Music, Style & Culture

| Magazine : Online : Radio : Mobile

Class Of 2008: Late Of The Pier

'Some band with guitars, another band with some electronics and another band that you're rather fond of. Lazy enough?'

It's 2008: and no, we're not sure where the last twelve months went either. What we are fairly certain about, however, is that it popped up more than a couple of ace bands for us to get all excited about.

We've taken the best of the bunch that got DIY Towers buzzing and quizzed them about both themselves and what they might get up to in the next 12 months. Not universally sure fire bets for unit shifting superstardom, we're expecting good things from them all.

Someone ring the bell, then. The Class of 2008 is in.

---

Late Of The Pier could already boast the production skills of Erol Alkan by their second single, which is obviously not the norm amongst boys from Castle Donington who still live with their parents. Indeed, it was this second release, 'Bathroom Gurgle', which made a small but influential proportion of the populace sit up and listen. Next up for the quartet is a massive tour of the UK - including a support slot with dance titans Justice.

---

Who are you, and what do you do?
Ahoy sailors! We're Late of the Pier and we do things.

Lazily, compare yourselves to at least three well-ish-known bands in a semi-comical way.
Some band with guitars, another band with some electronics and another band that you're rather fond of. Lazy enough?

What's the best thing about being in a band so far?
The fact you live in a fairytale make-believe world where work is play and play is work.

...and what's the worst?
The fact you live in a fairytale make-believe world where work is play and play is work.

Why do you think 2008 is going to be a great year for Late Of The Pier?
Well this year's been pretty wizard as it is, and if things keep going like this it'll be even better in 08. hopefully we'll get to see some more of the rest of the world.

Are you making any new years' resolutions?
Stop doing as many things and do more stuff.

If people were to listen to just one of your songs, which one would you hope it was and why?
One we haven't written. It'd be interesting to see their brains try and cope with it.

Where do you hope to be in twelve months' time?
Anywhere but tied up in a coal sack.

What's the worst piece of advice anyone's ever given you?
'Just do what I tell you'

If Late Of The Pier were to have a motto, what would it be?
'Why not?'

What would be your reaction if someone were to cover one of your songs on X Factor?
Cry, laugh, burp and cough simultaniously.

Do you have an album in the pipeline?
Yes. But it's stuck up there and keeps eating all the plumbers we call in. It's a nasty piece of work.

Who'd be your dream producer to work with?
Depends what the song is really. We're currently doing stuff with Samuel Dust and Erol Alkan so don't really know how you top that.

Remixes are, it would seem, 'all the rage'. Who would you just love to remix one of your tracks?
Max Tundra, Simon Bookish, Glass Candy, Nathan Fake, Joakim, Metronomy, Beyond the Wizards Sleeve and Thomas Bangalter. All together at the same time on the same computer, and they can only use one finger and a foot each. Ready! Set! GO!

What does it take to be a fan of Late Of The Pier?
Ears, feet and a 10-kilo tub of honey.

What's the weirdest thing anyone's done at one of your gigs?
Actually watched it. Poor soul.

Tell us something random yet interesting about you.
We don't physically exist. If you ever meet any of us your brain just freaks out and just makes something up.

You're part of the DIY Class of 2008 - what was your favourite subject at school?
That one that I never went to - it was a whole load of fun!