What are your names?
Joe Talbot (front), Jon Beavis (drummz), Dev Devonshire (bays), Slow Lee Kiernan (doesn’t know), Bobo Bowen (part-time magician and full-time Hosier fan).
What is the band name?
Idles
How did you come up with the bands name?
We came up with the name after saying hundreds of words over countless weeks and that one stuck. We saw another band with the same name but we couldn’t think of anything better. Titles was a close second but that was taken by a band that was much better than us. Garçon means boy was a close third.
How would we describe your genre of music?
we would say it’s heavy post-punk. We’ve embraced the motoric nature of post-punk in the rhythm section and adopted a more aggressive and angular sounding front. Recession soul is its name.
Give us a bio about you as a band and individuals.
We were all lovers and friends then when everything failed we became a band. I have been in a very bad place for over a decade so as a singer I’ve found that leaning on audiences as a barometer of worth has worked out ok, the band is more of a crutch for me now and stops me drowning myself. Jon has only a few years left in him before he opens up a haberdashery so is giving the drums his all, he’s the only one in the band that has any talent but we like to make him think he’s worthless. Dev is like a hairless pet monkey who keeps eating our cigarettes. Lee thinks he’s on community service so does everything we ask of him just as long as I pretend to be his parole officer. Bowen dresses as a magician but hasn’t learnt any tricks yet but has a talent for annoying the most patient of people.
Are you signed?
We are not signed. Yet!!!!!!!!
You have just come off a Year and a half hitus in the live scene, what did you get up too?
In our hiatus from the live scene we recorded an ep and an album. Dev was acquitted of all his charges and Jon got a promotion to drummer.
You’ve come back stronger! you have released ‘Well Done’ , tell us more about it.
Yes, we came back stronger and full of zest! Well done has been received wonderfully! We are very grateful to all who have given us support and will repay them in due course.
Tell us more about your EP ‘Welcome’ and some of the other songs on there.
I can’t remember Welcome very well. It had four songs on it. They are mostly awesome songs but we don’t like to dwell on the past.
You have started your tour, how is it going so far?
The tour has been magical!! Supporting DIIV and Dead Kennedys has been a rare opportunity to play in front of huge yet welcoming crowds and we’ve gained six new followers on Facebook.
What has the reaction been like after the hitus?
The reaction after our hiatus has been completely positive from everyone except my friend Matt who prefers our older stuff but except from my mate Matt it’s been fucking cosmical.
Where are you most looking forward to play?
We are most looking forward to playing in Iceland as they have wonderful discounts.
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any other artists or bands?
We do not have any collaborations with anyone in the foreseeable but I’d be happy to work with another band if my current band died.
What made you go in to music?
We went into music for our passion of travelling in vans and lukewarm lager beer.
Do you have any festivals you wil be playing this year?
We are playing Simple Things festival and Iceland Airways which I can only assume is the one in Easton.
Do you play any instruments?
Instruments we play: guitars, drums, microphones, cymbals
Who are your influences?
Our influences: early Idles
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
I write songs about celebrity chefs because I love cooking and reading celeb goss
Where do you see yourselves in 5 years?
five years I would love to be doing this sort of shit really.
When your not doing music, what do you get up too?
When we’re not making music what do we do? I am a support worker for adults with learning difficulties and I have a girlfriend that I like to argue with even though I find her most agreeable. Jon works in a cafe and happens to be an excellent barista. Dev Devonshire works at a venue in Bristol called Exchange, he’s also writing a book titled ‘The Paradox of Being A Baby Man’. Lee is celebrating his exploration of time, he’s currently discovered what the big hand does. Bowen is fond of teeth, magic tricks but mostly lurks in the shadow of his talented wife.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
The song we listened to most that influenced us more to get in the music scene: that song by the Outhere Brothers where the chorus goes “way- hooooo”
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
The best advice I’ve ever been given was “if you’re car has done over 100,000 miles try not to push it over 75mph, you’ll rag the engine”
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
The quote I’ve always stuck by is “touch wood!”
Where is a must go place in your hometown?
The best place to be in Bristol is just outside the city, it’s called Westonbirt Arboretum and it comes alive in autumn, be sure to try their Victoria sponge!
When I’m at a gig what are the 5 things not to forget:
1. Ticket
2. Venue
3. T-shirt money
4. Selfie stick
5. Top hat
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
For all the necessary Idles news go to:
www.idlesband.com
