I think we toured and partied too much at one stage in our career, and it really made the quality of the shows pretty awful.
I think we toured and partied too much at one stage in our career, and it really made the quality of the shows pretty awful.
Incendiary interview Sharin Foo of The Raveonettes
The Raves are back on the road touring with their 4th album release, Lust, Lust, Lust. After the Amsterdam Show a few months ago I asked Sharin Foo if I could do an email interview, a request to which she happily consented. It’s not surprising really, as The Raveonettes are some of the most down to earth, nicest people I’ve met. I’ve known them now for nearly 7 years and have seen over 10 shows in 4 different countries. The new album is brilliant and showcases their ever-enhancing songwriting and musicianship.
IN: Seeing you guys live was really great this time in Amsterdam… honestly! It really just keeps getting better and better. This time you all seem so at ease on stage… so relaxed and natural… How does it feel for you, touring again with just you Sune and Jacob & returning to some smaller venues?
SF: I agree that we are better than ever live. It’s difficult to say what it is… but part of it is our determination and focus to make every show a great experience for ourselves and the audience. I think we toured and partied too much at one stage in our career, and it really made the quality of the shows pretty awful. And another thing is that having 4 albums’ worth of material to choose from makes for epic set lists.
IN: Especially, I have to say Sune’s guitar playing blew me away. I mean I always thought he was good… but he is bordering on virtuoso now! Do you miss playing bass ever? Did you always play guitar now?
SF: Yes he is amazing on guitar, his tone, nerve and personality really comes through. I miss playing the bass sometimes, something about the character of a bass that suits me. But I really think the minimal live set up we have now with the 2 guitars and 2 vocals and stripped down primal drum set up is really cool and Raveonettes to the bone, so I enjoy the guitar playing, even though it’s a real challenge for me.
IN: You guys toured with Depeche Mode a year ago… what was that like? How did it feel to play stadiums, was it scary? Do you think The Raveonettes were well received? Being an opening band is a hard thing, but opening for the Depeche Mode, @ $100 a ticket, now that’s massive! How do you think that influenced your current musical, touring perspective?
SF: We were extremely flattered that we were invited to play the Depeche Mode tour, especially since Dave and Martin are fans of our band. The first show we played with them we were loud, rock’n’roll, noisy and feisty – but we realized it did not go well down with the big stadium setting. So then we actually started playing a really mellow set with lots of space in the music and that worked really great. In some ways the huge rooms were less intimidating than playing in a small club were people are in your face. And it was just great to have amazing and consistent sound on stage every night. A real treat.
IN: The new album LUST, LUST, LUST is out when? Got anything special planned for the release? At the show in Amsterdam, Sune said it would be out in time for Christmas. Do you also share the same strange obsession as Sune does for Christmas?
SF: Lust, Lust, Lust came out in Europe on November 12th. And it’s coming out in February in North America. I love Christmas, but I am not a fanatic like Sune! He terrorizes us in the tour van with "Christmas music", starting in about September…
IN: One of my favorite songs you guys made in the past was The Christmas Song… it’s beautiful and great to listen anytime of year. How did that song come about?
SF: True, it is a very haunting song. It was recorded in Copenhagen in December of 2001 when we recorded Whip It On. We sort of needed a break from the Bb minor extravaganza of Whip It On and Sune pulled out this great Christmas song that he had been working on. It was done in a few hours, and turned out great. We then later re-recorded the vocals in New York City on that one summer day when there were the black outs.
IN: My first thoughts about the new album, Lust, Lust, Lust was that it was a return to your first album from 7 years ago nearly, Whip It On, but after listening to it some more the growth and development of the pure Raveonettes sound is obvious. There is no more kitschy B movie surf garage imitation music; it really seems as if you guys have truly found your personal sound. Does it feel like that for you?
SF: I agree that it’s a return to the minimalism and intensity of the first EP. But It’s a more personal and intimate album. Dark and moody. I think it’s very Raveonettes but exploring new sounds and moods.
IN: You Know You Want The Candy is a great catchy song, I love it! Is this song really dedicated/written for your friend and musical/production collaborator Richard Gottehrer (my father)? What kind of influence has he been on The Raveonettes and or on you personally?
SF: It is a kind of homage to Richard and a reference to his legendary song I Want Candy. Richard has had an immense and profound influence on us as a band and as people. He has been a mentor, an inspiration and he has become like family. I feel extremely lucky and grateful to have met Richard and have him be part of my musical and personal life.
IN: Dead Sounds is also a fantastic song. What is you favorite song on the new album and why? Is there a single?
SF: Dead Sounds comes across really well live too and has been the single in many countries in Europe. I have many favorites: Lust, Dead Sound, The Beat Dies, Hallucinations, Expelled from Love.
IN: I heard that this album was basically made by you and Sune sending files back and forth to each other over the internet and over great distances. What was it like to make your 4th album in this manner? Did you miss not being in the studio together, or was it somehow more creatively liberating for you?
SF: It worked out great, I think. We both like to work in private and in the peaceful, low-pressure surroundings of our homes. We recorded some of it in Denmark as well.
IN: I’ve met your family several times; it’s great to see their endless support of you. Were they always that supportive? Your sister is also a musician and an artist. Will she direct one of your videos in the future? What is she up to now? And your brother; is he following in any of your creative footsteps?
SF: Yes they have always been very supportive. My sister is my idol and I am a big fan of her work. She is making the video for Aly, Walk With Me as we speak. We just filmed it on Sunday in London. My brother is very musical, but I am not sure which professional path he will pursue.
IN: Where are you living now? NYC or LA? What do you like best about both cities? Do you miss Copenhagen?
SF: I live in Los Angeles. I love both LA & NYC; they are like day and night. New York is so charming, cultural and full of life and vitality. LA has the space, the peace and the light and is a great place to live. They are both very inspiring and full of myth and history. But I miss people in Copenhagen, my friends and family. And I miss biking in the summer.
Words: Zoe E Gottehrer
Photos : Soren Solkaer Starbird