Q&A with Frontman Luke Pritchard of British Rock Band – THE KOOKS!

The Kooks have come a long way since meeting as students in Brighton, England. Their first album, Inside In/Inside Out was released almost a decade ago, and filled with hits such as “You Don’t Love Me”, “Naive” and “She Moves In Her Own Way” that earned The Kooks a legion of fans.

Albums Konk and Junk Of Heart followed, but after the latter’s release in 2011 The Kooks went quiet. Taking some time out to travel and rediscover their love of music, and each other, The Kooks just released Listen, their fourth album that in a way, is starting anew.

All Access Music writer, Nicole DeRosa had a chance to catch up with frontman, Luke Pritchard. Read more in their interview below!

Hi Luke! Where does this interview find you today? What’s on the agenda today besides our interview?

Hey, yeah I’m good thank you! I’m just writing this while going through São Paulo airport en route to Paraguay. It’s been a great week in SA, been on the Lolla Festival Tour.

For those not as familiar with you and your music, how did you get your start in music? Who or what was the catalyst for you?

There are a lot of things, but I guess I made a decision early on in my life that I wanted to do something in music. I actually was suspended from school when I was something like 14 and all I did was jam and come up with songs.I think that’s when I really started to believe in myself.

Also, the fact my dad had been in beat bands in the 60s coloured my imagination for it and the earliest records I remember loving were maybe Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran and that era of music.

You guys released your latest fourth studio album, Listen last September. What did you learn between albums that you felt you wanted to infuse into the new record?

Well, there were a lot of barriers both internally and externally. I personally was having some changes in my life and head and I wanted to get out in the lyrics and it did make for a real personal album.

We did a lot of work to get ourselves out of our comfort zone too so we tried to not think too much and improvisation was a big part of the recording process.

Can you share with me what your inspiration was for your current single, “Bad Habit”?

“Bad Habit” is a good old time rock n roll song. It was intended for the live show in a way.

Who are your musical influences?

So many to mention of course, but I just owe a lot to bands like the The Kinks /The Clash and artists like Bowie /Damon Albarn.

Do you remember the first album you bought for yourself?

I think it was Leisure by Blur, although I probably rented it from the library. It could’ve also been Maverick A Strike by Finley Quaye.

What was the first song you fell in love with and why?

God, I don’t know, but the first one that springs to mind is “Raining In My Heart” by Buddy Holly. The arching strings make me proper nostalgic.

Who would your dream collaboration be with, living or dead?

I would have loved to have had some time with Sam Cooke in the studio. I’d love to have sung some songs with him.

Who is in your current playlist? Any artists, musicians or genres we might be surprised to find in there?

I’m feeling Mac Demarco, Talking Heads, Caribou, Mystery Jets at the minute. I’m also enjoying some Miles Davis. Sketches of Spain is on a lot in the mornings.

What’s on tap next for The Kooks? What are you most excited about in 2015?

Well, I’m looking forward to finishing up the touring and getting back into the studio I’ve already written some new material that I’m dead ready to get into.

And we’re all really excited for Pete and his girlfriend Portia who are expecting a baby in the summer!

To learn more about THE KOOKS, visit them HERE .