The Dandy Warhols: we're no sell-outs
- By Emily Smith -
- Oct 12, 2012
After 18 years, The Dandy Warhols have remained a steady musical force. First known as the indie band from Portland, the band is now internationally recognised for their tight and catchy tunes, such as 'We Used to be Friends' and 'Bohemian Like You'. But despite their independent roots, guitarist Peter Holmström told Virgin Red Room they no longer fear the label "sell out".
“In the beginning we were very attached to the idea of being an independent band on a little label out of Portland,” Holmström said. “But when the major labels came along there was no question we were not going to sign with them. We knew that was the next step.”
“As long as you make the music that you feel comes from wherever your soul, your heart, your head or whatever points to yourself, as oppose to outside influences, then you're fine. It doesn't really matter what other people think.”
The four piece outfit recently released their fourth album, 'This Machine'. Critics describe it as a complete 180 from their last record, 'The Dandy Warhols are Sound'. But Holmström explains that all their records are a reaction to the last.
"With the last record [The Dandy Warhols are Sound] we put in many different sounds and instruments in every single song and it was too much. I think things weren't actually heard," Holmström said. "We really wanted to try and go the other approach, which was stripping everything down and allowing instruments to actually be heard."
When asked if he dislikes their last album, Holmström says he likes all of their records about "half way".
"I think I like more songs on the last record but I like the way this record sounds better."
Holmström started the band in 1994 with front man, Courtney Taylor-Taylor. Now, most members are pursing other projects. Holmström is the frontman of a neo-psychedelia band, Pete International Airport, but he says The Dandy Warhols are priority.
"The Dandy Warhols come first no matter what, we all know that," Holmström said. "That causes problems sometimes, I've had to cancels shows a few time with other projects because something with the band came up…but I need those other projects to grow as a musician, push myself, and bring that back to the band."
"The Dandy Warhols is easy, it's so comforting to get together with those people and play music."
The band kick off their Australian tour in November, playing around the country at the Harvest Festivals.
"I would say there will be a really fancy light show, but I think we are playing during the day so that might be hard [laughs]. We are really looking forward to getting back there."
You can check out The Dandy Warhols at The Harvest Festival.
By Emily Smith. Tweets at terms & conditions.
