Interview by Stuart Blythe
Frightened Rabbit are heading back to Australia as part of Laneway Festival 2014 and also performing their own headlines shows.
LifeMusicMedia.com catch up with Frightened Rabbit bassist Billy Kennedy for a chat.
LMM: Frightened Rabbit has come to Australia quite a lot in the past few years. Is there anything in particular that makes you want to keep coming back?
Billy: The weather maybe?! I’d mostly say the crowd reactions at our shows though. Each time we come back it seems to get a little wilder and we’re always a bit taken aback by that.
LMM: What are you most looking forward to about doing Laneway Festival 2014?
Billy: We’ve never actually been to Singapore or New Zealand so we’re very excited about seeing some new parts of the world and playing to a totally new audience.
LMM: What other bands are you excited about touring around Australia and sharing the stage with?
Billy: HAIM, War Paint, Kurt Vile and our buddies CHVRCHES. They’re just four acts from the amazing lineup that I’m looking forward to seeing and hopefully sharing a few aftershow drinks with.
LMM: In addition to Laneway Festival you’re playing headline side-shows in Sydney and Melbourne. Does your show format change when playing more intimate shows?
Billy: It’s always a little bit more aggressive when we play smaller shows, where we buzz off the crowds being a bit closer. The set will be longer too so there will also be more sweating!
LMM: Have you got any pre-show routines/superstitions?
Billy: Not really but I have noticed that I’ve started to brush my teeth 10 mins before going onstage every night…
LMM: Is there anything you’d really like to do whilst you’re in Australia?
Billy: I’d like to take in a couple of beaches, if it isn’t too hot for my pasty complexion, and explore each city as much as possible. Especially Melbourne. I think that might be my second favourite city after Glasgow.
LMM: If you were starting out as a young musician today, what advise would you give your younger self?
Billy: Just keep at it and try to play as many shows in as many different places as possible. If you like to party then it’s best to get it in now because you really can’t keep that up as you get older! And always pack extra socks.
LMM: Is there anything you would like to say to your fan base ahead of the tour?
Billy: We can’t wait to come play for you and see all your lovely faces again!
:: What track changed your life ::
Whispering Pines by The Band
:: Biggest influence ::
The Band
:: Name a band or artist we should checkout ::
Dutch Uncles
:: Favourite Quote ::
“I don’t know anything about music. In my line you don’t have to.” Elvis Presley
:: Three words to describe the last few years ::
INCREDIBLE, EXHAUSTING & FUN
:: Three words to describe the year ahead ::
EXCITING, UNPREDICTABLE & OLDER
** CHECK HERE for all of the tour details **
www.frightenedrabbit.com
www.chuggentertainment.com
www.XIIITouring.com