_Jacob McGuffie - The Fearless Vampire Killers (05/12/2011)
_
The
Fearless Vampire Killers have recently released their debut LP, Batmania. The
59th Sound spoke with James McGuffie about supporting The Mars
Volta, comparing Batmania to a 21st speech and how studying John
Cusack’s every move could help survive 2012.
What’s the story behind the band name? Was it inspired by the 1967 movie of the same name?
It is true, we stole it from Roman Polanski's satire vampire film of the same name. Sean happened to see the film in media class when the band was looking for a name. He suggested "The Fearless Vampire Killers" and everyone else said it was the worst name they'd ever heard. It stuck and here we are! Although, I think if we had our time again we'd definitely call the band "Harry Potter and The Philosophers Stone".
On your website it says you “worship the false idols of rock n’ roll”. What artists, people, or places inspire the overall sound of the band?
Ah, press releases ey? Each member of the band brings their own influences to our sound but the common denominator is definitely The Beatles. We also love the Stones, Kinks, lots of surf bands and anything composed by Ennio Morricone. Maybe Mr Eastwood would like to be in one of our clips? Please?
The quartet has supported well-known bands such as Kasabian, The Hives, and The Mars Volta. What were those experiences like?
All three of these bands have totally dispelled any myths I've ever had about famous people being twats. They were all gracious, welcoming, encouraging and very good at what they do. We love getting the opportunity to prove ourselves to those larger crowds too, winning over The Mars Volta audience was a pretty awesome feeling... We thought we were going to get slammed!
Your LP – Batmania – was released 14th October and took the better part of two years to complete. What motivated the band (individually or otherwise) to see the album through to the end?
I think for any band the debut record is generally the hardest. We didn't want to release something that wasn't ready and we're glad we spent the time making it sound how it needed to sound. We're not a studio band, we're a live band, so we wanted it to capture the energy we create live. I think 'Batmania' is a good summary of everything that has happened over the last seven years. Listening to it, it feels a little bit like a 21st speech.
Your producer for the LP was Lars Stalfors [whom also worked with The Mars Volta]. What was it like working with him?
Lars was amazing to work with! From the very beginning he nailed the sound of the band on record. We were initially trying to get Nick Launay but it turned out he was busy doing Arcade Fire's 'The Suburbs'. We figured that was a pretty good excuse and his management suggested Lars, we're stoked he did it.
What were some of the hardest things to overcome as a band, or as individuals, to get to where you are now?
As an independent band there's always financial set backs. Living gig to gig to pay the bills can be tough but it keeps things interesting. Have we mentioned that our album is available to buy now?
It has been mentioned a few times that TFVK really show off their musical talent when performing live – what do you do to impress your audience?
Sean and I are fond of wearing polka dots. This does get a little awkward when we show up to a show wearing the same shirt. As for being musically impressive, that statement is rather flattering but it isn't something we set out to do. We like to think our songs are stong enough to carry themselves without unnecessary 'chopping out'.
What has been a highlight of being in a band thus far?
Playing our music for an appreciative audience makes sitting in van for hours on end all worth it. Every night we get on stage is a highlight, it's the best job in the world.
And to finish off, a look into the future: What are the goals for TFVK in 2012 and beyond?
It has been rather well publicised that the end of the world is nigh. But never fear, we're well prepared and will be touring on the back of 'Batmania' in early 2012. Our manager, James, has been closely studying John Cusack's every move to ensure that we make it through alive.
Batmania is out now
Olivia Fusca
What’s the story behind the band name? Was it inspired by the 1967 movie of the same name?
It is true, we stole it from Roman Polanski's satire vampire film of the same name. Sean happened to see the film in media class when the band was looking for a name. He suggested "The Fearless Vampire Killers" and everyone else said it was the worst name they'd ever heard. It stuck and here we are! Although, I think if we had our time again we'd definitely call the band "Harry Potter and The Philosophers Stone".
On your website it says you “worship the false idols of rock n’ roll”. What artists, people, or places inspire the overall sound of the band?
Ah, press releases ey? Each member of the band brings their own influences to our sound but the common denominator is definitely The Beatles. We also love the Stones, Kinks, lots of surf bands and anything composed by Ennio Morricone. Maybe Mr Eastwood would like to be in one of our clips? Please?
The quartet has supported well-known bands such as Kasabian, The Hives, and The Mars Volta. What were those experiences like?
All three of these bands have totally dispelled any myths I've ever had about famous people being twats. They were all gracious, welcoming, encouraging and very good at what they do. We love getting the opportunity to prove ourselves to those larger crowds too, winning over The Mars Volta audience was a pretty awesome feeling... We thought we were going to get slammed!
Your LP – Batmania – was released 14th October and took the better part of two years to complete. What motivated the band (individually or otherwise) to see the album through to the end?
I think for any band the debut record is generally the hardest. We didn't want to release something that wasn't ready and we're glad we spent the time making it sound how it needed to sound. We're not a studio band, we're a live band, so we wanted it to capture the energy we create live. I think 'Batmania' is a good summary of everything that has happened over the last seven years. Listening to it, it feels a little bit like a 21st speech.
Your producer for the LP was Lars Stalfors [whom also worked with The Mars Volta]. What was it like working with him?
Lars was amazing to work with! From the very beginning he nailed the sound of the band on record. We were initially trying to get Nick Launay but it turned out he was busy doing Arcade Fire's 'The Suburbs'. We figured that was a pretty good excuse and his management suggested Lars, we're stoked he did it.
What were some of the hardest things to overcome as a band, or as individuals, to get to where you are now?
As an independent band there's always financial set backs. Living gig to gig to pay the bills can be tough but it keeps things interesting. Have we mentioned that our album is available to buy now?
It has been mentioned a few times that TFVK really show off their musical talent when performing live – what do you do to impress your audience?
Sean and I are fond of wearing polka dots. This does get a little awkward when we show up to a show wearing the same shirt. As for being musically impressive, that statement is rather flattering but it isn't something we set out to do. We like to think our songs are stong enough to carry themselves without unnecessary 'chopping out'.
What has been a highlight of being in a band thus far?
Playing our music for an appreciative audience makes sitting in van for hours on end all worth it. Every night we get on stage is a highlight, it's the best job in the world.
And to finish off, a look into the future: What are the goals for TFVK in 2012 and beyond?
It has been rather well publicised that the end of the world is nigh. But never fear, we're well prepared and will be touring on the back of 'Batmania' in early 2012. Our manager, James, has been closely studying John Cusack's every move to ensure that we make it through alive.
Batmania is out now
Olivia Fusca