Interviews: I Feel Fine


In this new occasion we have had the opportunity to interview the Post-Hardcore/Punk  band I Feel Fine from UK. Check out this band and give them a like on their FACEBOOK PAGE

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? You planned it, or it came out just like that? 

Nathan (Tompkins, Guitar/Vocals): Definitely planned I guess. It took a long time for us all to settle on something that we felt embodied not only the context of the music we make, but in some ways us as people, too. It was Joe who suggested “I Feel Fine”. 

Joe (Kool, Guitar): I can’t remember how the name came in to my head, but yeah, we wanted something that reflected the personality of our band and it just seemed perfect. It’s a little bit misanthropic without making a big deal.

2. Why did you want to play this genre? 

Antoine (Mansion, Drums/Vocals): From a drummer's perspective there's quite a lot of creativity and energy that can go into it, but as a genre I love it because it's got a big melancholic element, yet it’s still got room to be super playful.

Scott (Rogers, Bass/Vocals): I go through phases of listening to music from different genres, but I feel there is one deep down that I’ll always come back to. For me that’s this genre. So much energy and feeling. And I like shouting.

JK: Also, it’s just nice to be able to put your own spin on things that you’re in to. It’s fun to take different elements and to challenge yourself to make the best possible finished product.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed? 

AM: Not really. I think we sort of all moved to Brighton (UK) at the same time, without knowing each other. Nathan and I got chatting first about getting something together.

SR: Then someone introduced me to Nath and Antoine and told them that I was wild. I did not live up to that description the first time we met.

JK: I answered an ad these guys put online that said they had a band and were into American Football. I was sold.

4. Each band member’s favourite band? 

NT: Anything Phil Elverum-related (The Microphones, Mount Eerie, et al.)

SR: No idea. Been listening to Touché Amoré a lot recently, though.

JK: Right now, I’d say Mineral.

AM: I find it hard to name one band as my favourite, but I think Kidcrash has it all: musical intricacy, still manages to be catchy, melodies I love, really creative and loads of energy. I've loved them for years, and even if I go long periods without listening to them I always come back to their album Jokes. It’s phenomenal!

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs? 

JK: It’s just something I’ve always wanted to do. I love the romance of creating something that will exist even after I don’t. Elliott Smith is a musical hero of mine. You can tell he just compulsively had to write music to get by. 

NT: For me, from a writer’s perspective that’s always changing. With each song that we’ve put together so far, I don’t think no two influences, or roots of motivation, were ever the same; it was something unique each time. Obviously when the record was done, thematically we realised that there was a bigger connection to the music there. Fear, anxiety, commitment, change etc are all common threads we’ve hinged on. I guess, in their own twisted way’s, they’re the inspiration, haha.

6. Where was your last gig?

JK: It was in a CBGB’s themed bar in Brighton as part of Washed Out Festival.
SR: On a very slippery floor. I had to stand in front of the kit to stop it getting away from Antoine.

7. Where would you like to perform?

AM: I love travelling and see touring as a bit like "travelling with a purpose". I've never been to Asia before, but it's one of my dreams to go/play there.

NT: Yeah, I agree with Antoine. Japan, definitely. I also like the idea of outdoor festival’s – that could be anywhere. The West Coast of America maybe, too. But, what with the rising costs for anybody outside the US to tour there, it’s probably little more than a pipe dream for quite sometime, ha.

JK: Big list of venue’s but, speaking of festival’s, playing ArcTanGent here in the UK is a pretty big ambition for me.

SR: Would love to do a live session for Audiotree or KEXP way in the future, too.

8. With whom would you like to feature?

AM: Kidcrash, obviously... Or some rad local band in Asia I've never heard of.

JK: Maybe Pinegrove depending on whether or not there’s an ugly truth there. Appleseed Cast as a backup.

NT: That’s a tough one to answer on the spot, but I reckon Totorro would be fun to play with.

SR: Crash of Rhinos reunion!

9. Whom not?

NT: Any other band or artist with little care or respect for what we do, because I think that can take a toll on your experience. I’d rather make friends than enemies. Playing alongside friends would make me want to get out and do that more often.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

JK: Little bit. Still learning how to beat it. Helps not to start in a rush or whilst feeling stressed. 

AM: I do, yeah. My mind goes to weird places when I play, but I've managed to control it well enough so far. I think the main factor for me is the atmosphere or environment; when you play in front of a friendly crowd it makes everything easier. I haven't necessarily got any tips. Just keep doing it I guess, and don't put yourself in situations where your parts are too difficult for you to play. Keep it simple at first. Warming up is important as well. It always helps me relax a bit more before I get on stage.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

JK: Sport for being so prolific and traveling to so many cool places. Converge for carrying on for so long and still staying fresh. Stephen Brodsky because he can do anything. Pretend for being phenomenal musicians. I’m sure there’s more that I’ll kick myself for not remembering later.

SR: I try to bounce around like Ned from Title Fight when I play live. As for actually playing the Bass, I would say Cloud Nothings.

AM: I'd say Shannon Wright personally. Very uncompromised and always very unique. That'ssomething I love in an artist.

NT: Talk Talk, for similar reasons Antoine just mentioned. And because Mark Hollis is arguably a favourite songwriter of mine. Otherwise Kristin Hersh, Phil Elverum (of course!) and Bob Mould are a few shout-out’s worth making.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

SR: My boss once asked me if I could sing for a recording to go in a birthday card because he knew I was in a band. He has since heard the music and understands why I declined. He enjoyed it, though, so I’d say that technically makes him a fan.

JK: Some guy asked if he could buy Nathan and I a shot the other day. Wasn’t that weird I guess, just nice really. 

13. What do you think of your fans?

JK: At this point it’s funny to think that anyone would consider themselves a fan of our silly little band. But even if we become well established I’m still likely to think like that.

14. What do you think of our site?

AM: It looks like there's a great range of different stuff, loads of great bands etc. Keep it up! It's a good thing not to be focussing on one genre only.

JK: I agree. I think it’s really cool that you put so much work in to something you love, and I think that passion is clear to see.

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