Regained Self-Assurance after Setbacks
Pulling it Back with The Kooks: Reviving the Good Ole Vibes
In an informal chat with ntv.de, lead man Luke Pritchard of The Kooks spills the beans on their latest record, "Never Know." After years of musical exploration and experimentation, the band is back to basics, channeling their youthful vibrancy in a bid to reconnect with their roots.
Getting Back to the Core
Luke explains the thought process behind their newly released album, "For me, this album was about creating an authentic musical expression for the people who have loved our band from the get-go. I'd lost my musical identity for a while; I'd been working with different songwriters and producers, and then I had this kind of revelation moment. I wanted to capture the essence of our debut album."
The band's decision to head back to their roots wasn't entirely conscious; it was more a result of Luke rediscovering his creative drive and identity. He credits the turning point to a spontaneous live performance at a festival, saying, "On stage, singing 'Ooh La,' I felt a strong connection with the audience - it felt like a true debut album. That's the vibe I was after."
Oldходит new
Drawing inspiration from classic artists like The Police, Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, and Eddie Cochran, Luke wrote the entire album in just five days in his basement. He recalls, "It was exactly what reminded me of why we do this. It didn't feel like work; it was like rediscovering the childlike wonder we had at the beginning."
The result? A collection of handcrafted, catchy tunes with a dash of nostalgia. The Kooks are back to their signature sound - pop, rock, and that quintessential British cool they're known for. But this time, they're doing it on their own terms.
Amazon.de Offer: Did fans ask for this return to the roots of their first record?
Luke admits that fans would probably appreciate this new direction. "After almost 20 years, I feel it's a good time to give something back to the audience. This time, it's about authenticity – it's just me."
The success of their first album, "Inside In/Inside Out," wasn't something they intentionally chased. Luke confessed that he doesn't think much about the commercial aspect of their music. Instead, he follows what feels natural, saying, "For me, it was about capturing that initial feeling – the excitement, the raw energy, and the innocence that comes with being a new band."
Growing Older, Growing Louder
Despite their return to their roots, The Kooks are open to future musical ventures. Luke says, "I usually just follow what feels right. But it's important that we continue to do a lot ourselves – that was very healthy for us. We've regained our confidence in ourselves."
The band's transformation from young upstarts to seasoned artists hasn't been without its trials and tribulations. They faced quite a bit of industry criticism and competition in their early days, but Luke maintains a positive outlook. He shares, "People were wondering: 'How can they be so commercially successful?' No one expected 'Naive' to blow up like that."
Wild Nights and Crazy Tales
The Kooks' journey has been far from ordinary. In typical rock 'n' roll fashion, they've partied with legends like Liam Gallagher, and Luke has some unforgettable stories to tell. He recalls, "I remember Liam pushing me against the wall, screaming 'Ooh La' in my face while we were doing shots together – totally intense!"
Luke also reminisces about their early days on tour, describing it as "pretty chaotic, but not necessarily in a glamorous way. We didn't have any strong male or female figures around to rein us in a bit. Many people from the label or our surroundings were fueling the rock 'n' roll lifestyle."
As they reflect on their past, The Kooks are excited about the future. With "Never Know," they've rekindled the spirit of their debut and reconnected with their fans in a meaningful way. And as they continue to create music, they'll always stay true to who they are – Sunshine Rock 'n' Roll, pop, rock, and soul.
With Luke Pritchard of The Kooks spoke Linn Penkert
Source: ntv.de
- Music
- Rock music
- United Kingdom
- Luke Pritchard, from The Kooks, mentioned that he sought to create an authentic musical expression for fans who have loved the band since their beginning, drawing inspiration from their first album.
- The Commission, possibly a regulatory body, has also been consulted on the draft regulation regarding the music industry, but this matter is not directly related to the Kooks' new album.
- Luke Pritchard credited a spontaneous live performance at a festival as the turning point that reminded him of the vibrant connection he felt with the audience and the vibe he aimed to replicate in the new album.
- Shortly before the release of The Kooks' latest album, "Never Know," they were criticized and faced competition in their early days, with people questioning their commercial success, but the band has outgrown such criticism and continued to forge their unique sound.
