Equipped with a youthful and priceless
vigour, good-natured GoodBooks are better known for concocting tunes
in an insightful, intelligent manner. Having already released three
well-received singles, the band are set to become a great success in
time for the release of their fourth single 'Passchendaele' and indeed,
their debut album 'Control' in July. I had the chance to chat with lead
singer Max Cooke.
Naturally,
i have to ask if you are reading any good books at the moment?
I'm reading Immortality by Milan Kundera at the moment, it's fucking
amazing.
Your
music has been described as 'dance music for boffins.' Do you think
this is a justified assessment? Would you personally label your style
as 'geek beat?'
I don't really like labels. We got called 'New Rave' the other day,
which is absolute bonkers! I suppose 'dance music for boffins' is limited,
but good in comparison. I'm not sure about 'geek beat' though, no!
If
someone heard your music in a 1,000 years time, what do you think it
would tell them about living in the year 2007?
It was pressurized and life moved fast. There is definitely uncertainty
nowadays, I think that is reflected in our album.
Your
next single release 'Passchendaele' (released July 16) concludes by
questioning the fact that despite so many well-meaning slogans and resolutions,
a whole century has passed and we are still engaged in bitter conflict
around the world. Is there anything you would like to say to Tony Blair,
or better still, George Bush? And have you ever considered running for
Prime Minister?
Oh god, good question. I mean, it's not a finger-pointing song. If they
thought what they were doing was right, i suppose you can only do your
best. I think it was bad luck on Tony Blair's part that he wasn't backed
by the public. As for running for prime minister, I dunno, it's a lot
to deal with. I have far too many dark secrets! The tabloids would have
a field day!
Similarly,
in your debut album 'Control' (released 30th July) you ask the question
who is really in control? What is the answer though?
I don't do answers. I do questions, haha. I think that each of us is
in control. We're all victims, it's all about creating an impression.
Most people are driven by larger forces.
You've
been touring with The Sounds this month, how has that been? Any favourite
gigs so far?
Well, we've only done four shows with them. For me personally, playing
at the Mean Fiddler in London was enjoyable. It's always a big moment
when you can play at a place where you have been the audience member
in past. We had a few technical fuck-ups to begin with, which certainly
pushed us out of our comfort zone. I think overall, we gave a better
performance because of this - it was challenging and we were creating
as we went along.
I
noticed that in a recent GoodBooks MySpace blog you comment on Pirates
of the Caribbean 3 and how 'fucking bollocks' it is. Are you not a fan
of Johnny Depp then?
Haha, i have no problem with Johnny Depp, my girlfriend loves him. The
film was far too complicated though, it didn't work. I dunno, the first
was wonderful and the whole world loved it. The third was hard to follow.
If you wait until after the credits, you're greeted with Keira Knightley
and a... (background noise) JP just had ago at me for giving it away.
But anyways, basically, if you're going to see the film, don't wait
for the bit after the credits.
In
the film of your life, who plays you?
(Pause) I'm not sure, I want to give a good answer (Pause again) I suppose
Daniel Radcliffe, I have been likened to him because we both wear glasses.
They play up in movies though don't they, I'd probably go with that
guy Tony from skins.
Ok, time for some quick questions:
Kate
Moss or Beth Ditto? Oh my I'm not sure, both?! Kate
Moss with Beth Ditto's voice?
MySpace
or Facebook? Facebook definitely, I don't actually have
my own personal account on MySpace.
Mp3
or Vinyl? Vinyl. Keep the vinyl.
Vodka
& coke or Snakebite? Snakebite? Isn't that a shitty
beer? I'll go with vodka & coke or JD & coke, that's my stage
drink.
Touring
or recording? You know what, if I couldn't do both,
I wouldn't do music! I couldn't pick. Whatever I hadn't done recently.
Ha
ha, Good Shoes or GoodBooks? (Slightly disgruntled)
GoodBooks, obviously.
by
Ashleigh Scott
