Editors are a British indie rock band based out of Birmingham who formed back in 2002; it consists of Tom Smith (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, piano), Chris Urbanowicz (lead guitar, synthesizer), Russell Leetch (bass guitar) and Ed Lay (drums, percussion). Currently on tour in Australia, the group will head stateside next month to celebrate the release of their third studio album,
, which dropped earlier this week.
Flavorpill recently caught up with Lay over email to discuss his experiences in Oz. Click through for the details.
Flavorpill: You guys first toured Australia back in the summer of ’07. What was the initial reaction to your sound? Has it changed over the years?
Ed Lay: We were very warmly welcomed, and had a brief but enjoyable tour back in 2007. The music we were bringing over was energetic, had lots of club influences and the Aussie public seemed really tuned into that style as acts such as The Presets and Cut Copy were kicking off at the same time. We have explored a little deeper into the electronic world since then, and though I’d still call us a rock band, Australia seemed to dance to us (rather than jump around like loons) more this time around.
FP: Do you have a favorite city to play in? Which one reminds you the most of home?
EL: As all the press seems to be based in Sydney, we have spent a lot of time there and feel very well acquainted with it. Having said that, the show at Southbound, just south of Perth was my favorite of the tour, with a great mix of people watching. And Melbourne has a lot going for it — I was on St. Kilda beach all day before traveling a very short distance for a show at night!
So no, not a great deal to remind me of a cold, slippery winter in England, thank goodness.
FP: Did you happen upon any interesting local talent at any of your stops?
EL: I have to give a mention to a duo called Big Scary, who played our dates in Sydney and Melbourne. They were sleazy and tough, and they filled the biggest rooms they have ever played in with ease. They reminded me a little of Smashing Pumpkins, back in the Gish days. Great stuff.
FP: What would you say is the biggest difference between Brit and Aussie rock?
EL: A lot of the bands share the same ear for a tune. It’s no surprise that The Temper Trap are doing well in both countries at the moment, as they put a great melody at the center of their music, so the Brits and Aussies make a decent combination when it comes to music I reckon.
FP: Where did you write the bulk of
? Playing off the idea that it was inspired by London, if you had to write a song about your current tour in Australia, what would it be about?
EL: Tom [Smith] figured a lot of the songs out in his home in London, and yes we put them all together in a studio there, but the record is about more than that one city. We have been all round the world, touring and living over the last few years, so I feel there is a little piece of everywhere on In This Light, including Australia.
Upcoming North American Tour Dates: 2/5: Seattle, WA – Showbox at the Market 2/6: Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom 2/8: San Francisco, CA – The Warfield Theatre 2/9: San Diego, CA – House of Blues 2/11: Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern 2/13: Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre 2/15: Chicago, IL – Victoria Theatre 2/16: Toronto, ON – Phoenix Concert Theatre 2/18: Boston, MA – House of Blues 2/19: New York, NY – Terminal 5 2/20: Philadelphia, PA – Trocadero 2/21: Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
Want to work and play in Australia, too? Visit australia.com for more information.