Samir, how are you and the rest of Flats?
We are hungover. Last night we played a warm-up show for our tour. We did 9 songs that we have never played before but it was mostly for our friends and family. Got a bit messy.
How would you yourselves describe your music to those uninformed readers of Mane Shakin' Folk?
How would you yourselves describe your music to those uninformed readers of Mane Shakin' Folk?
Furious, fast and sometimes very slow...
How did the group form?
Dan wanted to start a band and had already convinced Luke to be involved. I knew them from gigs and stuff. Myself and Craig bumped into them one day in the pub and within an hour Flats was formed and named. Took a few weeks for us to actually get into the practice room, though. Has been pretty full-on since then. That was only a year ago.
How did your relations with One Little Indian come about?
How did your relations with One Little Indian come about?
Last summer, Dan and Craig went to meet Derek Birkett to chat about music and swap a few records. They ended up playing him our first EP which we had literally just recorded. I think he must have liked it because we got a very flattering email from Derek that afternoon. He used to be in Flux of Pink Indians who were a brilliant punk band. He's a top dude.
You're releasing 'Never Again' on the label next month. What's the song about?
You're releasing 'Never Again' on the label next month. What's the song about?
Yeah it's coming out on OLI / Sweatshop (which is our own label). I don't know what the song is about. You'd have to ask Dan, but he won't even tell me. That doesn't stop me shouting along with the chorus when we play it live.
How do you find playing live? Do you see it as more of a release or a burden?
How do you find playing live? Do you see it as more of a release or a burden?
A burden?? I can see why some bands can't be bothered. But not us. It's all about playing live. Particularly for me, playing the drums is a huge release. Our live shows are impactful.
You've got a pretty extensive UK tour lined up. Are there any venues you particularly love playing?
We haven't been around long enough to have favourite venues. Aberdeen Tunnels was cool when we played there last October. And Glasgow and Manchester are great cities to play.
You were on the NME radar tour last year playing alongside The Joy Formidable and Chapel Club. What do think of those guys?
You were on the NME radar tour last year playing alongside The Joy Formidable and Chapel Club. What do think of those guys?
It was a funny one because I don't think many people who came to see either of those bands really would have got why we were on the bill. We were aware of that. We didn't expect to become mates with Chapel Club, but we were by the end of the tour. Nice guys!
Finally, What else is hot in 2011 for Flats? Are there any particular records you are enjoying at the moment?
Finally, What else is hot in 2011 for Flats? Are there any particular records you are enjoying at the moment?
We are writing our debut album so there are so many ideas flying around. You can't actually beat Melvins though so I'm gonna say them. Dale Crover is absolutely phenomenal. I know that Dan is obsessed with Amebix at the moment, Luke's been listening to a lot of Om. Earth are amazing. We've also been listening to a British 90s band called Iron Monkey.
And that's that. Intrigued? Flats have almost finished recording their debut album. Hear 'Never Again' below:
And that's that. Intrigued? Flats have almost finished recording their debut album. Hear 'Never Again' below:
