Los Campesinos! have always been a house favourite. Always one to fish hook me when they appear at a festival that I attend. Give them their dues, they are one of the only bands out there that get my incoherent limbs jiggling sparingly. For me, the first album was one of the most underrated of the last five years. And they have appeared unscathed from the dreaded second album grave yard. With an imminent tour in view we thought we’d have a little chat with Ollie from LC to see the bands plans for the coming months.
Hey guys, how is the world treating Los Campesinos! at the moment?
Very good. We just got back from ATP, which was amazing.
I got to catch you at Doncaster Dome the other night supporting the Cribs and the Slits, how was the show for you? It was a thoroughly enjoyable night in my opinion.
We had a good show, we felt we played well, but members of the crowd let it down. Some people are just so rude.
Shame about the treatment the shits gave the Slits, wasn’t it?
That was horrible, we can’t believe people can treat people like that. After they came off stage, I picked up nearly £2 in change chucked at them. The stage was soaked. Good on them for not letting the crowd get to them. The Cribs were pretty upset at the treatment that The Slits received from the crowd.
How were the Jarmans and the legendary Mr Marr?
They were lovely people, super friendly. Gareth gave Johnny some vegan cheese which he loved (Johnny is vegan). Hopefully it will be the start of a beautiful friendship.
Glad to be back touring?
I always enjoy touring. I get bored quite quickly, so its nice to be off travelling to new places and just playing.
You’re playing a host of underage shows on the upcoming tour, has that become part and parcel of your touring now?
Yeah. We always try to make the shows as young as possible. We seem to appeal to a broad age range so everyone should be able to enjoy us. The youngsters are more likely to dance as well.
How did the homecoming show go on December 4th? One that you’d been looking forward to?
It was a show for Sailor Jerry’s Rum so I don’t think we regarded it as our own show the same. We knew we were playing Cardiff but I don’t think we took it as serious.
Concerning your last album, were you happy with the feedback you received?
Yeah, really happy. Of course, some people said they preferred the first record. But at the end of the day we were proud of what we had done and thats what really matters. To avoid sounding arrogant.
Have you begun writing the next record yet or have you got your minds set on the tour ahead?
Its all finished and will hit the shops in the UK on the 1st February 2010. We’re super excited about it getting released and for people to able to hear it. And its going to be great playing these new songs on tour.
Have you announced the supporting yet?
Yes we have. We are touring with a band from London called Swanton Bombs and a band from Cardiff called Islet. Both of them are doing really exciting stuff at the moment.
If so, was it your own choice or your labels?
We always choose our support. We’re selfish in the fact that if there is a band that we want to see, we always try to tour with them.
And some quick one guys to finish…
If you weren’t boasting about how good LC are, you’d be telling everyone about?
A band from Stonehaven called Copy Haho, really good music and great people. And a person called Sparky Deathcap. He tours with us when we can afford him and we’ve had the honour of playing as his backingband.
If getting a record deal has taught you anything, it is…
That Wichita records is an awesome label to be on.
The last band that you saw live that made you dance…
Mudhoney at ATP. I’ve been waiting to see them for years and finally got the chance. It was awesome.
The greatest pop song ever written?
‘Can’t Explain’ by The Who.
Fresh Prince of Bel Air or The A-Team?
Fresh Prince
London or Cardiff?
Cardiff all the way.
Koko or Brixton Academy?
Brixton
The best vinyl you ever bought at a market stall?
A album by one of the greatest drummers ever; Chick Webb.
Thanks for your time LC and good luck with the forthcoming tour.
No thank you. x
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About the Author:
AshMeikle is the co-founder of Shout4Music. Experienced in online and print publications, He has written in both London and New York for publications such as; Q Online, SUP Magazine/Online, TourDates, Disorder Magazine, Disappear Here Magazine, along with Whisperin & Hollerin.
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