The Darkness
Interview The Darkness released a new album, One Way Ticket to Hell…And Back, at the end of 2005, to rave reviews and a stellar fan response…both of which were expected. The band has updated their schtick, and sound more polished and assured. Thankfully, The Darkness have not lost any of the silly lyrics or fantastic premises that make them such an amazing aural experience. AvoidPeril’s Jon Morillo spoke with Darkness bassist Richie Edwards about the band’s videos, his own personal influencs, and those infamous catsuits. AvoidPeril: How long have you been playing with the band now? Richie Edwards:
“Since May of 2005 – about seven months now.” AP: What did you do before you were with the band? RE:
“I’ve worked with bands as a technician, and I have been doing that
for about ten years now.” AP: What bands have influenced you? RE:
“Um, honestly I don’t really listen to modern music. I’m more of a
classic rock guy. I listen to AC/DC, Queen, Led Zepplin, Fleetwood.
70’ish classic rock is my main interest really.” AP: Describe your writing process. Do you have a muse? RE:
“Generally speaking, Dan [Hawkins, guitarist] relates the writing
process to fishing. He attaches a riff to the hook and sends the
line to Justin [Hawkins, lead singer] and if Justin catches it, then
Dan writes the music and Justin comes up with the lyrics. Justin is
brilliant, his lyrics can be very specific to a UK town, but, Justin
knows how to make it relate to anyone all around. Whether you’re in
the UK,
the States, Peru, anywhere. You could just look at his lyrics and
read them like a book.” AP: Are there any artists you would like to collaborate with? RE:
“Ah [*blows raspberries*] let me think. To be honest, that can be a
bit cheesy. It is almost as if you try [the other band] for their
success and go on from there. That’s why I have to say I personally
wouldn’t [collaborate], because it’s a bit cheesy.” AP: What are some similarities or differences between One Way Ticket to Hell…And Back and [2003’s] Permission to Land? RE:
“The difference is essentially [producer] Roy Thomas Baker (Queen);
he’s made the greatest rock records around. I don’t think songs are
massively different from Permission To Land. Also, Permission To Land was recorded using the band’s money so they
went in for two weeks and got out. After the success of the first
CD, we could take our time and record.” AP: How involved is the band in developing its music video concepts? RE: “Very much so. For our latest video we were at the Beverly Hills Hotel and we just sat there laughing thinking of everything we wanted in the video. Jim Pope directed it. We hunted him down and we pitched it to him, he loved the idea and said he wanted to do it. Also, it was a first for him to direct under another person’s ideas.” AP: Where does Justin buy his catsuits, or does he make them? RE: “Our stylist, she originally used to make them. Now I think she has someone make them for her, and I’m not sure if they will be making an appearance this time around. Maybe it’s something we need to let go… or maybe not?” …And now we move on to the ‘This or That?” portion of the interview… AP:
Broken ankle or broken rib? AP:
Rubber bands or paper clips? AP:
Shooting or taking shots? AP:
Leather or pleather? RE: “Uh, favorite cartoon?...Oh, ok, favorite cartoon is uh, I would have to say aahhh the Roadrunner definitely, and that Wylie Coyote is awesome.” - Jon Morillo
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