Kasabian - New Album Chinwag
By: Andy Willson
It was with immense joy that this interviewer managed to grab some time chatting with the band destined for the biggest comeback since Tony Christie, Kasabian. It's been a full 12 months since the release of their self titled debut album 'Kasabian', but the 28th of August sees their return with 'Empire', a record they summarise to us as "stomping, electric, organic, uplifting and... BIG". As we converse, they're all seated in a tourbus just outside Dover, pedal to the metal so they can get to Zurich in time to support The Rolling Stones the following night. No prima donna stuff - roadies and band are all crammed in together. Despite the lack of space, I managed to squeeze in a few questions with drummer Ian Matthews, who has himself only recently finally been accepted as a fully paid up member of the band.
Rockfeedback: So Ian, how done it feel to become an official member of Kasabian?
Ian: "It's amazing. I've known the guys for 5 years now after meeting up with them in Bristol. I suppose I really got involved with them as a band back in April '04 when we toured with The Von Bondies, and I've stayed ever since.
And supporting The Rolling Stones?
"It's such a fantastic opportunity. We're supporting one of the biggest British bands of the last 40 years, but I doubt we'll even get to meet them. They have a completely different backstage area, and if we want to see them we'll have to pay £150 each to stand at the front with the rest of the crowd. With all their money it's incredible, but at least we can say we've toured with the Stones!"
How are things now that Chris (Karloff) has left the band?
"It's something that was unavoidable. Chris lives in America and he wants to carry on making music his way. It was amicable, but painful, because Kasabian are like a family so it's always hard losing a member. It's feels a bit like a marriage being in this band, but sometimes it just doesn't work out. Kasabian are there to uplift people and we plan to be touring for a few more years yet despite losing Chris. It's sad, but it was the right thing for everyone!"
How would you say 'Empire' differs from the debut?
"We spent a lot more time in the room together as a band, and there's a lot less computer generated stuff and loops than before. There are still some on there, but not quite as much. It's got a more natural organic feel to it, this record. For one of the tracks, we got together at 4am and started playing after a few Stellas and that take ended up making it on the album. There are more musicians involved this time too. We had some Moroccan string players which you can hear in the single 'Empire'. Serge met up with them in Paris and organised their bit. It was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Monmouth with Jim Abbiss.
Favourite track on the album?
"There's quite a few and most of the lads love 'British Legion' which Serge sings. I think my favourite would be 'By My Side'... or maybe 'Shoot The Runner".
What was it like getting blown up for the 'Empire' video?
"It was mad. We were on our knees when the explosion went off and it was an air compressor full of dust which produced the bang. You might not think it would hurt, but let me tell you, it did! The video was such fun to make. It was filmed in Romania just outside Bucharest, where there was a real battle years ago with the Romanians against about 10,000 Turks. It was a strange feeling knowing the history of where we were. Also, when Serge gets blown backwards it looks like him, but it's actually a stunt double. The funny thing was that he was only about 4' 10" tall and had a 38" waist, which as you know, that's nothing like our Serge! That was some clever editing!"
What was touring America with Oasis like?
"We had a mental time. There were so many places we visited, but the most memorable gig was in Colorado Red Rocks. It's an amphitheatre which is about one and a half miles above sea level. We had to take oxygen in before we went on stage and it was just a fantastic setting. You look down and you can see Denver below and it looks tiny.
So can we expect any surprises at V?
"It's gonna be a mix of old and new stuff. We just want to make sure that everyone has a great day out, I mean, it's a festival isn't it? We tend to extend some of the songs and if the crowd are into it, we just make it up as we go. I really wanted to see Radiohead but we're on at the same time they are. I really love 'The Bends' & 'OK Computer' and I've never seen them before so it's a real shame. We love playing any gig! Glastonbury last year was amazing, playing in front of 45,000 people, but we're also looking forward to playing Koko in a couple of months too. It doesn't matter how big or how small, we just love playing!"
So what gets played on the tourbus?
"A bit of everything really. No one takes control of what's on, it's a band thing, and we have this thing where you can plug in loads of I pods and it just plays whatever you want. 'Children of The Revolution' was always being played but when we were in America, we had this railroad song called something like 'Don't Worry About The Jewellery' playing so as I say, anything goes."
And finally, most embarrassing track on your iPod?
I share it with my girlfriend (ooh, schoolboy error! - Ed) so some of the songs are hers. There's some Kylie on there, and maybe a bit worse..."
And on that note, it seemed apt to terminate the conversation. Well, that, and to be completely honest, the reception was getting a bit crap - so I wished them well and intend to catch up with them at Brixton Academy later this month, a show which sold out in a matter of minutes. Not only did 'Empire' manage to chart at #9 last week, but they get to vie for V Festival punters with Radiohead. Not bad for a bunch of 'Erberts from Leicester!
You never know, it could be that Jagger & co will be paying £150 to see Kasabian in a few years. If Keith can keep out of the palm trees, that is.
Artists in this article: Kasabian