- Mon, 2008-09-29 11:09
With some memorable melodies and face-melting guitar riffs, Fightstar have been rocking our nation’s music scene for the past few years. Now, this post-hardcore quartet are in the midst of recording their third studio album and with another tour in the pipeline they appear to have a busy few months ahead of them. I Like Music grabbed vocalist/guitarist Charlie Simpson for a quick update…
ILM: So, back to grass roots: How did Fightstar, as a band, come about?
Charlie: It all started when my ex moved in to a place with Al’s sister. We met at a dinner party, got the guitars and simply had a jam. It was quite impromptu and casual but we got to play some old school classics! Then, when Al came down to London, he lived with me for a while: We started writing songs together, recruited Dan and Omar, and the rest is history…
ILM: Who would you credit as your biggest influences, musically and otherwise?
Charlie: As a band we have a lot of influences between us. They range from random singer/songwriters to Deftones to Sigur Rós. We also take inspiration from film. I mean, the first track from our debut album was called Palahniuk's Laughter in reference to Chuck Palahniuk, the author of Fight Club. We like to think that our music has a filmic element to it.
ILM: Since ripping up your contract with your previous record company, do you feel more comfortable as a band with your current label, Institute Records?
Charlie: Well, being signed to a major label can be difficult for a band. They seem to just try and churn out as much material as possible. And I think it crushes creativity, really, whereas indie labels are more relaxed and artist focused. But now, we’re in control of our art and our destiny and we’re much happier!
ILM: You’re back in the studio at the moment, working on your next album. When is it due for release and does it mark a new chapter for Fightstar?
Charlie: Yeah, the new record definitely marks a new chapter for Fightstar. We’re co-producing this album, so it’s been a lot more hands-on than it has in the past. The recording is going great, we’re really happy with the new material. We’ll be mixing it in October and hopefully it will be released in mid-to-late February 2009.
ILM: After playing Download in 2006 and 2008, have you become used to playing to literally thousands of fans?
Charlie: We really like playing some of the big festivals. It’s a bit different to the small venues that we are used to, but it’s always great to play to what could be a new set of potential fans. Though, I will always love the small intimate shows that we play. You get to be more personal with your crowd.
ILM: You have been rumoured to tour with Feeder towards the end of this year. What’s the deal?
Charlie: They approached us and we‘ve been talking to them about it. But nothing has been confirmed yet.
ILM: What can fans expect from you in the coming months?
Charlie: Our new single, English Way, will be out shortly; we just finished shooting the music video. Apart from that, we’ll be working on the album and possibly touring nearer the end of the year. But we will be full steam ahead for the coming year!
