar Jar Binks is the real Phantom Menace in the Star Wars saga.”
9. What’s your perfect hangover cure?
“Bloody Mary, alka seltzer, water, Advil…food makes it worse for me, I think.”
10. How often do you practice as a band?
“Probably not as much as we should… it’s just so loud in there ya know.”
11. Who would be in your dream four-piece band?
- Lead Vocals: Freddie Mercury
- Guitar: Johnny Marr
- Bass: Me
- Drums: Hayden Menzies (METZ)
12. What’s one conspiracy theory you sort of believe in?
“I’m a big fan of the National Treasure movie franchise, so I’m gonna say any conspiracy theories regarding the Knights Templar treasure.”
13. What song makes you cry?
“Frank Ocean’s cover of ‘Moon River’, Whitney Houston’s ‘I Have Nothing’, Death Cab for Cutie’s ‘Transatlanticism’, AA Bondy’s ‘Black Rain’.”
14. Can you recommend an album we might not have heard?
“Max Kuehn’s Modern World… it’s so good.”
15. Are The Beatles overrated?
“John Legend is my favourite Beatle.”
FIDLAR’s UK tour begins in Bristol on November 9th. You can check out the full dates here.
