Start Listening To: Fews
We had a chat with FEWS, ahead of their third studio album and latest release, Glass City.
Formed in Sweden in 2014, FEWS are a multi-national four piece. Self described as post-punk with motorik elements of krautrock and noise pop, the band blends their soundscape with components of neo- psychedelia. FEWS caught the attention of Speedy Wunderground’s Dan Carey back in 2015 and realeased their debut single III through the South London label. They now have 2 albums under their belt as well as a healthy handful of single and EP releases. We sat down and had a chat with the band to learn more about what went into recording their new album, Glass City that’s due for release in April 2023.
Can you tell us who you are, where you’re from, and something about the music you make?
We’re Fred, Jay, Rusty and Jacob. From the States, UK and Sweden. Now everyone is based in Malmö, Sweden. We make chugging monotik rocknroll kinda'.
How would you describe your music for someone who hasn’t heard it?
The music is like a really fast lorry on a highway at night. Quite high paced sometimes. Sometimes slow too.
How are you feeling about releasing your third album?
We are insanely excited. It’s been a few years since we recorded it and all. Really excited to have people hear it! Especially playing it live.
How does this album differ from your last two?
It’s raw and not controlled as its core. Unlike our last album ‘Into Red’, we really wanted to put our live touch into a record. It’s a record that feels like you’re so close to the edge and about to break but never do if that makes sense?
We love your new single Get Out. Can you tell us more about how it was created?
It was created like most songs - playing around with an idea at home on Logic. Jay came up with the most of the track after listening to a lot of Girl Band at the time and channeling that intensity into a simple motorik punk track. You can say it's much more British than other tracks.
How is your music produced?
With a producer haha! Nah but we work on tracks in our rehearsal space until we feel they are one hundred percent ready to go and record. For this album and Into Red we worked with a producer Joakim Lindberg at studio Sickan in Malmö. We send him raw recordings that we make ourselves well before the booked studio time with him, and he gets his own ideas from what we send him. Then when it’s time to record what we think are ready to go tracks he comes up with new ideas to try. Not on every track but on quite a few. He really does produce - old school style. He ain’t just hitting record!
You toured with Pixies, how was that experience?
Playing huge venues every night was totally nuts to us but it felt pretty natural - like it wasn’t too overwhelming! It felt good to have great sound and great lighting to a fucking huge crowd. And we killed it every night. Was a strict no alcohol policy backstage and onstage so we played totally sober every night which is pretty unusual for us but yeah it worked! Great food from fancy catering companies also haha. Kept us alive!
Is there anyone you would love to collaborate with?
With anyone who would like to collaborate with us! A few years back we were close to doing something with our friend Suzanne Vega but due to a hectic schedule it fell through. We defo want Erol Alkan or Soulwax to do a remix sometime though.
If your new single was a film which would it be?
Mandy by the director Panos Cosmatos. It’s basically a couple of hours of Nicolas Cage going fucking mental! Think that film portrays the frustration about being stuck in a place or moment and needing to freak out to find some closure.
What inspires your music?
The bleak and mundane parts of everyday life that seem to take up most of one’s time. Needing to create an outlet as a type of escape from that. For people to listen to and for us to put out and play on stage.
Name an artist you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why?
That varies for us all but yeah just sick artists that we loved back then - Pixies, Total Control, Biggy and more. But it’s not like ya listen to that stuff so much - just comes up on Spotify and ya love it! Why?? Because they made amazing music!
What do you love right now?
The Gesaffelstein - Aleph album. Can't get enough of it.
What do you hate right now?
Money. For obvious reasons.
Are there any releases you’re looking forward to in 2023?
We are looking forward to our friends Ulrika Spacek's new album.
Thanks for speaking with us! Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
Make sure to get your tickets for our UK tour in April! It'll be intense.
