Institute of Contemporary Arts

White Lies: Interview

Date: 9 October 2008

Alan Bernard Morgan

2008 has been a big year for West London trio White Lies. Playing their very first gig this year in east London, they have just finished their first UK headline tour, and the anticipated debut album does not even hit the shelves until early 2009. Are they just another product of the hype machine, or is there enough substance here to survive the 'next big thing' tag bestowed upon them? I managed to catch up with these bright young things on the eve of their biggest show to date to discuss music, touring, and our music sanctuary the ICA.

List five tracks that inspire White Lies.

23, Blonde Redhead
The Rip, Portishead
Sad & Lonely, Secret Machines
Farmer in the City, Scott Walker
Opus 40, Mercury Rev

Tell us about the transition from Fear Of Flying to White Lies.

Charles: We felt that we could go as far as we could with Fear Of Flying. We really loved our time back then when we were sixteen/seventeen playing gigs and having fun, but our song writing was starting to mature and we needed a name to reflect this, and White Lies just felt right.

What is the worse thing somebody has said about White Lies?

Jack: I can't remember who said it but a journalist once described our music as 'Cathedral Pop' (the guys descend into laughter).

The comparisons are always mentioned; Julian Cope, Joy Division, Echo and the Bunnymen to name a few. How much of an actual influence are these artists on White Lies?

Jack: Yes we have been compared to a lot of these artists and to be honest it's great that people think enough of your music to enjoy it and talk about it in the same manner as such great bands. We do not feel uncomfortable admitting who we like and who influences us.

Harry: There were some bands we had never even listened to before, and people were saying we sounded like them and that they were a big influence on us, which was a bit weird. But we discovered a lot of great music while we were recording, and we all like different stuff, which definitely helps the creative side of the song writing. We really love eighties music and its definitely reflected in our sound. But apart from some of the artists already mentioned we really enjoy Interpol, Secret Machines, and The Stills as well.

The first White Lies gig was only eight months ago, how does the band deal with the inevitable buzz and 'next big thing' tag?

Charles: The initial hype was very flattering. We never heard anything malicious, it was always very positive. I think there was a bit of a buzz because people didn't really know much about us; we surprised people in that sense. There wasn't much press done about us, we only had 'unfinished business' up on the myspace as well. I think its pretty natural that people get excited about new music, we have been there ourselves and it is a fantastic thing. We are not trying to make music to impress anybody or to try and fit in with a scene or anything like that, so as long as people concentrate purely on the music we are making then that is all we can ask for.

So the presence of Morrissey and Nick Cave at your shows does not play on your mind too much?

Jack: We didn't even know at the time! We had people sending us messages saying 'wow I saw Morrissey at your gig' and we were really flattered, its great knowing other artists are appreciating what your doing and its very positive for us.

Looking back on your first headline tour, has it surpassed all expectations?

Harry: I would definitely say that. It really has been so much more than any of us could have hoped for. The reaction everywhere was incredible and we have a lot of great memories. The other bands on this tour, Post War Years and Joy Formidable have also been great and added lots more to the shows. We have all become mates and watch each others set's each night, which is really cool.

What are your thoughts on tonight's venue?

Charles: Well it is our biggest show to date so that's quite scary, but we are really pleased to be playing at the ICA. I have seen Field Music here before and I really love the venue. The ICA always put on great gigs, and not just the same thing, it is always really eclectic and tasteful. I think it is especially important to play at these venues because music is an art and a lot of the time that gets lost on people.

Harry: Its also the last night of the tour so we have a lot of family and friends coming down to watch so we are quite nervous but all really excited to get up there and play.

So you're all big bags of nerves?

Charles: Bags of nerves but balls of steel!

Finally, tell us about what the rest of the year holds for the White Lies.

Jack: We have over a week after tonight's show to chill out and then it is on to Iceland for the Airwaves festival, before going to America for a few shows over there which should be fantastic. After that we are playing some UK shows with Glasvegas who we met recently and our really friendly with. Them shows should be great. Then we have the album out at the beginning of next year so we are all busy boys but just taking everything as it comes.

White Lies play KOKO on November 26 and release their album early 2009.

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