The Futureheads Interview
Tue 22 Jul 2008
The Future is Bland
They’re one of the biggest bands in the world right now, thanks to internet hype and a monotonous sound that has monopolised the airwaves of late, but The Futureheads no longer live up to the hype. The once exciting, cutting-edge, post-pop punk band were like a foreign cousin of my favourite local band at that time, Cut Off Your Hands, who, when under the moniker Shaky Hands were an exuberant, experimental and exciting band. Both groups took similar paths to mainstream success, defying their roots and many fans. Oh well. That road to blog celebrity and radio fandom has delivered them chart topping success and has seen them added to huge live bills. But as it turns out, with homogenisation comes boredom.
After interviewing lead singer/guitarist from The Futureheads, Barry Hyde, I soon found he barely has an opinion on anything. Ok, given they are drop dead busy with their promo schedule and touring commitments, they fortunately have very helpful and friendly PR to handle requests of all manner. But Barry could have at least given us more than 5 minutes of his time, which is probably all he took to answer the questions below. He could have also dared to consider the limitless bounds of meaning in his band’s name; for a band that once inspired sing alongs in cars, they now only encourage a frustrated groan.
When you started out did you ever think about the future? Did you ever think you’d be as big as you are now?
We have always tried to live on a gig to gig basis. We never thought we’d get to do as much stuff as we have. Never in a million years.
David Byrne has a really cool song called In The Future that he wrote in 1980, in which he predicts what will happen in the future. What are your predictions for the future?
I’m not sure to be honest. All I know is that things are going to get a lot worse before they get any better. And hopefully one day someone will finally invent the hover board.
What do you think of the future of the music industry, with regards to the internet and music blogs like Einstein Music Journal?
I don’t care that much about what happens to the business, it’s a total mess at the minute. The internet will obviously play a huge part in it, it already is.
What do you think of the music industry currently?
It’s like Sunderland in the 80′s, everybody is skint and worried where it’s all going. One thing to remember is that good music will always be made and enjoyed, regardless of the methods that people choose to use to enjoy it.
How has being in the music industry shaped you and the band?
It surrounds us, all bands are in the eye of the storm, it’s dangerous and it’s easy to get sucked in to the darkside. It’s sad when bands loose their way.
Obviously The Futureheads is a big band now, do you enjoy playing the big festivals and stadiums? Or do you prefer smaller/quieter gigs?
I like playing at the weekend, you have the most fun when people are free from the worries of work.
What do you think of playing showcase festivals and events as a way to gain attention?
It’s all a big competition. The best bands will always get there in the end.
Do you or the rest of the band use blogs? If so, what are some of your favourites?
I don’t.
Do you think you will come to New Zealand in the future?
I hope so.
Are there any bands from New Zealand that have impressed you lately?
Flight of the Conchords.
What are your plans for the future?
Getting married, getting fat and getting rich.
- Barry Hyde (The Futureheads)
Is the concept or thought of the future a significant influence on you or your music?
No
What’s your favourite book?
Don’t have one. The BFG maybe.
Anything else you’d like to add/tell us?
I really hope we get a chance to come over to NZ, my soon to be Mother in Law lives there and it is a wonderful place. It would be a dream come true to come over and play for you lot. BAND MEETING!!!!
Posted by Sarah Gooding under UK
No Comments
