Frightened Rabbit Q&A Interview with Scott Hutchison
"The Delgados really changed the way I thought about music and songs" November 17, 2008, 08:41 PM  So were coming to the end of a big year for you. What has been the highlight?
Each week seems to feature a brand new highlight for us, as we've been playing shows pretty solidly for the past few months... T in the Park was particularly memorable, though. And of course the day our record came out was rather nice.
Has releasing a Christmas single been a long held ambition?
Not terribly long. I've wanted to do an EP of Christmas songs, as I'm a huge fan of Low's one. But after writing one Christmas song, I just got a bit bored and left it at that.
Aside from your own, what's your favourite Christmas single ever?
It’s not really a single, but the Low song Just Like Christmas is absolutely perfect.
You had less time to write the songs on 'The Midnight Organ Fight' than you did for 'Sing the Greys'; Does this make you feel as though you have to rush your song-writing, or does it actually help to have less time to needlessly deliberate? Does it make you more focused?
There was no rush, the songs just all came at once, but there was definitely more focus and a definite impression of a block of time in my life. I prefer to write in blocks, in order to sum up things that have happened in the past, rather than writing about what is happening right now. I think you can tell a better story that way.
How was working with Interpol/The National producer Peter Katis, having self produced your debut?
It was somewhat daunting at first, but there was little time to be unsure of ourselves. We had to get our heads down from the first day and record like beasts. It was a pretty intense couple of weeks. Peter is a hard worker and is really serious about what he does, and that suited us well.
Some of your lyrics are very personal, so I won't ask you to explain them, but how easy do you find writing lyrics, particularly ones of such a personal nature?
It’s the easiest way to write. I’ts all I know. I don't pay enough attention to write about other people, which is a little self absorbed perhaps but i can't see it changing.
Your band has a unique Scottish sound; who are your favourite Scottish bands of all time?
The Delgados really changed the way I thought about music and songs. Their album The Great Eastern came along at a time when I was only starting to write, so it was completely formative. The Twilight Sad ain't half bad either.
Are you settled now on four band members?
I wouldn't say we're complete. I really have a thing about the number 5 too... One more member might be nice, but for now, the 4 piece seems to be working fine.
If you could pick any musician dead or alive to add to the line up, who would it be and why?
Billy Joel. I'd have him on stage, but behind the amps, hidden from view like the wizard of oz, playing keyboards for us.
What are these particular rabbits most afraid of?
I can't deal with heights over 5 foot.
Finally, what is your favourite meat?
Is shrimp technically a 'meat'? I prefer fish to mammals...
Frightened Rabbit's new single, 'It's Christmas So We'll Stop' is released on FatCat Records on 15th December. To read the Altsounds review, click here http://hangout.altsounds.com/reviews...-7-single.html
http://www.myspace.com/frightenedrabbit
Last edited by Heron : November 17, 2008 at 08:53 PM.
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Frightened Rabbit - It's Christmas So We'll Stop (7" single)
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