FLAWES have just released their debut album Highlight. The indie-pop trio from Huddersfield recently embarked on a European tour with US pop high-flyers AJR.
The London-based band’s new record was produced after two years of solid touring including shows with Ella Eyre and Maximo Park.
AC: Let’s talk about your upcoming debut album Highlights. What does the title mean to you?
JOSH CARRUTHERS: Highlights represents the journey we’ve taken as a band over the last three years. Our sound has naturally evolved and we couldn’t be happier with where it has ended up. These twelve songs are quite literally the highlights from the writing process.
How long have you been working on this body of work?
The last three years I guess, between London, Los Angeles and Huddersfield!
Which track on the album took the longest to produce?
I think Here To Stay was the trickiest to get right, it definitely went through the most amount of different versions that’s for sure. It’s such a big sound straight from the off, we love playing it live as the set opener for this reason!
Are there any particular themes that are present throughout the album?
The album features a series of open letters to myself as well as a few songs about love and heartbreak. I like to let the listener attach their own sentiment to the music so a lot of the lyrics are fairly ambiguous.
Where does the creation of a song begin for you?
It always depends, I never like to feel pressured into writing anything so try to let inspiration come naturally as much as possible. Sometimes it’s a situation I or a close friend is going through and others is purely a phrase I’ve overheard in a coffee shop.
What has it been like working with Red Bull Records on the album?
It’s been a really collaborative process, granted it has taken a while, but that time has been so important for Flawes to grow into what it is today. Red Bull Records have been so supportive through-out the process and together, we’ve created something we’re all so proud of.
How has the Huddersfield influenced your work?
I guess coming from ‘The Huddersfield’, a relatively small place with not the biggest music scene, has taught us to dream big and believe in what we do. Our accents wouldn’t be anywhere near as great if we weren’t from there. Undoubtedly Yorkshire. Apart from Freddie. He brings the class and the correct grammar to Flawes.
Who do you look to for inspiration when producing music?
Music of all kinds can influence us in different ways, I think it’s quite hard for us to listen to one particular song and say “that’s the direction we should go in”. Although it’s definitely useful when trying to describe a particular sound you want to hear in the mix. We all admittedly have such different musical tastes and I think that helps us when we’re producing. Loads of different ideas and styles get thrown around the room, which all end up sounding like Flawes X something.
Everyone seems to have an app idea at the moment, what’s yours?
Not entirely sure what our app would be, maybe something to help the environment, and app that stops you from using social media until you recycle? I think the idea still needs some work…
What is the strangest fan request you’ve ever received?
Freddie was once asked to take a photo of a fan with Huss and me. She didn’t realise he was in the band too! I must be a very memorable guitarist [laughs].
How important is social media to you right now?
It’s an awesome way to connect with people that enjoy our music. I think social media has definitely broken down a barrier between the artist and the fans which is great.
What do you want the world to look like in 10 years?
A less divided place with Flawes headlining festivals around the world!
If you had the chance to put something on billboards worldwide next week, what would it be? Or what would it say?
It would be to advertise our debut album Highlights!
As a band, do you have a fear you’d like to conquer?
Years ago I left my capo off stage and have had a fear of forgetting them ever since.
Aside from your upcoming album, is there one thing you’re all particularly excited about for the future?
Playing in the states is definitely on the bucket list for us a band. Fingers crossed we’ll be able to make that a reality sometime this year!
INTERVIEW: ADAM CROOKES
