Band OF The Week #272 - The LaFontaines
This week’s Band of the Week is Scottish three piece The LaFontaines – who along with releasing their new album ‘Business As Usual’, have announced a huge headline tour for this September.
Fifteen years since their inception in Motherwell Scotland, Kerr Okan (vocals), Jamie Keenan (drums, vocals) and Darren McCaughey (guitars, production) have long held a unique space within the UK music scene with The LaFontaines’ sound as instantly recognisable as singer Kerr’s vocals.
The bands personality, charm and charisma coupled with their unrivalled unique offering has earned them a dedicated, loyal fanbase who identify with the band through more than just the music. Connecting with their live audiences on a level that most acts never achieve, their live shows are their superpower.
The band took a moment to talk to us about how the album came together.
Hey the The LaFontaines, how are you? So your album is out now – how does it feel to have it out there?
Good evening. Jolly well spiffing, I do declare. It’s taken quite some time to get to this point so it does in fact feel wonderful.
It is called ‘Business As Usual’– what is the meaning behind that?
It was the first song that got written for the album, or at least it was the first one that was deemed good enough to put on an album. It was written around a time of uncertainty.
Where was it recorded? Any behind the scenes stories you are willing to share with us?
Half of it was recorded in Liverpool and the other half was done in Glasgow. Two of the UKs most fabulous cities. Each time we were in Liverpool, I’d force the others to make the pilgrimage down to the Cavern Club after the sessions for a few sasparillas. One of the nights, Kerr even got up to sing ‘The Long and Winding Road’ with the resident musician.
What are the key influences behind the album?
The Beatles would’ve been a big one as the ‘Get Back’ film had not long been released and being down in Liverpool meant that even though our music doesn’t sound like the Beatles, they were at least being spoke about and listened to each day. As well as the Fab Four, there’s a big northern soul influence quite a few of the tracks.
If the album could be a soundtrack to any film – which one and why?
Zathura because the music has that intergalactic feel. It’s playful by nature but yet deadly serious at the same time.
Do you have a favourite lyric on the album? If so, which one and why?
“If I could just be honest, I think I’d rather be on it”. It’s maybe quite a bleak lyric but it’s very relevant. It was written during a health kick. Rock and Roll they say is made with ‘three chords and the truth’
Now the album is out there – what next for you?
I think we are going to Turtle Bay for dinner and then follow Scotlands incredible journey in European nation footballs premier competition.
