A song called “The Walls are Coming Down” featured in an eye-catching new video that spotlights one of the world’s only remaining escape artists? How could that not pique someone’s interest? Catch up on what’s new with London’s Fanfarlo, and delve into their genre-bending, anarchistic plans for world musical domination.
Fanfarlo is currently touring in support of their new album, Reservoir, which was recorded with the assistance of Peter Katis (The National, Interpol), and released October 6, 2009. The band recently took the stage of West Hollywood’s own Troubadour with a plethora of instruments and a very cohesive stage energy. ChinaShop was able to borrow a few minutes of bass player Justin Finch’s time for a quick Q&A before the band engaged in their pre-stage rituals, which Justin described as “lots of Red Bull and jumping around squawking” in order to loosen up.
You had a live escape artist in “The Walls are Coming Down” video…tell me a little bit about that?
Justin Finch: The style aspect of the Escapologist in its heyday is something we’re all fans of. Simon at the time was reading about Houdini in regards to spirituality and that really fit in with the songs subject, which is a guy called Father Marcello Pellegrino Ernetti.
Does he ever appear with you on stage?
Justin Finch: We really thought about that, but that show of his takes far too much preparation. Maybe one day when we can prepare him out of sight, we can have him in the show.
What are some future crazy things you guys have planned for videos?
Justin Finch: At some stage, we want to make a video involving a large man made body of water. This is something Simon and I are very much interested in–hence the album title. A video set in a submerged village. There are a few famous reservoirs that have villages at the bottom of them.
What can we expect from your live show?
Justin Finch: Energy and precision is what we strive for right now. I think we all feel what we are doing on stage is improving with every show, so I can only imagine it getting grander.
What makes you guys unique?
Justin Finch: I think with our newer songs especially, we have come at them with a love for a certain genre or esthetic and each one really sounds different from the last. What makes Fanfarlo Fanfarlo is becoming more ambiguous, but it remains there.
How would you describe your sound?
Justin Finch: Uplifting and Melancholy.
How did your name come about?
Justin Finch: It’s a Charles Baudelaire novella called La Fanfarlo about a dancer and a poet. People can’t help falling in love with her.
What are the plans for the rest of the tour?
Justin Finch: Well, the rest of the tour is around the UK. As for plans, I’m still trying to shake off the jet lag. We’re touring with a Swedish band called First Aid Kit and I think from a musical aspect it’s gonna be very interesting.
What is the weirdest thing that has happened to you on tour?
Justin Finch: Amos got seduced by a Swedish dwarf. Simon and I bumped into Adam Green in a hotel Lobby in Norway and we ended up singing ‘Jessica Simpson’ with him on a little acoustic guitar he just bought. That was awesome and surreal.
What is the biggest show you’ve ever done?
Justin Finch: The O2 arena in London with Snow Patrol. It was 20,000 people or something nuts. Not the most fun, but definitely the biggest.
Smallest?
Justin Finch: We played a show in Manchester years ago where the only 3 people there were our friends. That was shocking. I ended up playing from the non- existent audience and watching the band.
What is your biggest accomplishment as a band to date?
Justin Finch: Before the U.S. tour, I would have said the album Reservoir but I think playing a largely sold out U.S. tour was amazing for us – especially in NY where Bowery and the Bell House were both sold out…Just crazy and uplifting.
What is some advice that keeps you sane in the crazy world of music?
Justin Finch: My advice is to stay sober and remember that however tough it gets, it’s better than your last job.
Words by Nicole Jones, photos by Curious Josh
