"Regained Self-Assurance" (paraphrased)
"The Kooks Unleash Nostalgia: Back to Their Roots"
In an exclusive interview with ntv.de, Luke Pritchard, the frontman of Brit-pop sensations The Kooks, discusses their latest album, "Never Know," and a return to their musical roots. After bursting onto the scene in 2006 with their debut album, "Inside In/Inside Out," The Kooks have undergone numerous transformations, from electronic to soul to pop. Yet, their latest offering sees them reclaiming their roots – handcrafted songs, catchy melodies, a touch of nostalgia.
Pritchard shares tales of wild nights with Oasis star Liam Gallagher, memories of the band's early days, and rivalries with other indie bands. He also reflects on the realization that even a track like "Jackie Big Tits" can resonate with people.
Luke Pritchard: This album was about creating a connection for those who have loved The Kooks since day one.
The catalyst for this return to the group's beginnings was a moment of self-discovery during a performance at a festival. As Pritchard belted out "Ooh La," the crowd was so emotionally connected that he felt compelled to write more music of a similar nature. He had strayed from his musical identity, collaborating with various songwriters and producers, and this realization marked a turning point for the band.
Pritchard: I worked with many different producers, and then I had this kind of awakening moment on stage. I spent a lot of time thinking about why debut albums are often so special and what I wanted to achieve.
Influenced by artists such as The Police, Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, Eddie Cochran, and Buddy Holly, Pritchard spent five days writing the entire album in his basement, resulting in a raw and authentic work that feels like a true debut.
Pritchard: I wanted to capture that raw feeling - the fear, the innocence, the pleasure of working without expectations.
The Joy of Reminiscence
When asked if fans would appreciate the band's new direction, Pritchard responded emphatically: "I believe we owe it to our fans to give them something that resonates with them." He emphasized the importance of authenticity, stating, "This is just me."
Pritchard: There's a lot of crap out there, but there always has been. My reaction was to give people something that lets them escape for a moment – a bit of escapism.
The father of two young children, Pritchard has found a new appreciation for the simpler things in life, leading him to create music that evokes a sense of joy and nostalgia.
Pritchard: The birth of my first son triggered a lot of emotions in me – emotions I didn't know I had. I felt this connection to my own past, and that exact feeling, that realization, is what's behind the warmth and joy of the new album.
The band plans to continue exploring their original sound but remains open to future collaborations. However, Pritchard credits their recent success to the newfound confidence they've gained over the years. He expresses a desire to maintain a DIY, hands-on approach to their music, which has provided them with a unique, organic sound.
Pritchard: We've regained our confidence in ourselves, and maybe that's the realization: just being ourselves and getting better and better – instead of getting too distracted.
Rivalry and Reverence
Pritchard discusses the competitive atmosphere between bands in the past, fueled by the press. However, he emphasizes that personal interactions with contemporaries were generally positive. The Kooks emerged as outliers in the indie scene, often deemed cheesy or a lesser counterpart to more serious bands such as the Arctic Monkeys or The Strokes. However, The Kooks' unique sound and the early success of "Naive" earned them the admiration of older musicians like Mick Jagger, Ray Davies, Paul Weller, and the Gallagher brothers.
Pritchard: Maybe our music was just closer to what many of these older artists themselves had made. Many younger bands at the time were more oriented towards post-punk or even rap. We, on the other hand, came more from the rhythm & blues and folk corner.
From chaotic tours filled with alcohol and late-night exploits to surprise encounters with rock legends like Liam Gallagher, Pritchard shares his personal anecdotes, providing an intimate look into the band's meteoric rise to fame. Despite early nervousness and imposter syndrome, Pritchard embraced his unique place in the British indie scene and has come to appreciate the contributions of his musical predecessors.
Pritchard: I always wondered: "What the hell am I doing here? That's crazy!"
- In an exclusive interview, Pritchard mentions Liam Gallagher as a close friend with whom he shared wild nights.
- The Commission has also been consulted on the draft regulation regarding the music industry, considering its growing importance in entertainment and culture.
- Pritchard's reflective talk touches upon the resonance of their earlier track, "Jackie Big Tits," and suggests that this connection to their roots might recur in future music.
- With authenticity and stability as their primary concerns, The Kooks aim to create music that appeals to their long-time fans, perhaps reminiscent of their early days of writing songs in Pritchard's basement.
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