This four-piece need no introduction… they’ve graced our ears with 5 years worth of musical delights, and their 3rd album ‘Serotonin’, released last summer, confirmed them as one of the UKs best bands.
Mystery Jets are fresh off the back of a little trip to Japan, so we caught up with frontman Blaine to talk music, fashion, Fuji-Q and ‘dirty old men in anoraks’!
What is going to be big in 2011?
Bikram Yoga. Running away from home. ‘Ukon’ anti-hangover medicine. Affordable Cognitive Therapy.
What was the highlight of 2010 for Mystery Jets?
Playing our new album ‘Serotonin’ at the Roundhouse was a happy day for all of us. Kai got married and we spent the new year on an island inhabited by penguins in the indian ocean.
Who are your favorite musicians of all time?
Robert Wyatt. Roy Orbison. Robert Fripp. Dusty Springfield. Roger ‘syd’ Barrett. Colin Bluntstone.
Where is your favorite place in the world?
La Borie, the farmhouse I spent my summers in as a child in the deepest darkest south west of France.
What are your favorite fashion brands/styles?
I like Aubin & Wills because they give us wonderfuly warm tweed trench coats, but to be honest the label is the last thing I will notice when im looking for something to wear. I go through alternative phases of dressing inappropriately smart and looking like a total scumbag.
What is the last thing you bought?
A Snowdome at the ‘Fuji-Q High Land’ theme park at the foot of Mt. Fuji. I collect them from every country we play in. I know they’re super tacky but I love them.
What is the last song you listened to?
‘The Carnie’ by Leon Russel. He played for everyone from Jerry Lee Lewis to Elton John to Spector to Joe Cocker. He has a pretty cool voice. It sounds like he doesnt have any teeth.
What is the greatest gig you have ever played?
Glastonbury 2008 as the sun was starting to settle down on the Sunday afternoon. We were all still high from the night before and were dressed in these bright pastel ‘Miami Vice’ suits. It was an atmosphere of primal congregation and as we began our last song I began to cry.
Who are your favorite Japanese musicians?
I like what ive heard of Bo Ningen. Damo Suzuki is a hero. Maybe you could recommend me a few? [We recommend The New House, The Brixton Academy and Plasticzooms - Mike]
What is your karaoke song in Japan?
“Midas touch” by Midnight Star. Its my Mamma Mia moment.
What’s the best thing about Japan?
Fuji-Q High Land, the abundance of temples and the hot springs.
What’s the worst thing about Japan?
People are rude on the train. I also dont like the way sex is so fetishised. It is represented as something that dirty old men in anoraks do in cheap hotel rooms.
Please recommend something new.
Tribes, a new guitar band from London that I have become obsessed with. If ‘indie’ music is dead in England, Tribes are the second coming. [Check out My Rough trade tote bag. It has everything I need in it. My camera, my acid indigestion pills, my DJ CDs and my diary.
Question from These New Puritans; ‘What do you think about bands making the same music as every other band?’
What i think These ‘New’ Puritans are trying to say is “look at us – no choruses!”. The thing is, when we started out we had very much the same attitude. I didnt grow up with pop music at all and I always resented bands who put out these perfect ‘three and-a-half minute’ pop songs. But then I tried to write one and I realised how hard it was to say something anyone could relate to in a way that it had never been said before. The whole point of pop music is creating something unique from a limited palette. When I was about 17 I became obsessed by great industrial 80s bands like Einsturzende Neubauten, The Birthday Party and Throbbing Gristle. But as much as I was turned on by the energy they were conveying, I didn’t emotionally connect with the words coming from their mouths at all. I hope that answers their question.
Finally, please make a question, which we will ask to our next interviewee.
Does humour belong in Music?
Thanks a lot Blaine, good luck in 2011!
For more on Mystery Jets, including music, videos and tour info check their homepage and myspace.
Buy ‘Serotonin’ on itunes.
