Indie pop four-piece Yves Klein Blue have come a long way since their humble beginnings in their native Brisbane. Having just wrapped up a tour of the US and UK, Yves Klein Blue are returning to Australia for their very own headline tour. Liveguide caught up with drummer Chris Banham to see how things are travelling.
Liveguide: Your debut LP 'Ragged & Ecstatic' is out this month. Is it much of a departure from last year’s EP ‘Draw Attention To Themselves’?
Since the EP we have definitely grown as musicians and songwriters. Stylistically there are similarities, however the songs are probably more mature. Some of the songs on the record have been around since the EP, but we didn't think they were ready to be recorded at the time. So since then we have made some improvements... well I like to think we have.
Apart from recording, how did you spend your time in LA?
We recorded 6 days a week, which only left Sundays for time off. In the first few weeks we got to visit Santa Monica, see some movies at Grauman's Chinese Theater and eat at as many diners as possible. But in the final few weeks, things started to get stressful and we would spend Sunday working on the songs. Kinda like homework I guess.
Did you feel under pressure recording abroad? Has it influenced the sound of the LP?
I didn't feel any pressure, I was much more excited about the chance to record abroad. The studio we used had such amazing recording equipment and instruments. We used a control desk that came from Abbey Road! The record sounds modern, but because of all the vintage equipment, it has a classic sound.
How would you describe your sound to someone who’d never heard YKB? What are your primary musical and non-musical inspirations?
I have always found it difficult to describe our music, as we tend to draw influences from many different artists and genres. For this record we were inspired by artists such as David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, The Specials and The Clash.
How did audiences respond to YKB in USA and UK? Which nation seemed more responsive to your sound?
Hard to say which audience gave a better response, we have had great gigs in both countries. The first time we played in New York we supported The Vines at the Bowery Ballroom. We were the opening act, but the venue was full by the time we got on stage. We got a better response from the crowd than some of our early gigs in Australia.
Did playing to crowds abroad change your perspective of Brisbane and/or Australian audiences?
Brisbane has a great music scene, we are lucky to have Brisbane fans. I don't think there are any massive differences. We are yet to have things thrown at us. Dear fans, thanks. You guys are great!
Are you happy with the way the debut turned out? What is your fondest, or vivid, memory of the process?
I couldn't be happier with the album. We put so much into it and I'm so happy with the result.
My fondest memory would be when we got Benmont Tench and Greg Leisz to play piano and pedal steel on some of the tracks. Watching them play to our songs was incredible, I learnt so much in one day.
Are you eager to get back into the studio?
Not just yet. Eager to write new songs and play gigs.
Any plans to move abroad permanently, given the buzz your single ‘Polka’ is attracting Stateside?
No plans to move permanently. Brisbane is still home. Though we are hoping to visit England again near the end of the year.
You’re about to embark on a massive national tour, taking in quite a few regional areas. What should punters expect?
Nudity. And chocolate. And us. We are also doing a cover of Born To Run, so hope you like it.
For full dates for Yves Klein Blue's national tour, click here.
taken from: http://www.liveguide.com.au/News_and_Reviews/8/14740/Interviewed_Yves_Klein_Blue
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