Spoon: "The only pressure we felt was the pressure to get the record done"

We caught up with drummer Jim Eno for a yarn about the new record, their lack of popularity in the UK (we get a slap up meal of Fish ’n Chips if you guys buy the album) and the internet music revolution.

Congratulations on the new record. After the growing success with Kill The Moolight and Gimme Fiction did you feel any added pressure deliver the goods this time around?
The only pressure we felt was the pressure to get the record done. It took us 5 months straight in the studio to complete the record. We did not feel pressure to match the success of the previous records because we were confident in the songs and absorbed in the recording process.

We’ve got to ask, where did the album title Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga come from?
This was the working title for the song “A Ghost of You Lingers”. We liked the phrase enough after changing the name of the song that we decided to use it for the record title.

There’s a political charge to this album, especially with the opening “Don’t Make Me A Target”. Was this a conscious effort or just something that came out?
According to Britt this was a conscious effort.

The production on the new album is superb. How do you go about recording in the studio? Is there a lot of over-dubbing or do you prefer to cut everything live?
Thank you. We tend to track using over-dubbing in the studio. It usually works better for us than tracking live. After coming up with the arrangement or approach, we will lay down drums, bass, and build on top of that foundation. We also always record to tape and use very little editing on the tracks. We prefer the feel of this approach, because it requires that we play tracks all the way through, as opposed to editing on the computer. Another reason the record sounds so good is because of our producer Mike McCarthy. He is a grumpy old wizard but we love him.

Where did the song Eddie’s Ragga come from? I’ve seen it mentioned that it’s about I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness’ Eddie Roberts.
We were playing with Eddie working on new songs, and he came up with bass line. Britt built the song around this rhythm section approach.

Where did the cover of The Natural History’s Don’t You Evah originate from? Is it something you’d played together in rehearsals previously?
We are friends with the Natural History and have toured with them. The song appeared on their last record that was never released. We loved the song and decided to cover it for this record.

How did the use of the Ugo Mulas photo for the album cover come about? Are you fans of Bontecou, Mulas or both?
Britt found the photograph. We are always looking for very striking photos to use as cover art, and this one is great.

I’ve always thought your sound was very British and yet you’re hardly known over here. Is that something you’d like to rectify or are you happy with your anonymity?
We would love to sell more records in the UK. I am not sure why there is such a difference in our US and UK fan base. Maybe you can help. We’ll take you out for fish and chips.

What were your main influences, both musically and otherwise, whilst you were growing up? Did you always want to be in a band?
I started playing the drums to the Smiths, Cure, U2, and early REM. I always knew that I wanted to play the drums, but I assumed it would be for fun. I am very lucky and fortunate to be able to make my living playing music.

Do you read your own reviews?
When I have time I read some reviews. I definitely look forward to reading this one.

What do you think of the current music scene in the UK, are there any bands you’d like to tour with?
I am not that familiar with the UK music scene. But, if Radiohead needed an opening band (or someone to get them tea), I would do it.

How does playing in the UK compare with the US and other parts of the world? Are we really too quiet?
We have had really good shows in the UK. The biggest difference is that the crowd is much smaller in the UK.

I’ve read that Austin takes pride in its eccentricities and one of the cities slogans is “Keep Austin Weird”. What are you doing to help?
I am hardly ever in Austin because I am traveling so much. Maybe that is how I keep Austin weird…

What’s your most memorable on the road story?
My lawyer does not allow me to talk about it…

What are you thoughts on file sharing and the “Myspace phenomenon”?
I am fine with file sharing (of) music. If the music is good, file sharing can be a really good promotional tool. I also think that myspace is a useful tool for learning about new bands.

Are you concerned that your album has “leaked” months before it’s due to go on sale?
It was disappointing, but like I said above, I think it worked out well because we made a good record. People became excited about getting the record early, and the discussions created a word of mouth buzz.

Are you part of the mp3 crowd or do you still buy CD’s / vinyl?
I still buy CD’s to promote the artist and because I like to burn the CD’s at higher bitrate for better audio quality.

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 last LCD Soundsystem record. I also have been getting into a lot of old Stevie Wonder…not new but I’ve been listening to him a lot.

What’s next for Spoon? Do you have any ideas or plans for the next album?
Lots of touring. No plans yet for the next record. Discussions will start soon so we can make sure we put out our next record within 2 years.