The Gaslight Anthem interview

The Gaslight Anthem, an American band already making it big in the UK and the world over, are ready to step out of Springsteen's shadow with new album 'American Slang'. Virgin Music caught up with the band's guitarist Alex Rosamilia to talk Glastonbury mix-ups, tattoo mania and Frank Turner anecdotes.

Dan Rumens: Hi Alex. How are you? Where do we find you today?

Alex Rosamilia: I am great thanks. I’m in Jersey and have just left the guitar store, sorry I didn’t answer your last two calls, I was busy in there. I broke my old one last week, so I took it in there to get it fixed last week and I ended up buying a new guitar. I fell in love with it straight away. I am filling in for a friend’s band next week so I think it could get its debut then.

DR: On your last release, the band were writing songs which payed homage to the bands which you loved. What has been the approach to this album?

AR: The exact opposite. We wanted to make something that was us. Obviously we still have our influences like Springsteen and The Clash; but instead of stepping back and thinking, ‘ok, so how would they play this bit,’ we had the opportunity to find our own sound.

DR: And did you find that difficult?

AR: A little. To begin with it was a little rough. But after a while we began to get into a groove – if that isn’t too much of a cliché – and a couple of tracks in we were really producing some good stuff. The set up for this album was a little different from the previous two. He (lead singer Brian Fallon) would e-mail us the acoustic and vocal set, and then we would show up the next day for practice to work the ideas we had into the tracks.

DR: Were there any arguments?

AR: No, not one. We had no problem with each other. There were times when someone may suggest that a particular part of the track needs to be played slower and we would then try that and see what it sounded like.

DR: So you are satisfied with what you have produced on 'American Slang'?

AR: Oh yes, I think this is the best stuff we have ever done. Have you heard it?

DR: Yes, your record company sent me a preview copy. I am very impressed.

AR: Cool, what’s your favourite track?

DR: Errr (Catching me off guard and quickly opening iTunes) let’s see. Boxer.

AR: Boxer? Yeah, that’s going to be the first single. In fact, we are recording the video for it next week, we are just awaiting the set up and the idea around the video.

DR: It's a shame you couldn’t make it over to England the other week (due to flight cancellations).

AR: Yeah, that damn volcano screwed us up. But, we also had some family things to deal with. I can’t wait to get over there, I love it.

DR: And judging by the way you have been selling tickets, people over here love you. Your London gig has been upgraded to the Brixton Academy…

AR: Yeah, that is something we are really, really excited about. We were driving around London the last time we were in town with our roadie and he said that playing Brixton Academy was a huge, huge deal, like it’s a sign you have definitely made it. So to hear that we have had a gig upgraded to there is something which we are very excited about.

DR: Are you at all surprised at how much us Brits have brought into your blue collar and Americana imagery?

AR: No, I don’t think it is a surprise, because ultimately our songs are stories and people love good stories, so I don’t think it matters where you come from. He (Brian Fallon) puts everything into his songs in a very personable way and that is what people love.

DR: There has been a little bit of confusion as to whether you will be performing at Glastonbury this year. Could you clear that up?

AR: It is looking unlikely and I think it was a mistake on their part. We are in the country at the time, but I think the day they had us down to play we are playing Hyde Park. I am 99.99% sure that we are not going to be playing.

DR: On your first visit to the UK you toured with Virgin Music favourite, Frank Turner. Have you got any stories?

AR: Hmm, let’s see, good Frank anecdote…Ha, yeah, I was messing around with some electronica equipment and I got Frank to do the guest vocal on this particular song. I’ve got him saying “the Prince of Ireland writes the best songs, the Prince of Ireland wears the best thongs.” And I then just looped that over and over. I’ve still got it on my laptop, it’s hilarious, we just did it for s***s and giggles.

DR: The Gaslight Anthem are a band who are not scared of the tattoo needle. Do you guys have anything lined up to mark the release of the new album?

AR: I don’t think we are all going to get matching tattoos or anything like that, but I have got a couple of things lined up, I just need to get them overt to my guy. Since I’ve been home I’ve been watching a lot of Akira Kurosawa movies, particularly ‘Seven Samurai’, it’s like the longest f***ing movie ever made, about three and half hours long. Anyway, it’s about a village of farmers who hire these seven samurais to fight off these bandits who are trying to steal their crops. At the end of the film the samurais raise this flag to signify their victory so I think that could be a cool tattoo.

DR: So being the underdog is something which really appeals to you?

AR: Oh yes, definitely. It appeals to all of us. And that is something we always try and put across in our music.

DR: We are currently running a feature called ‘Classic re-reviews’, which album would you choose?

AR: Easy. Disintegration by the Cure.
 
DR: Cool. Thanks for your time Alex, see you soon.

AR: No worries.

The Gaslight Anthem will release 'American Slang' on June 14th. A full UK tour will follow later in June, check the band's website for all the details.

Dan Rumens