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Although Frightened Rabbit was originally the solo project of guitarist Scott Hutchison, he was joined by his drumming brother Grant in 2004 and later by their friends Billy Kennedy (guitars and keyboards) and Andy Monaghan (bass). They released their debut album, 'Sing The Greys' through Hits The Fan in 2006, but it was a year later, when Fat Cat Records re-released it, that people really began taking notice. Album number two, 'The Midnight Organ Fight' was released in April and has picked up yet more acclaim by showing off a massively progressed songwriting talent. The second single from the album, 'Fast Blood' is released on 26 May.
Grant answered the Qs for us. |
Q1 How did you start out making music?
We started out making music as Frightened Rabbit thanks to Scott's emotional inadequacies! It started only as a solo project for Scott. He would write songs in his bedroom and then play shows with local boys ShitDisco in Glasgow. I joined the band simply because Scott wanted a drummer and I was the only one he knew at the time! Of course since starting the band he has met many more and my position now feels slightly less concrete! As Scott says, drummers are dispensable!
Q2 What inspired your latest single/album?
The second album, 'The Midnight Organ Fight' I think has a theme we can all relate to. An inability to understand and cope with relationships when they start veering out of control. On many songs on the album there's a real need for forgiveness from Scott but at the same time there's a fair few "fuck yous" in there too. We're not trying to do anything wildly different or experimental. The art of a great pop song is the hardest to master. I feel like we've nailed it with this album. There's nothing in it that someone somewhere hasn't experienced at one point in they're lives and I think that's why a lot of people feel close to the songs on there. The new single 'Fast Blood' is actually a song about sex. Again it explores the doubt you can feel when faced with a difficult time in a relationship which you thought maybe was invincible.
Q3 What process do you go through in creating a track?
Scott is the songwriter in Frightened Rabbit. He'll record a demo of guitar and vocals which we'll then try and layer up together. I'll come up with some kind of drum beat (trying all the time not to be self indulgent and over the top) and then extra overdubs and melodies are added. Sounds very scientific but it is the easiest way for us to do it. Often when I first hear a demo that's how I find out how Scott's feeling at that time!
Q4 Which artists influence your work?
It's hard to sum up influences because, although these are basically pop songs, we strive to be as original as possible and influences too often turn into a list of bands you copy. Here are some bands we love listening to anyway: TV On The Radio, The Band, Brendan Benson, Led Zep, Idlewild
Q5 What would you say to someone experiencing your music for the first time?
Please don't cry.
Q6 What are your ambitions for your latest album, and for the future?
Basically we'd love to keep playing and producing records. Any band who claims they don't want to be successful is lying. I'm not saying we want to be the next U2 or REM but it would be nice to make a living from playing the drums and not have to worry about getting work in between tours. As for this album I just want everyone who listens to it to feel some kind of emotion towards it. Whether that be love or hatred is fine as long as no one says the album is "okay".
published may 2008
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