Features Spoon

Austin indie-rockers Spoon released their latest album (their sixth, in fact) ‘Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga’ in July. They are getting ready for a mammoth set of North American tour dates this Autumn, but will still find time to play a sprinkling of European dates, including a show at the Borderline on 17th August. We cornered them for a quick Q&A.

Why name your album after the way in which babies talk?!
The album title did not come from the way babies talk! We never even imagined people would take it this way. ‘Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga’ was the working title for the song ‘A Ghost of You Lingers’. We liked the phrase enough after changing the name of the song that we decided to use it for the record title.

How do you hope your fans react to the new album?
We hope they drive around in their cars all day listening to the record.

Are you pleased about how critics have reacted to it?
We are pleased that most of the reviews have been positive. We think the record is great, so it is exciting when others agree.

You’re due to play a couple of British dates next month - have you packed your wellies?
I don’t smoke. (Do Americans know what ‘wellies’ are? Do they not share our British obsession with the weather? - Ed)

What do you think the secret to longevity as a band is?
Having a great songwriter like Britt Daniel in the band is the key. In addition, you need to work hard and persevere through the tough times.

Does being from Austin automatically mean you’re likely to become a musician?
Musicians, students, and high tech geeks make up most of the Austin population.

Are there any new bands/new discoveries that have got you excited of late?
I love the new LCD Soundsystem record.

And finally, ‘cause we couldn’t not ask a name-related question, what’s the best thing to put in a spoon?
Wellies.