Freaky Age Interview: SXSW 2010

For Freaky Age, slowing down and taking a break after nearly 200 gigs in two years felt pretty odd. Last year was huge for the band in their home country of Belgium with nominations for Best Alternative Band, Best Breakthrough and Best Song for Belgium's Music Industry Awards [MIA's] and MTV/TMF Awards. The band used their down time efficiently though -- writing and recording their second album 'Living in Particular Ways.' With the impending release of the new album, things are gearing up again for the band with their first US appearance at SXSW and a host of shows throughout Belgium, Holland, and France. Spinner recently spoke with lead singer and guitarist Lenny Crabbe about band names, influences and surprises that touring can bring.

Describe your sound in your own words.

We sound like a proper band. We are four guys in a room playing together, its not a studio project. We record everything live, that is very important to us. I think we are melodic rock -- very easy to listen to, really honest music.How did your band form?

We have been really busy as a band since 2008, but the core formed may years ago in the villages on the outskirts of Brussels. We all met the way you normally do -- through school and football.

What are your musical influences?

I think things that happen in life -- stories I hear, people I meet have the biggest influence. As far as other groups we are influenced by a pretty diverse mix including The Strokes, Libertines, Arctic Monkeys, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash. My father was also a huge influence. Dad was in a band called Betty Goes Green in the 90s that worked with Lou Reed and released a number of albums. Growing up in that environment had a huge influence on me.

How did you come up with your band name?

No real story there, just kinda represents the time and place when we were naming the band. Since we started young, that is what we came up with at the time. Names are not really important to me. I mean what does Queens of the Stone Age or Red Hot Chili Peppers really mean?

What's your biggest vice?

What's a vice? You mean like something I can't live without? I'd have to say probably alcohol.

What's in your festival survival kit?

A suitcase of dry clothes, cause everything always seems to get wet at festivals. Some alcohol and a nice meal after the show.

What do you think about playing about SXSW?

We are really excited about it. It will be our first time playing in the US and we are planning to stay for the whole festival and take it all in. Plus a load of friends of mine are coming in from London as well, so it should be really fun. I hear that they have bands playing just about everywhere including petrol stations [laughs] so I am looking forward to that.

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

Do I have to be truthful [laughs]? I think probably the Gypsy Kings. Sort of traditional Spanish music.

Beatles or Stones?

Beatles. I think we all do.

What's the craziest thing you've seen or experienced while on tour?

Stopping for a piss on the highway in the middle of the night, and seeing about 20 truck drivers having an orgy with one lady. When you don't expect to see something like that, and then you do, it burns in to you memory. I've been trying to forget ever since [laughs].



Billy Maupin is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.