The Fauns Interview

This week we have managed to chat to Michael and Alison from The Fauns. If you have yet heard who The Fauns are this will be a pleasant surprise. Their dreamy pop music will take you away to a nice little place, I would recommend getting their self titled debut album putting some headphones in and going for a wonder. 'Deranged' being one of my personal favourites and Michael says it was a 'learning process' recording that album, can not wait for their new one. 

I understand you started off as a 3 piece and now there are 6 of you, how did the band start and who's new and who's original?

Michael: I started The Fauns in 2007 with help and encouragement from a few friends. It was one man, some effects pedals, a laptop and a guitar. Gradually the band expanded which injected some real talent and experience, the line up eventually settling on six members. Kevin is the latest Faun.
Alison: I think Michael had an 'early life' crisis... It was a case of case of him either buying a motorbike or start a band... I'm pretty glad he chose the latter, it worked out well for me!

I pretty new to you guys, I just heard alot of hype about you when I was at the Record Store Day (RSD) in Bristol at RISE. How did it go? Have you played at a RSD before?

M: That's the second time we've played Rise, the first time was more acoustic as our drummer Tom was unavailable. It was really cool to go full electric at the weekend to such an appreciative audience. I love playing unusual venues.
A: Playing Rise again was lovely, and we were honoured to be on the bill with some pretty great bands like The Duke Spirit who I'm a fan of. Its always strange playing a set under bright shop lights when you can't hide under moody lighting and can see the whites of the audiences eyes, luckily they were mostly quite nice eyes.

So the new album is out on May the 1st? You must be really excited how long has it taken you to get it all together?

M: Well... it may be a little later than that. The release date has been pushed back due to life getting in the way of recording. It's nearly finished though with artwork being delivered at the moment. We aim to hand the album to the label at the end of May, release should be end of August 2012. It seems a long time to wait... but time seems to be speeding by so before you know it the album will be here.
A: I feel we've matured quite a lot musically since the last album. We have been playing some of the songs on the new album live for a while now, and they always go down really well. I can't wait to get it out there I think it will be something special.

The last album done so well with Steve Lamaq (Radio 6) playing songs off it and so many other people loving it all over the world. What can we expect? 

M: The first album charted my learning process and the evolution of the band. It was very pieced together and I think it shows on a couple of the tracks. The second album is much more of a group effort with song writing and recording shared more. I think technically it's better put together and lyrically it really stands up although it's very definitely has our sound. Songs range from very hard and fast to a ballad about drowning in space. I'm really pleased with it.

The last album was released on record and playing at the RSD I can see you still have a lot of faith in records. Will the new album be put out on vinyl as well?

M: Yes it will be available on vinyl, I actually own a record shop myself so for me vinyl is king.
A: Most definitely yes... our last vinyl came out in limited edition pink too... I'm hoping for another pastel shade to liven up my record collection...

On your Facebook page i have seen people from all over the world commenting. I have noticed a lot from the US, Australia and Argentina how do these people find you?

M: Myspace (when it worked), Facebook and Twitter are invaluable tools... We also have Elliot who is a genius at pushing our profile out there.
A: The internet really has made the world a much smaller place. That comes with both merits and downfalls of course, but it certainly is great to be able to search out music you might otherwise never have heard.

LIKE there Facebook page if you like the sounds of them. 

The Fauns Facebook

With the album all done now will you be out touring this year? I see a lot of people want to see you abroad as well what's the plan?

M: Yes, the plan is to start touring in September. We've been offered dates all over but really I need to deliver the album before we start to think about that. Hopefully we'll do UK and European dates... The States and further afield would be cool but of course that needs to be paid for somehow... we'll figure it out.
A: Hopefully so yes. I've really enjoyed the European tours we've done so far and can't wait to do more... even when it's 5 blokes and me squeezed into the back of a transit for 14 hour drives, it seems to be worth it.

Finally I always ask what some people may consider a cheesy question but where did the name come from?

M: Well... originally I though The Thorns... But I have a slight Sarf London accent so it sounded like The Fauns so it stuck (also The Thorns is already taken!).

Thanks for the time guys and im really looking forward to hearing the album.


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