Brightest Young Things

If there is one band that fits the way I live that is the Clientele. Whether I use "Losing Haringey" as a bedtime story at night, lounge on the beach to "Bookshop Casanova" or just sit around to it on a daily basis, this band could be my life. It is mood music in the best sense of the word because it fits all my moods (none of which tend to be too aggressive, it seems) and they've come a long way since in the early 2000s someone put "Suburban Lights" on my Ipod and I fell in love. They always seem to be around these parts during winter and they're back today at the Black Cat (Vetiver is playing too, making this the ultimate hand holding show of the day) and we caught up extra quckly over email with Mark Keen, the band's drummer to preview the show:

What are you all doing right now, be specific?
Getting hideously drunk.

Nice. And what are you wearing?
We tend to mix it up a little... Al's currently wearing my favorite leather jerkin. James is in Mel's drainpipes, white polar neck and lemon chiffon. Mel's wearing Al's 'A-Team' t-shirt and I'm wearing James's 'lucky underpants'.

Any tips for on-the-road-survival?
Ear plugs.

If the Clientele was a family how would the traditional roles be assigned?
I think Mel and James would have to be the responsible parents and Al and I would be the wayward, feckless children.

How do you think the perception of the Clientele varies between the UK and the US?
Somewhere between 'Carling' and 'Anchor Steam'.

Speaking of US perceptions - you come to DC every 2 years or so - what do you think of our city? Any plans while you're here that are non-music related?
The sad thing about touring is that, due to the driving hours, we're generally not around long enough to get out and do much exploring. The best part though is catching up with old friends which, in DC, we have plenty of!

"The Bonfires" cover art made it into our (ALL important) top ten best record covers list of 2009. Can you tell us a little more about the art?
The cover artwork is lovely isn't it? It's a 16th century painting called 'Flora' by Giuseppe Arcimboldo. We've always speculated that that Parisienne private collector that owns the piece is in fact Louis Phillipe.

My favorite Clientele song will always be "Losing Haringey" - can you tell us a little about how it came to be, is it a true story?
It's all true.

Do you all every talk to 'K' anymore, ever?
There's a little 'K' that lives inside all of us. 'K' usually talks to us though.. especially when we're on long road trips and in desperate need of a widdle.

'God Save The Clientele' - What was going on in everyone's lives that made you so happy?
We all had therapy.

If you weren't in the Clientele where would you be?
In bed, counting my money.

We also like to do a little series of recommendations by the bands we interview so:
1. what are you all reading right now?
'The other hand' Chris Cleave
2. what are you all listening to right now?
BBC Radio 4
3. movies you wish has Clientele songs in them?
Avatar
4. things you'd rather be doing now than making lists:
Watching winter Olympics

We'll leave you to it.

Want more?
Socialize with The Clientele on myspace/facebook/and twitter and check them out live tonight with Vetiver @ Black Cat