interview: The Postelles

NYC's The Postelles are one hell of a great pop-rock group. they'll help you travel a few decades in time...back to better place of doo-wop and malt shoppes. and yet, they still retain an edginess about them that is very thoroughly modern.

I had the opportunity to ask Daniel (vox) and John (bass) some questions, so read on below

Listening to the album, my first question is, when did y’all get back from your tropical vacation that obviously inspired all of these sunny songs?
Daniel: Last week and we are still sunburnt! We like pop influenced rock n' roll, but not all the lyrics are as "sunny" as the music, but we definitely like getting people to dance with upbeat music.

The production quality on these tracks is fucking great—which is a nice breather from the lo-fi trend that is going on right now. I know that Albert Hammond Jr produced “123 Stop”. Did he work on the whole album or just that single? How did you guys meet him in the first place?
Daniel: Thanks so much, [I] appreciate that you noticed that. We met Albert a few years back when he came to see us play at a small cafe in New York City. He produced four songs on the album and one song that will be exclusive to our EP, called "Looking Glass". He is really a master of producing a fresh live sound in the studio and we were really proud of what we developed in the studio.

What was the first song you guys wrote as a group?
Daniel: The first song we had was "White Night", which is fitting because it is the name of our EP

What is your favourite thing about NYC?
Daniel: It is impossible to pick one favorite thing about the city. The beautiful part about New York is that everyday you find something new and different, it's the best city in the world!

“ 'yes, I want you and I need you 'is what you had always said, but the grass is always greener…on another’s bed”.
The lyrics in “Boy’s Best Friend” reminded me so much of my Proust professor at university and how he insisted that lesbianism scared the shit out of Marcel because, as a gay man, he could never imagine himself in that role. Do you guys wish you were lesbians?
Daniel: I wouldn't say no.

Which current bands do you admire?
Daniel: We really like the Wombats and the Kooks and [I] personally love that song "Lust for Life" by Girls.

What has been the most receptive showcasing gig you guys have done so far (the likes of SXSW etc)?
Daniel: Surprisingly, our show at Iceland Airwaves was really fun and a lot of kids showed up. A few even knew the words which I thought was amazing considering we were in Iceland! I'm not quite sure if it constitutes as a showcase, but it was a great time and we hope to go back.

All of your songs are short and sweet, catchy punches of guitar-pop glory. Are you guys hiding a 14 minute prog rock solo in your basement? More importantly, when will that gem be unearthed?
Daniel: That gem will never be unearthed! I think maybe a few years from now we could have a "Stairway to Heaven" unleashed upon the music world, but I wouldn't bet on it.

It’s hard to be sad (or sit still) while listening to these songs. What music do you put on when you’re feeling gloomy?
Daniel: That makes me very happy that you say that. I usually listen to Marvin Gaye "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" or Rolling Stones "You Can't Always Get What You Want." Those songs steer me in the right direction.

I know a lot of people might want to write your music off as derivative, but I think you guys have a fresh sound. Musical overlap is bound to occur throughout the years, but attitude is what counts. What do you think will really set you guys apart in the time to come?
John: Thanks for the kind words. I think we have an approach to songwriting that is rare these days. We think a lot about song construction. Every note needs to be in just the right place or we don't feel good about releasing something.

On “Hey Little Sister”, you sing “Misery loves company when your company’s a drink.” Which drinks are your friends?
John: All of us enjoy sampling local beers from the cool places we get to visit, but root beer will always be a friend to me.

What inspired the reggae type sounds on the album (like on “Whisper, Whisper”)?
John: Listening to reggae. Especially when bands like The Clash incorporate it in their music.

What is your favourite way to consume music? Do you guys collect records? I would have a hard time believing that you didn’t, with these sweet, retro sounds all over the album.
John: Absolutely correct. We've all raided our parents' vinyl collections many times. Of course we all have ipods, but nothing beats relaxing to vinyl.

Which songs do you guys like playing the most? Which songs get audiences the most pumped?
John: Personally I really enjoy playing "Can't Stand Still." The crowd seems to really enjoy that one.

If you weren’t musicians, what would you do with your time?
John: Work in a record store. Write books about music.

The White Night EP drops next week, when can the public expect a release date for your fantastic full length record?
John: We're still ironing out a few details, but it's coming soon I promise.

White Night will be available on Tuesday, 2nd March

The Postelles - Can't Stand Still [mp3]

visit the band on MYSPACE or on their OFFICIAL SITE