Faris Badwan, the charismatic lead singer of The Horrors, shares insights from his eclectic music career and their upcoming album, 'Night Life.' He dives into the quirks of fashion, discussing everything from 80's goth culture to tactical vests. The conversation shifts to the world of cryptocurrencies, revealing his early Bitcoin experience, and extends to the charm of video game testing. Faris also fondly recalls the band's adventures in Japan and his love for football, all sprinkled with humor and candid reflections on artistic evolution.
The discussion highlights the nostalgia in fashion and music, focusing on Pharrell's influence and the resurgence of vintage styles.
The hosts reflect on the bizarre nature of Oscar nominations, using 'Amelia Perez' as a case study to discuss shifting cinematic values.
The conversation critiques today's music discovery methods dominated by TikTok, lamenting the loss of independent exploration for younger audiences.
Deep dives
Fashion and Identity in Glendale
The discussion delves into the fashion landscape of Glendale, California, highlighting the distinct styles observed among local dads during school drop-offs. One host humorously describes his own choice of clothing, contrasting it with the insulation found in typical flannel and noting the varying styles of the dads he spots. The dialogue touches on the perception of different fashion influencers, specifically referencing Pharrell and his ice cream clothing line, showcasing how nostalgic designs have resurfaced. This conversation subtly critiques the way fashion acts as a form of identity and community within specific neighborhood demographics.
Nostalgia for Music and Artists
The episode includes a lively debate about the influence of artists like Pharrell Williams and Tyler, the Creator on contemporary music and fashion. The hosts reminisce about the rise of BBC Ice Cream and Pharrell's signature sneaker designs, highlighting a shared appreciation for nostalgia in fashion trends. They further explore the idea of creativity versus commercialism, questioning the artistic integrity of musicians shifting into fashion roles. This leads to an engaging conversation about how popular musicians like Kanye West and Tyler, the Creator have found success in fashion, yielding varying opinions on their creative direction.
Oscars and the State of Cinema
The conversation shifts to recent Oscar nominations, focusing on the unexpected rise of a film called 'Amelia Perez,' which garnered significant attention despite being relatively unknown. The hosts express their disbelief and amusement at the film's nominations, drawing comparisons to past Oscar-winning films like 'Gone with the Wind.' They share humorous anecdotes about the Oscar voters' struggles to engage with certain films, reflecting a broader commentary on the evolving nature of cinema. This segment highlights the tension between popular appreciation of certain films and the artistic merit recognized by awards like the Oscars.
Experiences in Concert and Touring
The discussion transitions to experiences of touring and the strange dynamics of fame in unexpected places, particularly for the band the Horrors. The band's initial rise to fame is contrasted with their more recent experiences, offering insights into the culture of music touring and fan engagement in various international markets. The hosts share anecdotes about the peculiarities of being adored in countries where they might not have anticipated such a strong following, like Japan and Mexico. Their reflections highlight how fame can manifest differently based on location and cultural context.
The Digital Music Landscape
As the conversation progresses, the hosts analyze the impact of social media platforms like TikTok on music discovery and consumption. They ponder the shift in how young audiences engage with music, noting a concerning trend where they might lack the tools to explore music independently. The hosts illustrate the evolving challenges musicians face in navigating a landscape dominated by algorithm-driven recommendations. This discussion evokes a nostalgic longing for the past while exploring how the internet has reshaped music culture and the discovery process.
The Horrors are an English rock band. Their new record, Night Life, is out in March. We spoke with Faris, their singer, from his home in England, about who should replace Pharrell at LV, the Oscar nominations, the goth room at 80's night, tactical vests, a shortage of ADHD meds, Silk Road is back, and Faris had Bitcoin at 50 quid, Black Sabbath and Black Metal, testing video games for EA, his favorite electronic artists, his first love is football, we pitch Two Shell for a remix, arriving in Japan in 2008, the day their A&R guy got his credit card taken away from him, how to find music without TikTok, and we're gonna get him an Iron Neck for some throat gains.
