Saturday, October 30, 2010 INTERVIEW: CUT OFF YOUR HANDS
New Zealand indie rockers make me like guitar rock again, dismiss the Aussie hate perpetrated by TV’s Flight of the Conchords
Photo: www.boudist.com
hile it may have been my New Year’s Resolution to swear off guitar-based music, New Zealand’s Cut Off Your Hands are just going to be a little too hard to ignore this year. For a band that’s been together only three years, COYH have already played SXSW, been heralded by John Peel’s protégé at the BBC, and, if those weren’t enough acronyms for you, are now touring the U.S. for its first time. Last night I got to experience their live show at a stop in Ohio where they honored a request for Make-Out Music’s personal favorite, “Still Fond” (download link below).
COYH’s sound follows that of post-post punk British bands like Bloc Party, the Futureheads, and past tour mates Foals with an energy all its own and a pop forwardness that’s admittedly influenced by Phil Spector (though I’d argue more Brian Wilson). In an interview conducted earlier this month I asked lead singer Nick Johnston about the 30-date North American tour, the new debut album produced by Suede’s Bernard Butler, and, perhaps most importantly, why their fellow brethren, the Flight of the Conchords, keep snubbing Australians on their HBO show.
Make-Out Music: You spent last month touring Australia in packed clubs to enthusiastic crowds. So, is there any truth to the hostility the Flight of the Conchords hold against the Aussies?
NJ: Only if you’re involved in sports or whatever. We don’t really care about this old thing. In fact, we seem to be more successful in Australia than New Zealand.
Make-Out Music: You’re now about to embark on your first U.S. tour. With cross-country dates and a few nights returning to South by Southwest, how do you think you’ll be perceived? And how different really are audiences in the U.S. vs. Europe vs. Down Under?
NJ: I’m coming into this tour with absolutely no expectations. It takes a long time and a shitload of tours in any country before people take notice. There’s not a lot of difference really concerning audiences in different countries. Obviously, the kids who know our music will get in to the show a lot more. So, in that regard, playing in Australia, New Zealand or London is fun for us.
Make-Out Music: This tour also includes shows with Frenchkiss label mates Passion Pit. Clearly a label with a penchant for diverse bands, what was it that drew you to Frenchkiss?
NJ: Well, we’ve always been fans of Les Savy Fav, but I first heard of French Kiss when I got Zoo Psychology by Ex Models. In fact, I remember making a list of labels to contact about sending demos to and that was one [of them] — not sure if I ever sent them a letter…
Make-Out Music: Not only do your vocal harmonies invoke the Beach Boys, but your lyrics also seem to recall Brian Wilson’s insecurities. When writing a song, how conscious are you of your influences? Do you ever sit back and think, “OK, what would Pet Sounds sound like if it was recorded at the start of New Wave?”
NJ: Sure. I mean, for example, I have written fast-paced punk songs in the past and thought, “How would someone like Phil Spector produce this?” The song “Oh, Girl” was so tongue-in-cheek up until that point. I hadn’t written anything so poppy that I thought it would be interesting to write a pop song in the mold of a Beach Boys track.
Photo: www.petsounds.com
Make-Out Music: What makes Cut Off Your Hand’s sound distinctly Kiwi? Or, having toured most of the globe, do you feel your music knows no borders?
NJ: The album, You & I, probably reflects more British influences, i.e., the Buzzcocks, the Beatles, the Smiths, than New Zealand bands. The newer stuff we are doing is a little more Kiwi-sounding perhaps.
Make-Out Music: In past interviews you said you intended the album to be more than just a collection of songs like those found on your EPs. So, using a first-person narrative, what was the underlying theme or mood you wanted to create on You & I?
NJ: I’ve never thought this band should be concerned with reinventing the wheel, so to speak. For me, this band has always been more about the exhilaration from being in a sweaty club — with everyone in the audience involved and crammed against each other — all up on stage and having a good time. So, the focus for the debut LP was reflecting that raw, live energy married with the pop sensibilities we’ve gained in our obsession with groups such as the Beatles, the Beach Boys and with production of guys like Phil Spector.
Make-Out Music: Our blog will highlight the single, “Still Fond,” as it’s one of our favorites from the album. Can you talk a little about its origins, evolution and maybe the girl who’s the object of your fondness?
NJ: This song has been recorded so many times it’s hard to remember what I was thinking. It was on an earlier EP called Blue on Blue, which was the first time we worked with Bernard Butler [of Suede]. It’s pretty obvious subject matter: I had broken up with my girlfriend, who I’m still with, and wanted her back. Really, it’s a realization that I still depend on her regardless that our relationship is pretty fucked.
Make-Out Music: You have had a whopping six music videos made for the album. A good lot of them, directed by Joel Kefali, feature stylish live performances. Can you talk a little bit about Kefali’s vision and how it goes along with or against the band’s original ideas?
NJ: We have never worked with anyone other than Joel in the three years we’ve been a band so he’s basically a fifth member. All our artwork is done by him — cover art, posters, merch — so we just leave it up to him and he always comes up with the goods. The only reason there are so many videos is that we made a lot for the EPs. The only clip we’ve made post-album [that’s] being released is “Turn Cold,” which is my favorite.
Make-Out Music: This tour will end in April and then what’s next for the band? New single or EP perhaps?
NJ: More touring [and] recording. We have a whole bunch of new songs ready to record as well so perhaps an EP or start a new record. Who knows…break-up?
Make-Out Music: Lastly, in keeping with the spirit of our blog, which Cut Off Your Hands song is best suited for a sloppy make-out session?
NJ: Perhaps “It Doesn’t Matter” — I think that would suit a sloppy, hungover, but still-drunk, smelly make-out session. 
Download “Still Fond” by Cut Off Your Hands (from You & I, 2008)
