They’re on fire

A name inspired by Charles Manson’s getaway driver, guerilla style gigs and a general ‘fuck you’ to the music industry usually aren’t the factors that make a commercially successful band. But this is exactly what Kasabian are and more. It’s been nearly twelve years since the band first started (with a different line up to the one thay have now) and they don’t plan on going anywhere soon as lead singer, Tom Meighan tells Flux. “Oh we’ll easily be here for another twelve years, definitely. Just playing venues, doing gigs, making records and doing what we do.”

Kasabian have travelled far since they first began in 97/98. Originally called Saracuse, the inspiration for their name came from the name of the getaway driver for the infamous Charles Manson murders. “The name just stuck,” Tom says. “We could’ve been called anything.” Perhaps the name change gave the band luck, or maybe it was more about the band deciding they needed to get serious. “When we first started, we didn’t play a lot of gigs… probably about two a year and you know, they were like playing to our friends anywhere we could… we just kind of realised if we really want to do this we have to get serious.”

And get serious is exactly what they did, taking the unusual step of making an EP without the months of touring or fan base that usually follows behind them. Bedrock Studios in Leicester was the setting for the cutting of the second version of the EP setting the band on the road to success. “We did all the dirty bits. Then going at it for a second time we went over it in the studio and cleaned it up a bit.”

While Kasabian have been continuously compared to Stone Roses, Meighan is unsure where this comparison comes from. “The thing is, we were into Oasis not the Stone Roses… they were over like, past our time. I don’t know where people get this idea from that we were inspired by them or whatever. Its really weird, I find it bizarre. What we tried to create will never be like them and I’m sure Ian Brown would be the first to admit that. I love them, but we’re different.”

Different yes, but not shy. Confidence is certainly something Kasabian doesn’t lack. “You’ve got to be confident. It’s the way it is. In the music business if you ain’t got a hit you’re out.” Meighan adds that being commercially successful isn’t something thats helped by the internet. “Oh the internet… you can download songs for free. Like why would you give your music away free? You worked on it. Its like a restaurant and getting up to leave without fucking paying.”

So, you won’t be able to download Kasabian’s new album West Ryder Pauper Asylum for free anytime soon. Speaking about the new album, which was produced by hip hop producer Dan ‘The Automater’ Nakamura, Meighan says the choice of Nakamura as producer was about wanting change. “Ah he’s really good, really nice guy. We wanted someone with a different perspective to work on this album, to create something a bit different. We got in touch with Nakamura by word of mouth and email and we decided to work together. He’s a really cool guy.”

So does that mean fans can expect a move away from the usual Kasabian indie tunes? “The thing is, we decided to make a far-out record. A real rock’n’ roll job, like. We just wanted to do different things. You have different styles, different tastes… we can’t repeat what we did. We’ve moved on as a band… you have to progress. It’s like a child; if you don’t progress and do something different then something’s wrong.”

When asked about the ‘Kasabian Movement’, Meighan laughs at the memory of it. “Oh I think that was just a marketing ploy… we went along with it to get people interested.”

But Meighan insists their music wasn’t created with success in mind. “We never made records for radio… we made records that we would want to hear… like Fire [a single off their latest album] that’s not a song thats meant for radio. Its, like, schizophrenic… my favourite song off the new album is Take Aim, it’s all dark and sombre. I just love it.”

Clearly though, something worked anyway to get people interested in the band. “We’re a popular band. Things change in the public eye but everyone knows us. Grannies know us, like what the hell?” But living in the public eye isn’t always easy as Meighan clarifies some of the rumours that have surrounded the band. “No, I never posted on The Libertines website about our gigs… like we were already going by then and anyways, we’re two completly different bands. I’ve never even been on the internet in my life! It’s like newspapers saying Noel Gallagher is joining us on this tour. It’s a fucking lie, I don’t know where they get this from.”

Maybe comparisons with Oasis have caused some to draw these conclusions. Asked about this comparison Meighan says “Oh, we’re up there with them [Oasis]. Of course we are, why wouldn’t we be - we’re a great band… Oasis influenced our belief, but nothing musically.”

Despite their confidence and high profile in Europe, America didn’t take to Kasabian when they tried to break in this year.
“America don’t get us. We had some really nasty abuse from people over there… but we’re not bothered about it. There aren’t any British bands breaking America anymore… it’s just fucking Coldplay, like. Over in America they just don’t get us.”

Well one country that “gets” Kasabian is Britain, with the band winning Best Album for West Ryder Pauper Asylum in this year’s Q Awards. But this recognition doesn’t faze Meighan. “Well, award ceremonies are shit. There is nothing to them. You get dressed, you turn up, say hello and then go. It’s all a bit boring really.”

Playing in Ireland in the O2 on November 27 should keep the band entertained. “Yeah we can’t wait to play to an Irish audience… I’m looking forward to coming to Ireland. I want to go to Donegal and look up some of my Irish ancestors, see where they came from.”

When asked why their ticket prices were cheaper than other bands playing in Ireland [€33.60 a ticket], Meighan laughs. “Are they?” he asks. “I don’t know… we’re true and honourable gentleman that’s why. Shows how fucking cool we are… you know, that we care about our fans and the economy.”

As the interview draws to a close, I ask Meighan to recall his high point in the band so far.

“Um, I don’t know. Playing in Munich, it felt like playing to a bunch of English people… I think we converted the Germans to turn English. That and getting our number one album and touring with Oasis.”

Kasabian are playing the O2 on November 27.