- Fri, 2012-01-20 18:32
We last caught up with post-hardcore, electronic experimentalists Enter Shikari in June 2011. Having just returned from recording their third album in Thailand, the band had high hopes for the record, with Rou telling us "It's even more varied than Common Dreads, there's been a lot of experimentation..."
This week their highly anticipated third record was released. After a few days on sale, A Flash Flood of Colour quickly soared to number one in the mid-week UK album chart. Amidst a very busy schedule Rob spared us a few moments to chat about the album, Rou's new favourite synth, listening to classical music and their mammouth plans for the year ahead.
ILM: The midweeks are all pointing to a number one album this Sunday. How does that feel? (what a way to start 2012...!)
Rob: Incredible, we never in a million years thought that we'd ever get anywhere close. To be honest, I'm expecting it to have been over taken by the weekend but just to have it at that position for a couple of days is incredible. It's a big step for independent music, alternative music and socially conscious music.
ILM: You answered a few questions for us last year, just after getting back from Thailand. You told us you'd taken a closer role with the production on this record. What approach did you take with the production? Is it something you'll continue to do?
Rob: Absolutely, we're quite control freaks and know exactly how we want the songs to sound. Dan was a facilitator. He's a great producer and gets the best out of us. He knows the equipment so well and can make our ideas into a reality. We are very much on top of and in charge of every aspect of our music from the writing (obviously) to the producing, mixing and mastering. If something's not quite right we send it back.
ILM: Arguing With Thermometers is ace. Why was that track chosen as a single?
Rob: It's a mean, gritty, thumping first single and we thought it was a good representation of the album. We could have chosen one of the more 'pop' songs but wouldn't want anyone to get a false idea of what we are. We may release one that's more accessible to a wider audience at a later date.
ILM: What were some of the biggest highlights during the making of the album?
Rob: Well, just being in Thailand was an incredible experience for all of us. The people that worked there were amazing, the studio was state of the art and it was all so relaxed and the ideal place away from distractions to concentrate on the music. I guess it got most exciting towards the end of the process where the songs really started coming together and taking shape.
ILM: What were some of the biggest hurdles? What did you learn / overcome...
Rob: The only hurdle was one that we ourselves put in front of us, that was to produce the best music we possibly could. We want to push ourselves and musical boundaries as far as possible. We've never really catered for anyone else, not for fans, not for radio, not for record labels, we've only ever done it for ourselves and we've always been proud of our work.
ILM: Can you tell us about any new equipment? Hardware, software etc?
Rob: Well Rou has a favourite new synth called 'Massive' that I think the majority of electronic noises were made on. It's an impressive piece of kit that lets you build a sound from scratch. You can manipulate it so much that you can pretty much make any noise you can think of!
ILM: What are your plans for the year ahead? Looking forward to the rest of 2012?
Rob: Lots and lots of touring. We go to Australia via Japan in February. March we have a big headliner in Europe and the UK, then in April we're headlining round North America. The summer will bring us lots of European festivals which are always lots of fun. To be honest I can't see that we're going to be getting much time off for the next 2 years at all.
ILM: What music have you been listening to recently?
Rob: Personally, I listen to a lot of classical music. I hear so much rock music on tour, hear all the dance music I want anytime I go to a club so when I get time to myself I find no better way to relax than with some classical. One piece I've been a bit obsessed with of late is 'Bolero' by Ravel.
ILM: Having spent a lot of time outside the UK, what do you make of the UK music scene upon your return?
Rob: Thriving. I think it's very healthy at the moment. We take for granted how much and what a variety of music we have available to us in the UK. So many cities you can go see live music every night of the week. There are a lot of new bands/artists/composers/producers making some of the most exciting music we've had in decades.
ILM: What’s the best thing about being part of Enter Shikari right now?
Rob: Being able to travel and see the world. I would never have seen half of the places around the world that I have without being in the band. Then having your music appreciated by people in those places, to see them singing your songs back at you is so touching.
ILM: Anything else we should know.....?
Rob: Errmmmm, thanks for all your support? We love you.
