From the Heart: Luke Pritchard Opens Up About The Kooks' New Album
"Regained Self-Assurance After Setbacks"
"Never Know" - a journey of rediscovering musical roots and embracing nostalgia.
In a candid interview, frontman of The Kooks, Luke Pritchard, delves deep into the creative process behind their latest album. He shares stories of wild nights with Oasis' Liam Gallagher, recalls the early days of The Kooks, and talks about rivalries and lasting connections with fellow indie bands.
ntv.de: Your return to the roots of your first record with "Never Know" - was it a conscious decision?
Luke Pritchard: Absolutely! I'd been feeling lost in terms of my musical identity for a while. I'd been working with various songwriters and producers, and it felt like I'd strayed too far from our original sound. One night on stage, singing "Ooh La", I realized that I needed to get back to basics - simple, handcrafted songs, catchy melodies, and a touch of nostalgia.
And did you find what you were looking for?
I returned to my roots, took inspiration from classic artists like The Police, Bob Marley, and Eddie Cochran, and produced the album myself. I wanted a fresh, authentic feel - the kind of music that brings people together, makes them feel good, and allows them to escape from the chaos of the world for a moment.
What's the secret to creating that special debut album feeling?
I believe there are several reasons. Firstly, at the beginning, there are no expectations - neither from the outside nor from oneself. You work intuitively, rather than thinking too much. Secondly, you don't have much money, so you work quickly and without luxuries. That's the atmosphere I wanted to capture with this album.
onto something here, haven't I?
Exactly! Collaborating with other artists was important - especially female vocalists, who brought warmth and softness to the songs. My father passed away when I was three, and making music has always been a way for me to connect with him. This time, I felt that connection stronger than ever. Songs like "Say It Now" are a testament to that unity.
Now that you've retraced your musical steps: do you plan to stay there or continue to evolve?
I've always followed my gut instinct when it comes to music, and that's what I'll continue to do. I feel that this album has brought fresh energy to The Kooks, and I'm excited to see where our music takes us next.
Let's chat about the past - were there any rivalries with bands like Arctic Monkeys and The Strokes in the early days?
Initially, there was a sense of competition fueled by the press, but I never felt anything negative when I met other bands. We were more like the awkward nerds in the back of the class - while they were the cool kids who took themselves very seriously. I have to admit that we threw the industry off a bit - our sales figures were similar to the Arctic Monkeys, and no one expected that. It was a surreal moment when we heard "Naive" everywhere.
Your first tour was quite chaotic - do you have any memorable rock 'n' roll moments?
Oh, absolutely! Chris and I once ended up in a bar in Florida and ended up in a fight with some locals. I was still 17, and it was a bunch of grown men attacking us. Miraculously, we managed to get away without any serious injuries. But mostly, the memories are fantastic - wild nights, crazy stories, and incredible experiences.
Are there lyrics you've written that your fans love, but you wouldn't write again?
I've definitely made some questionable choices in the past! (laughs) But I've learned to have fun with it - even if it means writing about explicit topics like "Jackie Big Tits." Some fans still sing the lyrics proudly, but I don't think I'd write that song today.
The Kooks have returned to give something back to their fans, bringing authenticity and a sense of nostalgia to their music. With their latest album, they've found a way to evolve while staying true to their roots - and there's no telling what the future holds for this iconic British band.
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft regulation regarding The Kooks' new album. Liam Gallagher, who shared wild nights with Luke Pritchard, might find the music on the album reminiscent of charts experiences. With a touch of nostalgia, the new album from The Kooks can be seen as a musical journey that maybe resonates with their fans who appreciate entertainment like music. The album's creation process could be considered a result of Luke Pritchard's desire to rediscover his musical roots and embrace an authentic, handcrafted sound, as mentioned during his interview.
