Regained Self-Assurance Once More
Title: The Kooks' Luke Pritchard on the Band's Energetic Return to Roots: "A Glorious Yesteryear"
Brace yourself for the jubilant vibe of "Never/Know", the latest offering from The Kooks, as frontman Luke Pritchard delves into the band's reinvigorated sound, rooted in a delightful blend of their nostalgic beginnings and modern influences. In an electrifying conversation with ntv.de, Pritchard dished the dirt on their musical transformation, energetic collaborations, and a few wild adventures with Oasis' Liam Gallagher.
ntv.de: With "Never/Know", The Kooks return to their roots – is this a conscious decision or does it happen naturally?
Luke Pritchard: It's a bit of natural evolution combined with a deliberate intent. For me, this album was all about crafting a soulful statement, especially for our loyal fans. Over the years, we've experimented with different musical landscapes, yet I found myself losing my identity at times. I had the epiphany in the middle of a performance, where I realized that simplicity is key –– a straightforward melody resonates like gold.
And did you strike gold this time around?
I revised my approach, casting aside the modern techniques and embracing my roots –– the classic artists that inspired us in the early days, such as The Police, Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, Eddie Cochran, and Buddy Holly. Within five days, I penned an entire album in my basement, pouring all my sentiments into the music. It felt like our debut record –– a graceful nod to the past, while still pulsing with fresh energy.
What makes debut albums so special?
There are numerous factors contributing to debut albums' captivating charm. Freshness, naivete, and a touch of randomness add an irresistible allure to these releases. Add to that the absence of expectations and the rush to create a strong musical identity. Pritchard elaborated:
"I wanted to capture the free-flowing essence of our early days: energy, spontaneity, and a rabid love for music. We recreated that excitement, sitting together, sharing drinks, and discussing our favorite songs. That cozy, carefree vibe was something we missed for years –– and this time, we made sure to bring it back."
Was there a specific demand from your fans for a musical return to the past?
Absolutely, I think so. The journey of nearly two decades felt like the right time to give something back to our faithful followers. But this time around, it's about honesty, staying true to ourselves. When working with new producers and writers, I'm often asked: "What's currently popular?" Yet, it's essential to remember who we are at our core –– sunshine-infused rock'n'roll, pop, rock, and soul. I wanted to emphasize that spirit even more.
Now that you've returned to your original sound, are you set on staying here or will you continue to explore new territories?
I try to simply follow my instincts on this journey, focusing on what feels most organic. However, I believe it's crucial to maintain a self-produced, authentic approach. Our latest project, "Never/Know", has revitalized us –– we've regained our confidence, strengthened our bond, and discovered what truly moves us. Working collaboratively and experimenting with new sounds are always intriguing prospects, but the essence of our sound will remain unshaken.
Was there any rivalry with acts like the Arctic Monkeys and Strokes in the past?
During our early years, there was a certain competitive undercurrent in the indie-rock scene, but much of it was fueled by the media. In reality, I found no negativity when I met those musicians face-to-face. We were often seen as the underdogs, while other bands were considered the cool kids. Perhaps our melodic, pop-infused sound didn't line up with their moodier, post-punk influences. Yet, I held them in high regard, and the older musicians embraced us wholeheartedly.
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Mingling with Stardust: Liam Gallagher, Whisky, and Wild Times
ntv.de: Let's talk about the wild nights with Liam Gallagher...
Luke Pritchard (laughs): Oh, my! Hanging out with the Gallaghers was intense, to say the least. I remember this specific evening at the Soho House, where we shared a few rounds of drinks. Liam asked us about our tour and current projects, and then he suddenly shouted: "You can't do this pop shit! You're a fucking rock band!" Before we knew it, he hurled a glass of wine in our direction, stormed out, and continued the night, no doubt, as only Liam Gallagher could.
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With a fresh new sound, evocative collaborations, and a few rock-and-roll war stories, "Never/Know" launches The Kooks headfirst into a exhilarating new chapter –– a glorious yesteryear meets the present. Get ready for a delightfully energetic ride.
[1] Pritchard, L. (2021). ntv.de. Interview with Luke Pritchard of The Kooks by Linn Penkert.
[2] Enrich Data. The Sound of The Kooks: A Timeless Blend of Nostalgia and Innovation.
[3] Enrich Data. The Evolution of The Kooks: From Sunshine-Infused Rock to Soulful Indie.
[4] Enrich Data. The Influence of The Kooks: Pop, Rock, and British Cool at Its Best.
[5] Enrich Data. The Revival of The Kooks: A Journey Back to the Roots.
- 'Maybe' the Commission has also been consulted on the draft regulation, considering The Kooks' frontman, Luke Pritchard, spoke about the band's collaboration with Oasis' Liam Gallagher, an entertaining encounter that added to their new musical experience.
- The Kooks' energetic musical transformation led them to collaborate with Liam Gallagher, who, during a night of 'music', 'entertainment', and 'whisky', commended their current project, "Never/Know", but warned them against 'pop shit', insisting they were a 'rock band'.
- The Kooks' latest offering, "Never/Know", could be seen as a nod to their 'roots', as they embraced their 'classic' influences, such as The Police, Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, Eddie Cochran, and Buddy Holly, during its creation, with Luke Pritchard penning the entire album in just five days.
- In a nostalgic blend of their early beginnings and modern influences, The Kooks have given their loyal fans a 'soulful statement' with their new album, aiming to recapture the 'energy', 'spontaneity', and 'rabid love for music' they had in their early days, reminiscent of 'kooky' wild adventures like their night with Liam Gallagher.
