Q&A: THE LAFONTAINES

Following a major headline at The Barrowlands here's a Q&A with Scottish quintet The Lafontaines:


How do you prepare for such a landmark show as The Barrowlands?

"We supported our pals Twin Atlantic at their first Barrowlands show a few years ago and it was one of the first times anyone took a punt on us and let us play to a big crowd.  I think that show gave us the bug and encouraged us to work our way up so going back as the headliner is an amazing feeling.  In terms of preparation, I remember Twin had masseuses backstage when they did it, we’ll likely have a packet of crisps between us and various sandwich meats that’ll be gone within the first hour."      

Releasing "King" as a single was a real turning point are you pleased with the success it has received? 

"Very much so.  We never actually intended for it to be a big single but more a teaser for the album.  It got picked up on though and we’re delighted people like it.  We’re probably less pleased with the trouble the video got us into but that’s another story." 


"Class"is finally being showcased in your live set and your sound has really matured on this album, you talk of themes regarding life, society some relevant topics, do you have any words of wisdom for the younger generation? 

"Always get permission before attempting to film a music video in a foreign country, or at least bring along someone that speaks Arabic.  I realise that’s a very specific piece of advice but it definitely captures something we’ve picked up along the way.  I don’t think we’re really in a position to give advice to anyone let alone the future hip hop loving leaders of our civilisation."


What does 2016 look like for The Fonts? Are you still going to be on our radar in the new year or are plans already made for album two?  

"I know a couple of shows that haven’t been announced yet that should be pretty cool but we have started writing for album number two. We don’t want to rush it but we had so many unfinished ideas from doing our first album it seemed a good idea to keep on it.  Hopefully we’ll be able to give you more details on release number 2 soon."

You have a pretty eclectic sound, here at The Candid Mixtape we like an insight into the artist's music collection so here's a quickfire:

"-Now playing... Literally right now I’m playing Toots & The Maytals – 54-46 (That’s My Number)
-Favourite new act? Leon Bridges
-The pre-gig anthem? Urbyn Hymn
-The ballad? Also Urbyn Hymn
-Instant nostalgia track? Still Dre
-The album you could not live without? Alkaline Trio – From Here To Infirmary
-The track (of your own) that you're most proud of? Window Seat"

What would be on The Fonts mixtape?
"Likely a selection of tracks that sound nothing like each other from bands/acts like The Roots, Canterbury, Anderson Paak, Awolnation, Notorious BIG, Keith Green, Alkaline Trio, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Hamish Imlach, DZK, AFI & so on and so on…."


Twitter: @TheLaFontaines
Website: http://www.thelafontaines.co.uk