Until The Ribbons Breaks are on act on the cusp of something great... and with a London Grammar support slot and a feature on Run The Jewels' album, they have the credentials to back it up. Last week the group played Hackney's Oslo, where Gigwise filmed a performance of 'Perspective', a highlight from debut album A Lesson Unlearnt.
Watch Until The Ribbon Breaks perform 'Perspective' above
"There is a funny story about that song," says front man Pete Lawrie-Winfield. "I've always been a massive fan of hip hop and a massive fan of a rapper called Homeboy Sandman who features on the album version of the track. As soon as our bits were finished, he was the first person that came to mind, but I didn't know how I was going to get him on the track of if he was going to like it. So I just guessed his email address, sent him an email and he got back to me within 24 hours."
Ahead of their Coachella performance, we talked to Lawrie-Winfield about laughing with Killer Mike, touring with London Grammar and why the album isn't dead yet.
Gigwise: What would be your top tip for festival survival?
Pete: Don't go. I think if survival is your bag then rock'n'roll festivals shouldn't be your port of call. You should save the money and go to Antartica. I think having your tent urinated on at 4am and losing both shoes within an hour of arrival is what makes it all fun.
Who is the best live R&B act you’ve ever seen?
Jamourquai. Perhaps Its more funk than R&B, or that horrible genre that horrible people used to talk about at horrible dinner parties, "acid jazz". Either way, I always thought it was essentially an R&B vocal and a great one. Also, it was the first concert I ever went to and therefore it has nostalgia attached.
What was the funniest conversation you had with Killer Mike or EL-P?
Honestly, pretty much every single thing that comes out of their mouths and for very different reasons. Mike, is just an enormous personality. Huge booming voice, laughs hard and loud and usually at the expense of El, who is dryer than a mouth full of digestives. They are a duo in all senses, you can't join in, no point trying. Just watching them argue is one of lifes greatest pleasures.
What was the most surprising thing you and London Grammar had in common on tour?
That we got on so well! That sounds odd, but I'll explain. Normally touring is each bands own bubble. Not because anyone is necessarily unfriendly, but because bands are busy and tour is no exception. Often the times don't match up. Passing ships in the corridors of a venue. But the London Grammar posse from band to crew, made us feel like we were all one big dysfunctional family, hurtling around America, trying to find somewhere to eat.
Describe your worst ever gig?
In a previous musical endeavour that will remain nameless, Elliot walked off stage. No great drama, no fight. He just couldn't be bothered anymore with the whole thing. I stayed on and played a solo show, wishing the whole time that I had just walked out with him.
What’s the biggest misconception about you?
I suppose to answer seriously for a moment, that a misconception of me would be that the man on stage is the man that you may meet in the line for the bathroom. I remember seeing Nick Cave in LA. Best performer I have ever seen. Paraded the stage like some kind of voodoo preacher, crown firmly in his palm. I was lucky enough to meet him afterwards and he was the most mild mannered, quiet and polite gentleman you could hope to find. To get on stage, you have to put on your superhero costume. Even superheroes have those........
Who is the best indie band you’ve seen recently and why?
I saw Catfish and the Bottlemen recently. I'll be honest, I was a hip hop/punk kid. Indie passed me by. Too much floppy hair.... but they were great..
What small festival have you experienced that really impressed you?
We played a festival called Electric Forest over in the states and it was a real pleasure. Amazing setting. Deep in the tree's, surrounded by lasers. Felt like the house band in some surreal, acid-fried dream.
What musical trend needs to die out in 2015 and why?
People saying the album is dead. Go attend the funeral of your own fecking record, ours is alive and kicking thank you. What did you want to achieve with this video? The marriage of visuals and music to great something more powerful than the sum of its parts. Smoke and Mirrors, illusion, mystery.
Until The Ribbon Breaks' debut album A Lesson Unlearnt is released 1 June and you can catch them performing at Coachella in April.
