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Kirsten Dunst, Jake Gyllenhaal, George Michael, Paul Weller, Bob Geldof, William Orbit, Carl Barat, Scary Spice. Fear not readers, Mylo isn’t planning the sequel to ‘Destroy Rock & Roll’. Better still, every single one of these names is a supporter of the Scottish/Brazilian/English/Canadian foursome Guillemots and their quest for indie-stardom. And rightly so. Gigwise met up with frontman Fyfe Dangerfield and fetchingly named lead guitarist MC Lord Magrao at a London hotel, to discuss all about Hollywood’s favourite new band…
Quintessentially English singer and sometimes pianist Fyfe Dangerfield, Brazilian guitarist MC Lord Magrao, Scottish drummer Rican Caol and Canadian double bassist Aristazabal Hawkes could be the names of forthcoming counterparts to the Power Rangers. Such a diversity of backgrounds can’t help but direct the sound of Guillemots in a variety of paths. “Inevitably because we’re from different places it affects the sound. You can’t take where you’re from out of you, however much you try,” believes Fyfe, “I think it really helps with us that we’re four people from different corners of the globe and different sexes and ages.”
Recent and impending singles ‘Trains to Brazil’ and ‘Made-Up Love Song #43‘ respectively, feature tripping rhythms, memorable melodies and the most significant aspect of all, the voice. “I just try and sing and not be self-conscious. I’ve tried not to be afraid of the mistakes in your voice because those are often the things that make it nice.” The way Dylan and Buckley ‘carelessly’ sang through vocals but still made it sound superior reflects upon the attitude and result of the Guillemots’ very own front man. “Plus it’s also really good to sing, like, chemically it releases endorphins that make you feel happy. Even if it’s the saddest song in the world it could be the most wonderful feeling to sing it” adds Fyfe, whom therefore the more he sings, the happier he becomes.
Even though certain sectors of the media are feeling free to claim this band as one of this year’s hottest new thangs, the band are still grounded and are unprepared to get carried away with the commotion around them. “It’s funny when people are like “You’re massive” when we could be playing the Dublin Castle in six months” feels Fyfe. MC Lord adds: “The whole point is playing music together. The ‘massive’ side to it doesn’t really matter.” But what if all the assumptions become reality? “As long as it’s it on our own terms. I’d be suicidal if we had a no. 1 that I knew we just made in order to do so” quickly replies Fyfe.
Currently in a planet where the amount of Myspace friends one has is to some just as important a competition as the World Cup and internet-catalysed record deals, Guillemots also have the internet on their ‘thank you’ list. “It’s a great way of getting people to hear your music and it’s nice to talk to people who’ve bought your records and like your music” says Fyfe, to which MC Lord swiftly agrees, “Yeah, it’s good it’s there because we try to be that something different for people who are bored of mainstream pop.”
Considering each member is from four different parts of the globe, the Guillemots’ ultimate playlist is bound to be an eclectic one. MC Lord reveals, “I like Sonic Youth, Beck, Fugazi, but also some thrash metal.” But while on the subject of favourite bands/inspirations Gigwise felt the need to throw a couple of comparisons out there. Arcade Fire? “They have the same sort of energy as us onstage but musically it’s completely different.” The Flaming Lips? “Again I don’t think we sound like them but we share the same attitude” answers Fyfe. Hmmm, oh well, just a suggestion.
‘Those of you who moan your lives…be thankful you’re here’ declares Fyfe semi-way through ‘Trains to Brazil’, an uplifting song about feeling lucky and grateful to wake up in the morning. “Everybody moans but you’ve got to snap out of it sometimes, otherwise you’ll waste what life you do have. I can’t stand people who say ‘Life’s a bitch’” proclaims Fyfe. With an album out in a matter of weeks, Fyfe and MC Lord have two simple instructions they would like listeners to embrace after working their way through it. “Dance and dream. As long as you keep dreaming about what you want you’re gonna get there. What’s the point of being here if you stop dreaming?” An all too true, but scary question from MC Lord.
It’s the midst of festival season and Guillemots are by no means absent with a whole bunch of festivals on the schedule including Reading/Leeds, T in the Park and Belgium’s Pukkelpop Festival. An excited Fyfe says, “We’re looking forward to them all. It’s just nice to be playing these things. Instead of watching them on TV and wishing we were playing there. “
‘Through the Windowpane’ is the title of Guillemots’ impending full length debut-proper, after a ‘mini-album’ was released back in March. Packed with twelve dance and dream-worthy numbers, it’s sure to catch the eye of new music lovers alike. “Actually while we were recording George Michael was there recording in the next studio. Apparently he likes ‘Made Up Love Song #43’” states a proud Fyfe before plummeting into a long list of celebrities who’ve spread their love for his band. “Bob Geldof, apparently loves our album changed his summer, Carl Barat, William Orbit, Paul Weller, Kirsten Dunst, Jake Gyllenhaal and even Mel B came to one of our gigs. We’re basically the band of the stars” he declares before MC Lord adds “Jake from Scissor Sisters” to an already very impressive line up.
With ‘Through the Windowpane’ blaring out of places from Beverly Hills to Camden Town, Guillemots have certainly got all bases covered. The albums out in weeks-time, a mass of festival stages up and down Europe await and these boys couldn’t be more prepared. Fyfe adds “We’re always ready. We’re like cats I guess. Always hungry, plus we’re gonna live nine times.”
