2011 headliners BIFFY CLYRO are mad busy on the road in the US at the moment but we were lucky to be able to chat to drummer Ben in advance of the much anticipated Wakestock set this year.
Interviewafter the jump.
As you are answering these questions – where about are you guys?
We are in Tulsa OK about to start our tour with the one and only Foo Fighters
During the shows you are nearly always shirtless. Is that your band's tradition?
We are ALWAYS shirtless. It has been tradition since we starting touring. We got tired of ruining shirts with gallons of sweat.
You have been touring the States and Canada this year. Do the crowds differ from those on home turf? How are you finding the reception you are getting over the water?
The crowds differ in that there are less of them, but the enthusiasm is roughly the same. We seem to get warm to roasting receptions everywhere, but none quite like in Wales!
Do you have a favourite place to play?
Wales of course, but there's nowhere we don't like playing.
Have you gigged in Wales before?
Clearly........... Lots. From valleys to cities, always an experience to remember
Where and when did you last play?
Bangor, Radio1 big weekend. Awesome times!
Do you have any pre-gig rituals?
We do all the physical, mental and emotional things required to perform balls out rock n roll. And a wee hug.x
Which do you prefer, big gigs or more intimate ones?
Intimate gigs are great cause you can catch people's eyes and really connect, but then who doesn't love the thrill of playing to thousands of beautiful music lovers?
You've pretty much recorded all of your albums in different countries. Does the change of location affect the albums?
The main stipulation we have is that we don't record our albums at home, to avoid distractions. The songs are already written before we leave Scotland, so only our moods and vibes are affected by where we are. It's easier to get up in the morning when the sun is shining.
Obviously there’s the family element there, but what’s the secret to staying together, musically and creatively for this long, where so many other bands seem to fall apart?
It's not like we really know the magic answer to that. We are brothers, three together, and we've only ever cared about making music we love, not about being cool, getting girls or being part of any fad. I guess if you're all honest it helps. We are VERY lucky that we all get along so well after so damn long, otherwise I can't imagine it being much fun.
Who do you consider your influences?
In the early years we loved Guns n Roses, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Kerbdog and lots of other bands of that era. Almost all American bands at that point as they were just more to our taste. More underground stuff after that like Fugazi, Sunny Day Real Estate, Far, Karate, Braid, and Burning Airlines. Over the years we've tried to just listen to as much different music as possible, both good and bad, and take inspiration from all art forms. It's almost as important to know what not to do!
How do you compare yourselves as artists now compared to when you released your first album?
Hopefully we're much better. It's been a long time since Blackened Sky was released and even longer since Si wrote songs like 27 and Justboy. I'd like to think we're much more competent players, and Simons song writing skills have improved greatly.
Are you looking forward to making the trip to Abersoch in North Wales to play Wakestock 2011?
Indeed we are. It's been a good few years since we played at the very first Wakestock. We hear it's now become a brilliant festival with lots to offer fans and Bands alike. From day one, shows in Wales for us have been some of our best, there's no reason why this one won't top them all.
What are the chances of you guys getting in the water on a wakeboard? We promise the water is warmer than in Scotland!
I'd love to have a go, having been a keen skater and snowboarder in the past, I've always wanted to try it. Saying that, a bad slam could leave biffy needing a stand in drummer for the night.
What's the thing you enjoy most about your music career?
Making a living doing the one thing we love most in the world. There's no feeling like playing a gig and making a real connection with people and having their undivided attention while you play and sing your heart out.
What's the last text you sent? What did it say and who it was to?
It was to our tour manager Neil and it said.......... Gid.
Can you wakeboard?
Not yet, but give me time
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