22 Nov Interview – Franz Ferdinand, « On this album, we wanted to embrace our identity while experimenting with new things »

Alex Kapranos and Bob Hardy of Franz Ferdinand were in Paris to promote their new album The Human Fear, which will be released on January 10th.

Sound of Brit: Your new album was produced by Mark Ralph, the same producer who worked with you on the great Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action (2013). Why did you decide to team up with him again?

Alex Kapranos: We really love Mark, he’s a great guy. When we started talking about producers, we wanted to record in my studio in Scotland, which he was very familiar with. The studio is unique because it’s like being in a living room with a fire, a desk. It’s like being in a house, so the technical aspects didn’t bother him. This kind of atmosphere might not work for some producers, but it suits Mark perfectly.

Bob Hardy: It makes everything so much easier and more natural. You can get straight into the music and production without having to go through the process of getting to know each other first.

Alex: Also, he’s open to all our ideas. He’s someone who tries to make what’s in our heads come to life.

SOB: What was the central theme of this album?

Alex: I’d say the title The Human Fear sums it all up, but it didn’t come up until we finished the album. The song Hooked starts with the line « I got a fear, got the human fear, » and those were the last lyrics written for the album. When we finished recording and took a step back, we realized that was the theme. All the songs on the album are about fear in one way or another.

Bob: I think there are themes we often return to. The experience of being human, our relationships and interactions, religious themes too.

Alex: Yes, everything about searching for something bigger than yourself. Musically, I think there were two things we wanted to do. Simply embrace our identity, the Franz Ferdinand sound, while also experimenting with new things. Songs like Black Eyelashes, The Birds, or Tell Me I Should Stay stand out but still retain our identity.

SOB: That was actually one of my questions – when I listened to Hooked, I thought it was quite different from the others, but it still didn’t betray the Franz Ferdinand DNA in a way.

Alex: I’m happy to hear that! That was the goal. The song started with a guitar riff, and then the whole band jumped in with a very rock and bold performance.

SOB: At this stage of your career, do you experience moments of frustration in the studio when it comes to certain directions you want to take with the tracks?

Alex: There’s so much work beforehand, so I’d say no. We talk a lot during rehearsals with Bob. At first, Bar Lonely was a very slow piano song. By the way, we’re going to release a demo album! It’s very interesting to see how some songs evolve. Have you ever listened to the demo of Heart of Glass by Blondie? I highly recommend it!

SOB: Audacious is the first single to be released. Is « audacity » a word that sums up this project?

Bob: That works for me. I think making an album isn’t necessarily about being audacious, it’s about being in a band that is. No one asked you to do it, but you do it anyway!

Alex: I’ve learned to embrace my audacity, in life and when I step on stage, go into the studio, write songs… And not apologize for it. You really have to try to detach from how others perceive you. The greatest performer of the last century was Freddie Mercury. He was the most fearless. Some people hate him, others love him, I’m in the latter camp, partly because of his audacity.

SOB: What’s your favourite song from the album? Mine would be Bar Lonely.

Bob: Everydaydreamer is one of my favourites, but also The Birds.

Alex: The Birds is the one I enjoy playing live the most because it’s unconventional. I think my favourite is Black Eyelashes, which is quite different from the songs we’ve done before.

SOB: I listened to some parts of your podcast Words So Leisured, it was interesting to hear you talk about your early days in Glasgow. What do you remember from that time?

Bob: Great memories. Back then, everything felt possible, which made it very exciting. Glasgow has this unique vibe where you go out at night and you don’t know what is going to happen!

Alex: It was very inspiring, especially because of the people around us. Musicians, artists… We had great conversations!

SOB: Some bands don’t like to play their most famous songs anymore, but I can’t imagine one of your concerts without Take Me Out and the euphoria that comes with it… What do you think about that?

Alex: You have to trust what you’re doing. I think we made a good album, so we can be happy playing our old songs. It all mixes pretty easily. You shouldn’t think that the audience is only interested in the old songs and resent them for it. We just played in Mexico, and the new songs were pretty well received. If I went to see Paul McCartney and he didn’t play Yesterday, I’d be very disappointed!

Bob: Paul is a great example! A few years ago, I saw him perform, and he just plays what he wants to hear. I heard him talk about Bob Dylan, who plays his old songs but changes them beyond recognition.

SOB: What album would you recommend to someone who has never heard of Franz Ferdinand?

Bob: Probably Hits to the Head.

Alex: I’d say the first one and the last one!

SOB: You’ll be playing at La Cigale next February…

Alex: We love that venue. It’s not the one we were recommended, but I’m really looking forward to playing there. And yes, Take Me Out will be part of the setlist!

SOB: What British bands do you enjoy listening to at the moment?

Alex: Brenda, a band from Glasgow.

Bob: English Teacher, a band from Leeds. Fontaines D.C., from Ireland. Pozi, a band from London.

Franz Ferdinand will be performing at La Cigale (Paris) on February 27th. The show is already sold out.