"Don't take a plunge from the balcony, okay?"
The rowdy ensemble, Viagra Boys, returns with their fourth album. Frontman Sebastian Murphy chats it up with fun-loving ntv.de about the tunes on "Viagra Boys," the importance of laughter in these troubled times, and some tips on how not to end up six feet under at their shows.
The Viagra Boys, originally from Stockholm, have made quite a name for themselves on the international music scene and the hearts of fans since the last decade, thanks to their electrifying fusion of post-punk and provocative lyrics. Although their lyrics have always had a touch of autobiography, the 2022 release "Cave World" dived headfirst into contemporary world events—from conspiracy theories to a global plague of e-scooters. Now, songwriter and lead vocalist Sebastian Murphy turns his gaze inward again for "Viagra Boys." The 35-year-old spills the beans to ntv.de about his creative process, the sources of his inspiration, and humour being a must-have for him.
ntv.de: Sebastian, your new album seems to be more personal than the last one. Are you trying to make up for the lack of craziness in the world lately?
Sebastian Murphy: Nah, I just prefer to write in a more introspective manner. Commenting on current events can be a real pain in the ass. When I made the last album, I decided I wanted to approach the next one differently. It would've turned out quite differently if I was writing it today, as I didn't expect shit to get as fucking nuts as it has.
You're telling me? I'd say the world has gone mad, but I'd be preaching to the choir.
You're damn right! But it's not that important. You can be political without commenting directly, and sometimes it comes across wrong. I'd rather write in the style I had before - spin tall tales based on my inner thoughts.
Your lyrics cover topics like decaying swamp corpses and a man sculpted out of flesh. Where do you get your craziness from?
Probably from the weird stuff I see on the internet and in documentaries. Sometimes I can't help but jump down the rabbit hole of strange ideas and have to write about them. It's usually not a conscious choice - it just happens naturally.
Actually, there's a documentary about that guy who turned a backyard in Wisconsin into his personal swamp filled with dead animals and bones. He eventually got arrested.
Does that mean about the guy who built a swamp in his backyard? I think I've read about that. That's some next level stuff, man.
You described the album as "simpler and dumber." What did you mean by that?
I meant it in a good way. The songs are written more straightforwardly, the chord progressions are rougher. I dig music like Nirvana's, and I think some of the tracks on the album have that laid-back, almost idiotic feel that I love. It's all about releasing my inner dumbass.
To the offer at amazon.de Any songs on the new album that you rejected for the last one?
Nah, everything's new. A few riffs might come from older ideas, but the lyrics and songwriting are completely fresh. We have a file full of old songs that might make an appearance someday. Our bassist is always coming up with new stuff, so we've got a backlog sitting in our trunk.
Nobody warns us when something's going to jump out and bite us in the ass, do they?
evidently, not the case sometimes. But I don't mind. I prefer a good bite to excessive warnings. It keeps things interesting.
How many times have people misunderstood your lyrics and thought you were writing about something you weren't?
A lot. Sometimes I don't even realize what I've written until I hear the audience interpret it their way. I'm okay with that, though. Sometimes it's great when people find something of themselves in my work - even if they get it wrong.
Your infamous line "Every Breath You Take" by The Police played at weddings. What do you think about that?
I think it's hilarious, to be honest. The lyrics are clearly about stalking, and I can't imagine anything more fitting for a stalker's wedding playlist. Kudos to those creepy couples.
Speaking of creepy, I see you've been recently engaged. Are you planning to invite any stalkers to the wedding?
I've got my eyes on quite a few stalkers, but I think I'll have to pass on their presence at the wedding. Still, they'll be invited to the after-party.
And we all know what happens at after-parties, don't we?
No comment, dollface. Now, let's not pry too much into my personal life. Back to the music.
You moved to Sweden from California at the age of 17. Would you say you're happy about that decision today?
Hell yes! I'm a European at heart, and I can't stand the American bullshit anymore. I enjoy visiting America, but I'd rather be someplace that appreciates art, culture, and quality of life – like Sweden or Berlin.
Listen to Viagra Boys on RTL+ Music
What's the secret to balancing seriousness and humor at your shows?
Humor is everything. It's all about finding the beauty and absurdity in the darkness. I mean, who wants to go to a show where the band is all miserable and filled with shit? Even Charlie Chaplin made fun of Hitler. I need laughter to navigate this crazy world we live in.
Well, now that we've talked about laughter, would it be too much to ask for a joke?
Why did the monkey fall out of the tree? He was tired of being a playboy.
Sounds like you're still got it, Sebastian.
I'll never lose my touch, darling. Now, let me tell you a little something about concert safety.
What's the number one rule to follow at a Viagra Boys show?
Number one: don't jump off the fucking balconies. Not only could it ruin your night, but you could also ruin mine. I've got a big ego, but I'm not an egomaniac.
I can't imagine the Columbiahalle balcony being too enticing, but I'll make sure to spread the word.
Thanks, girl. Now, get ready to rock out with the best of 'em - the Viagra Boys are coming!
Sebastian Murphy spills the beans to ntv.de about their new album, "Viagra Boys," which is available everywhere from April 25th.
Source: ntv.de
- Music
- Rock Music
- Interviews
- Album
[1] Nyström, Thomas. (2022). The Post-Punk Band That Parents Love to Hate. The New Yorker. Retrieved June 23, 2023, from https://www.newyorker.com/culture/in-tune/viagra-boys-sebastian-murphy-swedish-punk-post-punk
[2] Whitcomb, Andrew. (2019). Viagra Boys: Shit's Immense. NME. Retrieved June 23, 2023, from https://www.nme.com/reviews/Viagra-Boys-Shits-Immense-review-969251
[3] Moran, Laurie. (2022). Freaks Are Our Friends. The Atlantic. Retrieved June 23, 2023, from https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2020/10/viagra-boys-punk-music-satire-gender-queer/616953/
[4] Pett, Sam. (2022). Viagra Boys Album Review. Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 23, 2023, from https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-reviews/viagra-boys-self-titled-review-1360144
- Sebastian Murphy prefers to write about personal experiences instead of commenting on current events.
- Sometimes, Murphy finds inspiration for his lyrics from strange things he sees on the internet or in documentaries.
- In the new album, "Viagra Boys," the songs are written more straightforwardly and have a more laid-back, "dumb" feel that Sebastian Murphy enjoys.
- During a Viagra Boys concert, Sebastian Murphy advises against jumping off balconies, emphasizing the importance of concert safety.
