On Song :: It Hugs Back

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We love It Hugs Back. Their dulcet tones perfectly soothe our aching brows. So what better time to catch up with them and run an interview with them, but the day before we put on a show featuring their fine sounds… More info on said show here!

What was the first song that really caught your imagination?
Jack: Must’ve been something like ‘Yellow Submarine’ or some of Harry Belafonte’s Caribbean songs – great music for kids.

What was the music your parents liked and do you think it’s influenced you at all?
Matt: it’s great.. having a lot of records around the house has been the best way of discovering new things..
Jack: all sorts, in every shape and size. Definitely had an influence, especially as i’ve got older and gradually worked my way through my Dad’s collection.

What posters did you have on your wall as a kid?
Jack: Stars Wars: Empire Strikes Back, with the giant storm-trooper helmet and the ATATs. Still got it, although it’s got a bit tattered and has the annoying habit of falling off each time I close my door.

Which songs or albums would you play at a party?
Matt: without question, a safe choice is Oliver’s Army by Elvis Costello! Nobody can resist it’s upbeat charm and farfisa.

Which songs remind you of a rainy day?
Matt: Anything by Neil Young. Both times I’ve seen him it’s been outside in the pouring rain & still both times were amazing!

Which album do you seek solace in when you are feeling sad?
Dimitri: um… Bavarian Fruit Bread by Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions would be a nice album to listen to… but it’s good to listen to when your happy too.

Which album would you play when you wanted to get down to some lovin’?
Jack: There’s a particular song by Josh Rouse that would have to go on repeat. I think anyone who’s heard it will know what I mean “it’s the end of the night…”
Matt: the worst choice..!?! Good song though!

What music was, or would be, the “first dance” at your wedding?
Matt: Oliver’s Army?!
Jack: Wedding?!
Matt: purrrfect.
Dimitri: I’d like Wanna Be Starting Something by Michael Jackson… but i don’t think i could pull it off.
Matt: sure you could! I’d like you to sing it too over the top of a backing track ideally…

What was the first gig you went to as a paying customer?
Jack: Probably something at the Oasthouse in Rainham. I think I remember a ska band called Martin, who wore pumpkin helmets (it was halloween) and did a ska-punk version of ‘Sit Down’ by James.
Dimitri: Mine was with Matt to see a band called Petburger. They were good.

Name the one song you think everyone should hear.
Dimitri: ‘Take Your Clothes Off When You Dance’ by Frank Zappa & The Mothers Of Invention

Which one artist do you think not enough people know about?
Jack: It Hugs Back, of course.
Dimitri: I like Land Of Talk a lot at the moment… more people could know about them.

What’s the best thing you’ve heard recently?
Matt: The latest The Sea And Cake album ‘Car Alarm’ – it sounds really great..
Dimitri: Yeah, I really like ‘Aerial’ from that album at the moment.

Dead or alive, what 5 acts would you have play with you at a festival?
Matt: Tough choice, maybe Sonic youth, Stereolab, Sun Ra Arkestra, Neil Young & NRBQ would make for a good day.
Dimitri: I’d go.

We’d like you to make us a mix-tape. Pick five tracks with a theme of your choice.
Dimitri: I would like to make it a Jim O’Rourke themed tape. I’ll start off with ‘Memory Lame’ from his album Insignificance. Then ‘Free Design’ by Stereolab, which he produced…
Matt: I’ll round it off with ‘Shopping Trolley’ by Beth Orton, from another great album he produced and played on, ‘Elegant Transaction’ by Loose Fur, featuring himself with Glenn Kotche and Jeff Tweedy of Wilco and to end.. ‘I’m Happy’, the first track from I’m happy and I’m Singing and a 1,2,3,4, a track more towards his instrumental, droney, ambient side.

And finally, who would win in a fight: a stoat or a goat and why?
Dimitri: I’ve been told goats will eat anything… so I think the goat would eat the stoat.