This weekend (Saturday, 19th November), Upset has teamed up with Fluffer Records for one hell of a party: the fourth edition of all-dayer, Custard Thruster. Housed in an industrial unit in Bow Triangle Business Park, East London, over a dozen new bands will play all afternoon, from 1pm right through ’till 3am. There’s even a BBQ. IDLES will be headlining, but before they do “singer and CEO” Joe fills us in on life, the universe, and upcoming album, ‘Brutalism’ (due 10th March).
Hey Joe, how has 2016 been for you guys so far?
2016 has been a wonderful year for the band in terms of productivity. We got shit done and we’re finally feeling like a band again. However it’s been a shitty, shitty year for The Left which, in turn, is dusting off the cobwebs of the apathetics and this bizarre old polarising of politics is driving us all forward. This is exciting but I hope to fuck next year brings us some good news.
What first got you into making music, and what does being a musician mean to you?
I got into music because I was DJing and knew I wanted it for myself. I wanted to be Otis Redding though so I’m fucked really. Being a musician means nothing really as I’m not entirely sure I am one yet, it’s what I am already that’s important. My beliefs and my hard work that I bring to becoming a musician that means something.
What can you tell us about your upcoming debut album? Is it all done now?
Our ‘Brutalism’ album is complete. It very ready. I’m seething to show it. It’s a big, beautiful block of shit. It was written as a solution and a crutch to my grief and the mess I made. It’s out in March next year and we’re touring it all over the UK.
What are the key things you think makes a good album?
The key things to making a good album is to work hard and make something that is concise to your language as an artist. The themes that run through your album should be consistent and clear even if your themes are of confusion or nihilism or random cacophony. I think that means being honest but pushing yourself to explore who you are. An album is a journey of expression but should always be a dialogue with the audience. We are nothing without the reader.
You’re playing the Custard Thruster all-dayer this weekend – are you looking forward to it? Are there any bands on the line up you’re especially keen to see?
Yeah we are so fucking happy to get involved with the Fluffer gang again. They are an exciting bunch and one of those hard working collectives that get shit done and keep a bludgeoned music scene alive. Wonderful. John are fucking good! They’re a two piece that don’t focus on being a two piece but play huge and cutting alt punk type bangz. Our boys Lice are playing and we’ve missed opportunities to play with each other a few times now so that’ll be good. We like Lice a lot.
You’re off on a long tour next March too – how do you prepare for a stint on the road?
There is no way to prepare for a tour other than save up your money because there is fuck all money in music and practice your craft.
What would you most like to have achieved by this time next year, that you haven’t already?
I’d like to be recording our second album and touring next year. Japan, Jools Holland and Glastonbury would be a dream.
What’s the best thing about being in IDLES right now?
The best thing about being in Idles is being able to travel the country with my brothers and play music we’re still in love with.
Pick up your tickets for Custard Thruster 4 here.
IDLES are off on tour next March and April – catch them at:
MARCH
6 Cambridge Portland Arms
8 Bristol The Fleece
9 Colchester Arts Centre
10 London Moth Club
12 Southampton The Notes Café
14 Birmingham The Hare And Hounds
15 Guildford Boileroom
16 Brighton The Prince Albert
17 Tunbridge Wells Forum
18 Bedford Esquires
20 Oxford The Bullingdon
21 Sheffield The Plug
22 Newcastle Upon Tyne Think Tank
23 Aberdeen Tunnels
24 Dundee Buskers
25 Edinburgh Sneaky Pete’s
27 York The Crescent
28 Hull The Adelphi
29 Nottingham The Bodega
30 Liverpool O2 Academy 2
31 Wakefield Unity Hall
APRIL
3 Stoke-On-Trent The Sugarmill
4 Preston Guildhall
5 Cardiff Clwb Ifor Bach
