Interview Tilly And The Wall

’s keyboard player Nick White tells us about the band’s Sesame Street appearance, their new EP, and the band’s they really enjoy touring with.

So, what’s been your favourite point in your musical career so far? Any highlights?
There’s just nothing better than being able to travel, and I think many of our favorite moments involve seeing some new wonderful parts of the world. There was also a hometown Omaha show when we really felt connected to our city and really happy to be able to make music there. And Sesame Street.

How did the Sesame Street appearance come about?
I can’t remember exactly the scenario, but it was something along the lines of an email inquiring whether or not we would be interested in performing if the opportunity arose. Of course, we sent a very enthusiastic reply and everything happened from there. I was so pumped.

You’re releasing an EP of remixes at the moment. Why did you decide to do this?
Well we have often talked about doing some kind of remix release, but it never quite fit with what we were doing at the time, and the creation of the Team Love library was the perfect opportunity to give the remixes some kind of context without doing a full release. Plus remixes are just fun, they remind me of the fluid nature of songs, whether or not I dig the results.

Is it difficult writing songs for three different vocalists?
Everyone in the band is very relaxed when it comes to arranging songs, and often we’ll try a few configurations before recording. At this point we have a pretty good grasp of our strengths and weaknesses and what we each can bring to the table.

When do you plan to head into the studio for your next album?
We’re all always working on songs, so I guess whenever we feel it’s the right time and vibe to head back into the studio. It’s always up in the air.

Do you have any plans for festivals in the Summer?
We have a festival in Florida in March, and we really haven’t made any plans beyond that.

You seem to have a lot of friends in other bands, but which ones would you recommend people check out most?
Oh man, there are so many. I really recommend everything in the Team Love and Moshi Moshi catalogs, and really all the bands we’ve ever toured with have been phenomenal as well.

You’ve played with a lot of bands from the British indie circuit. Do you feel more in common with them than you do your American cohorts like The Shins and The Hold Steady?
I love love love coming to the UK and touring with British bands, and it’s nice that every time we’re over there’s some new sweet band that we get to do a show with. More than anything, I feel a strong connection to our label mates and to the lovely people who run our labels, and there’s a real sense of ‘we’re all in this together.’

And finally, what records are you most looking forward to listening to in 2009?
Well I haven’t had a chance to pick up either the new Antony or Music Tapes albums, and I can’t wait to spend some time with them. I’m also really curious and excited about the new Mystic Valley Band recordings.

Tilly & The Wall’s new single ‘Pot Kettle Black’ is released this week (23rd February).