In Conversation With: Sunset Sons
Having made a huge impact back in 2016 with debut album ‘Very Rarely Say Die’, Sunset Sons are back! Their new album ‘Blood Rush Déjà Vu’ came out at the start of this month - and they have certainly returned in style. We had a chat with Jed Laidlaw from the band about the release.
So. Your first proper UK tour in a matter of years, culminating in your biggest UK headline show to date — what can we expect?`
We’ve been looking forward to this tour all year. And we’re gonna play for longer than we ever have before. We have so many songs to choose from now. We want every night to feel like a homecoming show.
Have you found it difficult, with a new record, to decide on your setlist?
We actually haven’t decided on it yet. There’s a rough idea. And maybe we’ll do some different versions of stuff. It’s always last minute decisions with us.
Did you encounter any challenges with Blood Rush Déjà Vu that you didn’t with Very Rarely Say Die?
All the standard ones you hear about really. We recorded everything we’d ever written for our debut and then had no songs left over for this one. We also took maybe a little too much time off after all the touring and when we finally got in the room together to write the first 10 songs sounded like 10 different bands. Once we found our way it came easier though. We ended up with about 40 songs to choose from for the album and picked the ones that worked best together. We love it. The next record shouldn’t take so long…!
Given its popularity in live shows, it’s safe to say that 'Superman' is a new fan favourite. Could you talk us through the story behind it?
It seems to have connected immediately that one. After the Nothing But Thieves tour last year, people were commenting all over our socials saying they couldn’t wait for us to release it. It’s a big, beautiful tune but has a pretty dark undertone. It’s about seeing someone you care about not being treated as they should. It’s more of a warning than anything.
What about 'Take Control'? And what made you decide on Blood Rush Déjà Vu, taken from the chorus, as the title?
I love Take Control. I thought Blood Rush Deja Vu was a good lyric and I would love to take credit for the album title but it wasn’t my idea! Sounds good thought, doesn’t it?!
What made you decide to do a physical copy exclusive, with 'End Of The Line'?
To sell more records. Nah, just more of a way to thank the fans who support us. That song means a great deal to us and if you listen once, you’ll know why.
Is there a particular song from Blood Rush Déjà vu that you look forward to playing live more than the others? Or even just finally getting out into the world?
I love playing Eyes Wide Open. It’s 100 miles an hour and feels so great to play. I just want everyone to hear this record.
What was it like doing the intimate shows over the Summer? And indeed, Electrowerkz and the Deaf Institute last year?
We just missed playing so much that it felt great to be doing it again. I think the people at those shows shared that with us. The Electrowerkz gig was amazing. I think it was the same night as the semi…or maybe quarter final of the World Cup and we ended up watching the last 10 mins with the people in the lobby before we played. There was so much good energy that night. We actually filmed it for the video for The River – check it out.
Do you find that there’s a difference between the intimate gigs (including the in-stores you’re performing at next week) and the full performances, and how they’re received?
Maybe it’s easier to hide behind a wall of noise on the bigger stages but sometimes the tiny gigs can feel a little more special. There’s always a moment when we play when it feels like it’s all come together.
Any hints as to who the as of yet unannounced support for the tour is? If indeed there is one!
I think that’s finally getting decided tomorrow. You’ll have to stay tuned.
Finally, a question I always love to ask, have you got any other brilliant up-and-coming artists to recommend for us to check out?
I know they are far from new and don’t quality but they were so incredible I have to shout them out. Last week I went to the launch for part two of Foals album. It was an intimate (for them) show at House of Vans in London and their energy onstage was phenomenal. Really, really good.