The old proverb tells people in glass houses not to throw stones yet British musicians Kids in Glass Houses hurled a hell of a lot of rock during their headline show at Manchester Academy earlier this month.
And prior to their anticipated global tour and amid the release of their new album Peace, lead vocalist Aled Phillips took time out to talk to MM before their Manchester show.
With a prevailing electric element entering the rock scene at the moment, we asked Phillips how their fourth studio album has evolved from their previous material.
“We’ve picked up a bit more knowledge of how to implement electronic elements into our sound without it feeling forced,” he said.
“We didn’t write with the live set up of a band and were more creative and selective over which instruments were prevalent in which parts of the songs. It’s a massive part of the music that influenced the band from day one.
“Prince, The Police, Michael Jackson and Talking Heads all used electronics within real bands. We kind of grew up in the spotlight while we were learning how to do a lot of it and I think that the three albums are a pretty clear map of us learning the ropes of studios and our own band.”
The Welsh quintet have an intensive schedule ahead of them this autumn touring the UK, Ireland and Europe before joining Vans Warped Tour alongside their own tour in Australia. But luckily they’ll be coming home just in time for Christmas.
“We’re in the middle of the UK tour now and it’s the first time we’ve done a dedicated headline set in a while. It’s taken a few shows to get into the groove of playing longer sets and playing new songs, but I think we’re getting there now.
“It’ll get easier when we have a clearer idea of what people are feeling from the new stuff and what stuff translates well live.
“I’ve spent so much time at home in the last year that I don’t miss home. I want to be away, seeing the world and doing what I love. I very rarely miss home. I am a sucker for Christmas though, so this is probably all bravado. I’d cry if I was away.”
Discussing what he misses while away from home, Phillips said: “My own bed and any sort of responsible control over my diet and health upkeep.
“It’s easy to forget that you’re drinking every day when you’re not in the same place.”
And when out on the road the frontman likes to relax with music from influences such as M83, Justice, Smokey Robinson, James Taylor, Bad Brains, Prince, Erik Satie and Haim.
Wales is renowned for producing infamous rock bands which Aled credits purely down to ‘part coincidence and part determination’.
“When you live in these insular valleys, with little opportunity, there’s steel ingrained in you to get out,” he said.
“Bands like the Manic Street Preachers and Stereophonics are perfect testament to that and their lyrics even tell the story.”
Kids In Glass Houses have played a multitude of festivals during a career that has spanned almost decade and have supported some accomplished bands. Phillips told us which bands they most enjoyed sharing a stage with.
“Paramore and Fall Out Boy”, he said and revealed his favourite festival moments that have stood out the most.
“Reading, Leeds and T In The Park 2010. Matters At All had done amazingly well at Radio 1 and things snowballed very quickly for the Dirt album cycle.
“The timing of the festival circuit was perfect for us and we seemed to connect with everyone at exactly the right time. It was such an incredible feeling of gratitude and achievement. It felt like the culmination of five years of work and I’ll never forget it.”
The Kids In Glass Houses fan base is something Aled clearly holds dear to his heart, after he too used to look up to bands in his youth.
Asking about the importance of attending signings and the band connecting with their fans he said: “I used to go to loads of signings when I was a kid.
“I know how important a band can be to you and it means so much to us that people can view us in that way. I think bands have a responsibility to their fans. It’s the least we can do to pay back the people who enable us to live this lifestyle and realise our dreams.”
Finally, Aled credited Manchester and its fans in which he claims maintains an ‘incredible relationship.’
“It was one of the first cities outside of Wales we played and the people seemed to embrace us very early on,” he said.
“We played our first big show there at the Apollo. We shot our first ever Kerrang! feature there the following year.
“It’s got a lot of great memories. I really do love it there. It’s also a bit of a spiritual home for me as I’ve been a life-long United fan.”
Image courtesy of Clare Hawley via Flickr, with thanks.
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