The interesting fact is that the band’s American debut album, “Out of Nothing,” just hit shelves Tuesday.
And, I must say, it’s always interesting to talk to a British accented musician. It just feels more rock 'n' roll. You dig?
So, these guys are coined as the next Coldplay, and I must say, that characteristic is dead on. I’m telling you, open your ears and watch for these boys to make their mark. Cheers!
So, you guys are in the studio right now?
Yeah, yeah. We’re about 70 percent through our next album. It’s going great.
As far as Americans, they won’t be able to experience this album for a long time since the new album came out this Tuesday.
Yeah, that’s right. We kind of feel like a brand new band when we go into a new country since we have been playing in England for so long. We are very excited to try to break into the American music scene. It’s like we are just continuing to elevate in the business. It’s great.
Is it tough going from having millions of fans in Europe to having a smaller fan base in the states?
It is weird, but we are quite used to it. We have actually been going to new areas and playing obscure places. We even go to people’s houses and just start playing (laughs).
(Laughs) Well, when you’re in Chicago, you should come play in my apartment.
(Laughs) How much do you pay?
I pay drinks and girls.
(Laughs) Well, it sounds like something we would definitely accept.
You have to be pumped about coming to the states and having some bangin’ tour dates.
We are really excited. We weren’t sure if we were going to make it because of budget issues and politics within the record label. We are really lucky to get all of the gigs that we have gotten.
How do the ladies compare in the United States to overseas?
(Laughs) I’m a married man of seven years, so, I have to say the women are better at home (laughs).
Well, if the women are so nice over there, I must say, I’m a little jealous.
(Laughs) Sorry, you know, it happens (laughs).
Obviously, when you are in the U.K., people are noticing you wherever you go, but when you are in the states, you are not as famous just yet. How do you feel about being famous on two different levels?
In the states, it is different. But fame is not something I am attracted to. Here, it is usually my brother Danny who is getting all of the attention (laughs). But there are definitely fans with pens in the streets sometimes. I’m kind of a private person, but when people do approach me I will be cool with them.
How do you feel about all the Coldplay comparisons?
I’m fine with it. We have kind of lived as the next Coldplay, or the next big thing, so I’m used to it. People are going to say what they want to say.
And, if they start showing you the Coldplay money, then you are going to be even more pumped about those comparisons.
(Laughs) Yeah, that would be nice (laughs).
So, you are going to be on the Jimmy Kimmel show this week (was on June 15), are you pumped for that.
Oh yeah, yeah. It will be great being on a big show like that.
Will your family be able to watch it overseas? Do they show Jimmy over there?
No, they don’t show Jimmy over there, but I am sure they will all hook up their Internet connections so they can watch us (laughs). And, we will be taping the show, so we can bring it back and show it to everyone.
OK, I must ask you a favor.
(Laughs) OK.
I want you to give me a shout out on the show. Say cheers to my friend Nick.
(Laughs) Yeah. Sounds like a great idea. We will give a shout out to our friend Nick.
(Laughs) Now you’re getting the ticket.
I am absolutely pumped that you are coming to Chicago and playing the Double Door. Do you enjoy the smaller venues as much as the huge ones?
Oh yeah. I love them. I am excited to play anywhere.
Once you get even more famous, it will be a little tougher to play the club scene.
Yeah, but I think we have learned how to deal with it over here. We have been dealing with different levels of fame our entire careers, so we are used to it. It’s been like a rollercoaster, but it’s more about the ride then the end result.
Right on, man.
What bands are you listening to right now?
I just got the new White Stripes album, which I haven’t listened to yet, but the last one is one of my top 10 favorite. And, I have been listening to the new U2 album. Um, the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs album. I’m like that. The Flaming Lips are always in there.
Are those bands your influences?
Yeah, but all bands are influences. But, I kind of started with the U2. I guess they have always been an influence to me. When I started playing the guitar I studied them.
Well, hopefully one day, other bands will be saying the same about you.
(Laughs) Thanks, man.
• Nick Powills can be reached at SayWhatPOWILLS@aol.com
