It's not often, that you get exclusive one-on-one time with a main stage group that is on the heels of performing at one of the biggest events of the year. The humility this multitalented band displays is captivating. As a group of five, they have managed to find their niche and make headway within their steady growth. I had the chance to chat with The Foals bass, percussion and vocalist member Walter Gervers on what it's like to land a slot on Coachella's main stage, their creative secrets and how they manage to stay so humble amidst global success.
Mm: It was really exciting for me, researching you. Discovering that you have such an original sound and learning that you were awarded the Q Award for best live acts. As well as being recognized as one of the top UK live acts which is like amazing. How did reaching such goals transpire in such a short amount of time? Even though I’m sure it has not and doesn’t feel quick at all.
WG: It doesn’t feel quick, in fact I suppose that side of things, that kind of recognition has come at quite a good point for us. It is a real honour to be given something like that because we’ve actually been around for 9-10 years now. I think the thing with us is that we sort of been like this gradual-climbing-building band. We started off very small back home and over here in the states. I think that's kind of paid of in a way that we’ve never been brought out of our comfort zone too much which I suppose happens to bands. When very early they get those kinds of accolades like that on their first record its like where do you go from there. So we’ve been quite lucky you know. We have gone from like small clubs to to theatres to bigger slots at festivals.
Mm: And you feel like that has been an effective way of growing?
WG: Yea, and its great because it means-- I think as a band you’re given more creativity with the songs that you write cause you’re just doing it in your own steps.
Mm: Speaking of creative freedom, what is your process. You’re a group of 5 so there are multiple ideas and loads of creativity thats coming to the table. So how does all of that get truncated within making a decision on where to lay this track and Oh, it's going to sound like this to a finalized song?
WG: Well we try! Simply so its not just like too many ideas, because it can just become a nightmare if its too democratic and everyone is having their say it just becomes too much. We always start very smart. We made the last four records the exact same way we have a base camp and we start there. And then what actually leaves that room say it's like 30 or 40 ideas is then forwarded on to others and once we get to the recording process then its kind of strangely becomes a little bit out of your control. Then you get into the studio with the producer for further tweaks. By that time, I think you’ve got a vague idea of the record you are going to end up with but actually. If someone showed you 12 songs that we are going to make the early stages you would be like no, no way that one came through and that one fell by the waist side. Not being to precious about your own music and what you are writing and understanding that like some things if given a little bit of time to breathe and not overworked can become quite successful. Thats a round about way of answering that question but we just start small at first.
Mm: What’s been something thats taken you by shock that has transpired within your success aside from the accolades? Is it moments like this at Coachella where everyone is pulling at you here in the media room wanting to talk to you— haha! How are you ingesting all of this yet staying focused plus so kind?
WG: Well, I don’t know its difficult because you have got to have that humility as a band and you have go to stay humble as a band. We are still looking at bands that we think are much better than us and you just aspire to like the next thing.
Mm: Who is like your band crush?
WG: It’s weird its like sometimes things pass you by like this weekend and stuff, I’ve realized there’s loads of people here. Like last night we got to see Courtney Barnett. It was incredible.
Mm: Yea, she’s good right?
WG: I’ve heard of her for like a year or so and I’ve never seen her and then all of a sudden like you’re like wow, ok thats awesome.
Mm: Do you have like collaboration ideas going through your mind?
WG: Not at the time with us we work quite fast and we never really have the chance and some-point there is going to be a break.
Mm: It's kind of like this double edge sword cause you want the break because it's physically healthy. Yet at the same time it's so nice to be busy.
WG: I know exactly, and then we start writing again and want to flush out more ideas but we don’t think we are the business. We know our limits as well as a band. As well... we play to our strengths I suppose and that kind of works.
Mm: Well like you said, you did the last 4 records the same way. I think thats incredible how you all operate.
WG: Absolutely and actually by the time like I said, by the time we get to recording you put yourself then in a situation where you go to a different country with a different producer in another studio so thats the sort of a mystery bit. So we have go to start off in a way that we know. Otherwise you just feel ill prepared.
Mm: Yes, exactly! So what is the feeling you want to walk away with after you perform today? You guys have the big momma you are on the main stage at 5:25pm! What’s the energy and feeling you want to walk away with?
WG: Yea, Yea right. Its kind of like difficult to judge because it is quite early in the day for us. We like darkness we like being undercover. Hopefully the distance between us and the crowd won’t trump us too much. We like being in a smaller space and a more intimate type thing. We have always loved those kinds of shows, yet if we leave feeling like we have energized people for the evening that would be great.
Mm: This was great, I thank you so much.
WG: My pleasure, good questions thanks a lot.
Keep up with the Foals 2016 fun at http://www.foals.co.uk/splash/outnow
For More Exclusively-Epic Interviews with Melissa Mushaka go to melissamushaka