Dead friendships and dead romantic relationships: Catching up with Band of Horses

You’re currently finishing up the new album. Tell us a little about it, any new direction this time around?
I’d say it was written much like the first one just a lot quicker and mostly on standard guitars in standard tunings. The first album I was just kinda messing around with everything I could find cause I don’t play any one instrument too well. There’s some pretty songs and some poppy ones and maybe a gnarler or two.

Has it a title as yet?
Not yet. I hate slapping a title on songs even. Album title just has to reveal itself I think.

The recording process seems to have been pretty quick – was this intentional?
Yes it is. No reason to dilly around with songs. Finish ‘em, record ‘em, tour ‘em. Pretty good formula for a rock band right?

Has Phil Ek returned to the producers chair for the record?
Yes he has. And thank god for him. His signature ball-busting and sandwich eating are also returning factors.

How have you found the success of Everything All The Time? Did you expect it and has it had a major impact on the song writing for the new material.
I can’t believe it really. I had no idea that it’d go this well. I never thought i’d get to come to Europe or Australia and play rock shows. It’s still a very surreal situation. I’m sure it’s had an impact on my writing. We’ll see if it’s positive or negative won’t we?

What were your major influences for this album and is there a specific theme that runs through it?
Dead friendships and dead romantic relationships, being back in the South and living near my family, wanting to inflict injury on a neighbor, falling in love, and watching people die. It kinda skips around those themes throughout.

Matt played an integral part in the creation of Everything All the Time. How have you been affected creatively with his departure?
I went through a bit of a songwriting spurt once he left actually. Some of the songs that are making the cut for the record were written around that time. Other than that, not much.

You’ve finally made it over to the UK shores, how are you finding the audiences over here?
I thought Manchester was a rough one for us. Other than that, I really enjoyed the shows. It’s been a really fun tour, but pretty stinky in the bus. We drive every night and rarely get to shower. In the US we get hotels every night and can call our loved ones. Over here that’s a bit tricky for us.

What do you think of the current music scene in the UK, are there any bands you’d like to tour with?
I wish I was more familiar with current bands overhere. These days I’m listening to the new Clientelle and can’t wait to get the new Bees album. I’d love just to see those bands, much less get to share a gig.

What’s your most memorable on the road story?
Getting busted for weed. It’s the most memorable cause I’m still fucking dealing with it. We’re gonna only do Dutch tours from here on out.

What’s the last great album that you bought and are there any new and current acts that have made you sit up and take notice?
I love The newest Bonnie “Prince” Billy, The Islands, Annuals, New Iron and Wine is wonderful. I could go on and on actually. I listen to bands because I’m a music fan.

Links
Band of Horses [official site] [myspace]
Band of Horses - No One’s Gonna Love You (live 2006) [download mp3 ♫]