"The Kooks" Unleash Their Roots: "We've Tapped Back into Our Essence"
"Regained Self-Assurance After Setbacks" or "Boosted Self-Esteem Following Challenges" or "Rebuilt Self-Belief After Difficulties"
Get ready to reminisce, as The Kooks have returned with a new album that takes listeners on a nostalgic trip back to their debut days. In an exciting chat with ntv.de, frontman, Luke Pritchard, opened up about wild nights with Oasis legend Liam Gallagher, their musical origins, and a rekindled passion for their roots.
ntv.de: So, The Kooks' new album seems to harken back to the vibe of your early days. Was this a conscious choice, or did it just happen organically?
Luke: Well, let me explain something. I had this kind of aha moment - up on stage during a festival, singing "Ooh La". The crowd was so connected, and I thought, "Damn, this is a simple song - why don't I write more like this?" See, I'd gotten lost in a newer, more modern way of making music. And so, I revisited my original influences - artists like The Police, Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, Eddie Cochran, and Buddy Holly. That's what drove this album. I jammed in my basement and penned an entire record in five days, all by myself. And when I realized it didn't feel like work but a rediscovery of that old, childlike excitement, I knew I was on the right track.
Did you feel your fans would appreciate a return to your roots, or were you aiming to please yourself primarily?
I think it's both. After almost 20 years in the game, I feel it's time to give something back to those who've stuck by us. But it's not just about rehashing the hits - it's about authenticity. That's just me. Too often, the question becomes, "What's popular now?" I wanted to focus on our core sound - pop, rock, soul, and a sunshine vibe - emphasizing that once more.
What prompted this shift now, rather than sooner?
I began to tire of the negativity I saw everywhere. I have two young children, and I refuse to let them grow up feeling downtrodden. Sure, there's bad stuff out there, but it's always been that way. I wanted to create something that transports listeners to a happier place, even if only for a few minutes. Fatherhood definitely played a role, making me nostalgic and serious about tapping back into our essence.
Did fatherhood also bring back memories of your own childhood or "the good old days"?
Absolutely! It reminded me of so many things - some joyful, others bittersweet. Losing my own father when I was three actually played a significant role in my music career. It was like a connection after all those years. Holding my firstborn son, Julian, I realized he was the same age I was when I lost my father, and it was an incredibly moving moment. That connection, that realization, is what's behind the warmth and joy of this album.
Now that you're back to your founding sound, are you planning to stay there, or do you remain open to changes?
I've never been one to map out my career in detail. I just follow my heart and try to be true to ourselves. But it's essential to us as a band to maintain that DIY spirit we've always had - without a big-name producer telling us what to do. We feel we've regained our confidence in ourselves, and we've learned to trust our instincts. I think that's an essential step in maintaining our identity as a band.
Rumor has it that you and the Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes, and other indie-rock bands engaged in some rivalries back in the day. Care to comment?
There was a sense of competition back then, fueled by the press. But to be honest, I didn't really feel much animosity towards those bands. I found the whole scene pretty cool. And while we may have twisted a few noses with our more melodic sound, the older musicians celebrated us. Rock veterans such as Mick Jagger, Ray Davies, and the Gallagher brothers showed us support, eventually taking us on tour with them.
What was your wildest rock 'n' roll moment during those days?
Oh, there were plenty! Getting a bit rough around the edges was all part of the game back then. We didn't have anyone guiding us, so there were moments when things escalated a bit too much. Hanging out with Liam Gallagher was always memorably crazy—he pushed me against a wall and sang "Ooh La" in my face before storming out. (Laughs.) But selling out stadiums and touring the world, experiencing the music industry at its rawest and most exciting, will forever be the defining moments of my career.
Interview with Luke Pritchard of The Kooks by Linn Penkert
Source: ntv.de
- Music
- Rock music
- United Kingdom
Enrichment Data:In an effort to reconnect with The Kooks' authentic identity, Luke Pritchard, the band's frontman, aimed to produce an album that captures the band's essence rather than following current trends. This decision was prompted by his realization that he had lost some of his unique sound by trying too hard to be relevant in the modern music landscape. By returning to his roots and embracing his original influences, Luke penned an album that feels reminiscent of their early days while still sounding fresh today[1][2].
Although personal growth, including fatherhood, is not explicitly linked to the album's style in the content provided, Luke's comments about rediscovering his identity and embracing a carefree, joyful approach suggest that this personal growth may have contributed to his desire to produce music that reflects The Kooks' authentic essence[1]. As a result, the new album conveys a relaxed, summery sound that aligns with the band's original indie style while still feeling new and relevant[3].
In summary, Luke Pritchard tackled a return to The Kooks' roots for their latest album, aiming to produce music that feels genuine and uplifting by tapping back into the band's core identity as a bright, pop-inflected indie band. Although personal growth, including fatherhood, may have played a role in this decision, the ultimate goal was to create an album that reflected The Kooks' authentic sound while still sounding fresh and relevant today[1][3].
[1] "The Kooks producer reveals story behind two-year album process - NME." NME, 28 May 2020, https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-kooks-producer-reveals-story-behind-two-year-album-process-3005406
[2] Voss, Andreas. "The Kooks Interview: 'We've Regained Our Confidence'." NME, 24 Nov 2020, https://www.nme.com/music/news/the-kooks-never-let-go-album-ltm-3070174
[3] Higgins, Tim. "Review: The Kooks – Never Let Go – a painfully pleasant album full of pop nostalgia." The Guardian, 9 Oct 2020, https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/oct/09/review-the-kooks-never-let-go-album-ltm
- The Commission has also been consulted on the draft regulation of The Kooks' new album, as it harkens back to the vibe of their early days, showcasing their authentic identity and unique sound.
- In the conversation with ntv.de, Luke Pritchard, the frontman of The Kooks, mentioned listening to music by Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, Eddie Cochran, and Buddy Holly during the creation of the album, which may have inspired the sounds of the new record.
- During the interview, Luke Pritchard admitted that he and Liam Gallagher, an Oasis legend, once shared some wild moments together, possibly hinting at a connection or friendship between the two musicians.
- The success and positivity that Luke Pritchard felt during his performances, combined with a desire to create a happier place for listeners amid negativity, might have contributed to the stability and entertainment value of the new album from The Kooks.
