Elliott Kendal talks to The Maccabees lead singer Orlando Weeks about new album Marks to Prove it, happiness and Randy Newman
Elliott: Your biblical namesakes The Maccabees were a rebel army. Do you consider yourselves rebels or do you think that you and your music has matured and mellowed over the years?
Orlando: We’ve always tried to not repeat ourselves. I hope each record is a step on from the last but along the way I’d like to think our writing has become more comfortable in its own skin. But always pushing us in relation to our musicality and musicianship. And yes, we’re ever so rebellious.
Elliott: A lot of bands hate their early work, in hindsight what do you think of your first album Colour It In? Do you think NME’s 8/10 review for it was fair, what would you give it?
Orlando: I don’t hate Colour It In I just can’t bear listening to it. I think 8/10 is generous considering that’s what the new record got, and I think Marks is a far better record. But who am I to argue with the NME.
Elliott: You toured with Bloc Party in 2007, how was that? Are they a major influence to you both in the studio and live?
Orlando: Touring with Bloc Party was a massive coup at the time for us. I think for the boys it was the beginning of a long (and to me slightly dull) obsession with guitar pedals. So for that reason alone I think they absolutely were an influence.
Elliott: Loving the album sleeve for Marks To Prove It, what was the thinking behind it?
Orlando: It’s a photograph of a London memorial that is maligned and overlooked. It’s become a little buried and this is it in its glamorous otherworldly pomp. We thought it was representative of the record. The record is in part about re-evaluating the things you’ve overlooked. Finding the odd glimmer of the extraordinary or romance in the everyday.
Elliott: Why has the release date of Marks To Prove It changed from January to July? Did you want the summer buzz or is it just boring technical reasons?
Orlando: Very boring technical reasons!
Elliott: Your album Given to the Wild was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in 2012, were you more overwhelmed to be nominated or gutted to lose to Alt-J?
Orlando: No we were very chuffed to be nominated. Alt-J were deserved winners.
Elliott: Have you ever been a fan of Alt-J’s music?
Orlando: I think they make great music that’s full of self confidence. Alt-J sound like Alt-J and that’s an incredible achievement so early on. We’ve been going 12 years and I think with this record it’s the first time we’ve really made a record that sounds like us.
Elliott: Festivals – now you’re doing a lot of them this summer all around Europe but what is your favourite?
Orlando: I love Bestival in the UK because Rob is such a good curator. You can feel his influence everywhere.
Laid back and yet totally enthusiastic. I saw PJ Harvey there doing Let England Shake and it’s my favourite festival memory.
Elliott: You’ve graduated to the main stage at Leeds this year. How do you feel about that?
Orlando: It’s very nice to be part of a line up that includes people we all rate and want to watch.
Elliott: I loved it when in your Glasto set you brought on Jamie T. Have you got any special guests lined up for Leeds Fest?
Orlando: Not as yet. That was a very last minute thing but it was a nice moment for us. Jamie and us go back a long way.
Elliott: If you had to choose your ultimate special guest (alive or dead) who would you pick? What song of their’s would you do with them?
Orlando: I’d love to have Randy Newman come on and do a song with us. We’ve got a piano with us these days so it’s not out the question. As far as songs go I think we could do a good version of “Living Without You”.
Elliott: What is your favourite gig you have ever played and why?
Orlando: I loved playing At The Coronet in Elephant and Castle. It felt like it all made sense ... People queuing in the underpass looking at the memorial that was about to be revealed as our album cover. Only minutes down the road from where we’d spent years making the record. And we played good and everyone had what seemed like a good night. It’ll be hard to top.
Elliott: Finally, your most recent single is called Something Like Happiness. What is your idea of happiness?
Orlando: I love making anything – music, drawing, whatever. Making makes me happy.
