Klaxons Interview

Nationwide Mercury Music Prize 2007 nominees the Klaxons rise to stardom has been little more than sensational, even if not predictable due to their sell-out tours. In 2007 they have already headlined the NME Indie Rave Tour and debuted on The Other Stage at Glastonbury. Luckily they found time to chat with Lycos about glowsticks, Daman Albarn, festivals and smoking.

Q: You're currently on tour, where do you like to play most?

James - Norwich is phenomenal, one of the best we've ever played. Anywhere up north is usually good too. We haven't gone on a proper extensive tour so we're looking forward to that.

Q: You're off to America for a third time, how's it going over there?

Jamie - It's going really well. You sort of have to let things grow organically over there as they don't really have a 'Radio 1' type station so it's more on word of mouth. They're not quite as brave and would prefer you to be tried and tested before putting you on air.

Q: You're plaing plenty of festivals this year, are there any you're looking forward to most?

Jamie - Benicassim is a great festival we've been for the past five years and can't wait to go again.

Q: Are there any artists you're excited about meeting at these festivals?

Jamie - Damon Albarn, he's probably the most iconic person still going that we'll meet. I'm not sure he's the sort of person to hang back stage.

Simon - I'd like to see Thomas Bangelta again.

Q: What music influenced you most in your early teenage years?

Jamie - I was listening to the sort of things other people my age weren't. A back catalogue of stuff that older people had got me into via record shops and there parents

James - Nivarna

Simon - I listened to my mums stuff, lots of Diana Ross.

Q: Do you think as a band you're responsible for the return of glowsticks?

Simon - Yeah, I think so, sorry. I went to see sunshine underground play at the Barfly and there were a few, but that was only after our first couple of gigs.

Jamie - It's just one of those things that was bubbling under and people seemed to want and we've accidentally made it happen.

James - I can't imagine ever touching one these days though, I wouldn't know what to do with it. I think with the release of our second record next year they'll have died down.

Q: Lycos - Is dance music as healthy as it was in the nineties?

Jamie - People listen to dance music more than ever, it's never gone away, it's still growing and is really strong at the moment

James - There are some great records out at the moment like SMD and Digitalism.

Q: What has Erol Alkan done for dance scene?

Simon - Kept it available to people who wouldn't necessarily listen to it.

James - He's so exciting behind the decks, a master at work, no one can touch him he's so passionate about what he does. We were very lucky to meet him when we did, he's really helped us along the way.

Q: What you favourite drinks gents?

James - Mojito

Simon - Baileys

Jamie- Whiskey ginger

Q: Smoking ban, good or bad?

Jamie- Yeah, it's really good. I'm a heavy smoker, and I think people can do what they want to themselves, but its definitely a good thing.

Q: What's the worst thing about being in a band?

James - Can't think of any. Maybe the aging process being on fast forward.

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