TRACKS: How did FIDLAR meet?
FIDLAR: I was working at a recording studio and Elvis started interning there. Me and Elvis started talking a lot about music and the state of the scene in LA. We would sit in the back patio area, drink beers, and just talk. We decided to get some pizza and we took his car. I remember him putting on Queens of the Stone Age and I was stoked on that because I didn’t know anyone else that listened to them that wasn’t a total douche. We went back to the studio and we jammed for like 3 hours straight. That was the beginning. We needed a drummer so we recruited his brother Max and Brandon was my roommate and long time party friend and he jumped on the disaster train. We’ve been shredding ever since.
TRACKS: I’ve heard a lot of different phrases that describe the band: punk, surf punk, slacker punk and even garage rock. How would you describe your sound?
FIDLAR: Three chords and the truth.
TRACKS: All four of you had hip hop projects before starting FIDLAR. How has that influenced the band?
FIDLAR: I think that influenced us in different ways. But I think the main constant was that we didn’t give one flying fuck about what people thought. It was fun and ridiculous. That’s why I think we do well together. Because we were all dumb enough to have hip hop projects before fidlar.
TRACKS: You guys hail from LA, an area with a reputation for a great music scene. What’s your take on the scene and who were some of the bands that played a big part in forming your identity?
FIDLAR: We try and stay away from the whole “scene” thing. Sometimes the scene can feel like the cafeteria in high school. It’s hard to keep up with once you start touring a lot and what not. One band that we played a bunch of shows with is The Shrine. They are the loudest, smelliest, drunkest, rowdiest, gnarliest group of panzies you’ll ever meet.
TRACKS: You’ve been to Australia before. What did you think of our music scene and was there anyone that blew you away?
FIDLAR: One band that I really enjoy is the Dune Rats. I really like them because they are the classic example of not giving a fuck and just having a good ole time.
TRACKS: Your film clips are always entertaining. Tell me what makes a good one?
FIDLAR: I love the whole funny and sad combination. Louie CK does it the best.
TRACKS: We’ve had a small taste of the new record and it sounds great. What an we expect from you guys for the rest of the year and do you have any plans to tour Australia?
FIDLAR: We are gonna be touring ALOT! And don’t expect anything! Sometimes when you expect things you miss out on the whole experience.
Buy FIDLAR’s second full length album, Too, right here.
