Q&A with Indie Folk band – LORD HURON

Lord Huron is an American indie folk band based in Los Angeles. The group’s debut album, Lonesome Dreams, was released in 2012 on Iamsound in the U.S. and Play It Again Sam in UK & IE in January 2013. Following the release of the album the group appeared on The Tonight Show and their song “Ends of the Earth” was featured in the series finale of the television series Community. The band’s name was inspired by Lake Huron, the lake which band founder Ben Schneider grew up visiting, and would spend evenings playing music around the campfire.

All Access Music writer, Nicole DeRosa got to catch up with lead singer, Ben Schneider about the bands new album, STRANGE TRAILS. Read more in their interview below!

Photo by: Josh Sanseri

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

I’m home in Los Angeles for once. I’ve got a little time off from the road. I plan to take a bike ride, play some music and spend some time with my wife today.

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

I’ve been messing around with music since I was 8 or so. I always liked making up songs and melodies, and my brothers and sisters encouraged me. We had ridiculous little ditties for just about everything we did. There was probably an albums worth of songs just around supper time. I played in the orchestra and had bands in high school and college, but it always felt more like a hobby. The moment I saw a chance to make a living at it, I leapt.

Photo by: Josh Sanseri

You guys just released your sophomore album, Strange Trails. What did you learn between albums and EPs (Into the Sun, Mighty, Time To Run, and Lonesome Dreams) that you felt you wanted to infuse into the new record?

We’ve made all of our records ourselves, so there’s been a lot of learning involved. We apply what we learned the last go around and try to continue experimenting and expanding sonically.

Over the years, we’ve grown so much as a live band, and we’ve tried to infuse some of the visceral energy into our recordings. Our general philosophy is to pursue what we’re interested in and not over-think it.

Photo by: Josh Sanseri

Ben, I understand when you formed Lord Huron in 2010, it was a solo project, recording the first few EPs entirely on your own and steadily adding members. What is your song writing process like? Are you the primary writer or is it a collaboration as far as lyrics go?

I think a singular point of view is crucial for this project, and I’m still the sole songwriter and lyricist. The difference is now I have a kickin’ band to help arrange and bring it all to life. I tend to write and demo on my own for while and then bring things to the band to get their input. When it comes time to record we’re all very involved, as with the live show. The live show has a life of it’s own.

Can you tell me what your inspiration was for your latest single, “Fool For Love”?

“Fool For Love” was inspired by some of the great tragic, sordid love story songs of the past. There are a lot of great songs like this in country music, but you see them pop up in rock and hip-hop and just about everywhere. And of course in real life, too. I wanted to tell a story like that with our own twist.

Photo by: Josh Sanseri

For your first full-length album, Lonesome Dreams you guys released a series of super cool ‘70s style westerns. Can you tell me about your latest video and what the inspiration was there?

As with our music, our videos take inspiration from all kinds of places, all kinds of movies. The constant for us is setting them all in the same strange world. With “Fool For Love”, we wanted to get a good look at this world and the characters inhabiting it while telling a good, simple story.

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

My wife is really into movie soundtracks. Particularly British romances. She just picked a couple records at the shop, so they’ve been on at the house. It’s “A Room with A View” right now. I’ve got Lee Hazelwood on deck.

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

Looking forward to some big shows, more writing and seeing where the trail leads.

To learn more about LORD HURON , visit them HERE .