One of the brightest sparks to come from the UK recently is the fun-loving tunes of Will & The People. Currently on their second Australian tour this year to help promote the new album Friends, frontman Will Rendle was kind enough to answer a few questions.
Firstly thanks for your time Will, and what’s been happening today?
We have woken up early to get to a big tube with rockets attached to the side… We are flying to Australia!
Describe a typical day for Will Rendle?
Different to today. But it always starts with a cup of tea… preferably loose. Then anything is possible.
How keen are you to get on this Australian tour, particularly since you’ll be travelling in the Yellow Submarine Tour Bus?
It is raining here in London. Do I need to spell it out. We are a sunny band – this is the way Christmas should be!!
Is the bus a rental or have you had it custom made?
Custom made for a custom outfit! Wicked Campers have literally built the thing for us! Big-up WICKED campers. Aussies over here have heard of u guys! Look out for it on the road, you can’t miss it.
The bus has lyrics from ‘I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends’ on the side, what would be your favourite Beatles song and why?
I like ‘I’m Only Sleeping’ because Lennon wrote it in bed about being a lazy bastard!
If one band member had to be eliminated for an annoying habit whilst on tour, who would it be?
All of us should be kicked off the tour – we are animals.
Besides the weather and women, what’s something you look forward to the most about touring Australia?
The ladies and the climate! And boxing with kangaroos …
Did you learn any lessons last time you toured here that will affect what you do this time around?
Yeah, bring your own cigarettes as they cost a bomb… And have a tour bus…. Whoopee!
I’ve heard you guys sometimes had to sleep on the beach last time you were here, what are some of the DOs and DON’TS when sleeping in public?
DO:
Have a guitar with you.
Get drunk, it’s easier to sleep.
Paint yourself so it looks like you are doing it out of choice!
DON’T:
Swim in shark infested waters late at night.
Mistake letterboxes for cash machines
Play Oasis songs.
Your on tour to promote the new album Friends, you went in a bit of a different direction compared to the last album didn’t you?
We just made the record we did, and it came out that way. It’s nice producing the records ourselves because they really become a landscape for us to play in. When a kid loves toy tractors don’t give it a barbie! We are also very proud of this record.
You’ve described your music as ”interesting”, who would be the most interesting musician/band you have discovered in 2012?
I love a song called ‘Get Free’ (feat. Dirty Projectors’ Amber Coffman) by Major Lazor right now.
Tell me more about The Rabbit Hole tent and how one could utilize it to score free entry into Glastonbury…
Well you need to contact the white rabbit. If u manage that… which is near enough impossible… they will get you in in the back of a speaker or anything. Glastonbury is twice as much fun if you sneak in somehow. I think there is something intrinsically wrong with me. I would rather spend three days scheming to get in and one there, than four days there. Glastonbury is like a little planet. The outskirts are full of pop-up parties.
I noticed you have some new merchandise available now, what’s your favourite piece of ‘Will And The People’ merch?
Our lighters saying “keep it lighter” on them. Coooool.
If you had the band in the late 80s, who would you rather have supported, Pixies or Nirvana?
Nirvana. Any day. I’d listen to Pixies records first and tour with Kurt, Dave and Krist…
Just finally, the two stereotypical questions. Where do you see yourself on both a personal level, as well as the band, in 12 months time?
Each day as it comes is enough at the moment. Plans are hectic. I dunno. Back in Australia I hope!
What advice do you have for all aspiring songwriters and musicians?
Don’t get a job, write songs and play them to people. That’s your job now. Best one of all.
Thanks for your time and look forward to seeing you in Australia!
Peace and love x
Will & The People Australian Tour 2012 Dates<>
Thursday 13th December 2012 – Tempo Hotel – BRISBANE – QLD ( Free Entry ! )
Friday 14th December 2012 – Sol Bar – MAROOCHYDOORE – QLD
Thursday 20th December 2012 – Boatshed – MANLY – NSW
Friday 21st December 2012 – Great Northern – NEWCASTLE – NSW
Saturday 22nd December 2012 – Beresford – SYDNEY – NSW
Sunday 23rd December 2012 – Hoey Moey – Coffs Harbour- NSW
Wednesday 26th December 2012 – The Brewery – Byron Bay – NSW
Thursday 27th December 2012 12.00 PM – Woodford Folk Festival : Grande Stage
Friday 28th December 2012 10.15 AM – Woodford Folk Festival : Grande Stage
Saturday 29th December 2012 11.45 PM – Woodford Folk Festival : Grande Stage
Sunday 30th December 2012 – Peats Ridge Festival – NSW
