Photo by Elizabeth Weinberg
Interview featured on NY Press.com
Opening with a dramatic violin, fun’s debut record, Aim & Ignite, gives a hint of a sadder side of Nate Ruess, but before long opener “Be Calm” explodes with the type of fanfare that acts as a reminder of former singer of The Format’s gift for shedding a bright light over a cloudy day. From that moment on, Aim & Ignite is a summer record, filled with a refreshingly charming pop sensibility that draws from the ’60s with an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink aesthetic and killer harmonies. (And check out a video below!)
It’s not that the lead singer of fun. hasn’t tried, but try as he might, an uplifting energy always comes through no matter what the subject. He’ll have to leave the songs of sorrow to Mark Kozelek and Morrissey, but that’s not at all a bad thing. When he wrote The Format’s highly underrated sophomore record Dog Problems, Ruess was dealing with a hard breakup and yet managed to transform that into one of the poppiest, most joyful sounding breakup records ever.
Formed only as long ago as last fall fun. features Ruess, along with Anthallo’s Andrew Dost and Jack Antonoff of Steel Train. And it hasn’t taken them long to find their footing. With their debut album Aim & Ignite fresh out of the womb and ready to explode, fun. is on the road in support of their record, and tomorrow night the band headlines a sold-out gig at Mercury Lounge—a surefire sign of a promising future ahead. Jonny Leather caught up with Ruess to find out more.
Who is fun? How'd you guys end up forming?
Fun is Andrew Paul Dost, Jack Somethingorother Antonoff, and myself Nate Ruess. Jack and I had always talked about starting a band and once my schedule freed up quite a bit, I put in a call to him and Andrew. Since then we've been chugging along.
How'd you decide on the name?
After a day of demoing in New Jersey we'd decided to take a trip into NYC for dinner with some friends. One of our friends kept pressing us about a name and so we decided to dedicate the dinner to finding a name. At one point someone suggested 'ice cream', which I thought was terrible, but I liked the emotion it conjured up. So jack said 'fun.’ and it almost seemed too perfect. So we sat on it for six months until we were pressed to have a name and that was the only one on the list.
What makes fun. different than your other bands? And more importantly, what makes fun. fun?
1. Different band name
2. Different band members
3. Different songs
Those are pretty big. And I think what makes us ourselves is the same thing that makes fun. fun. We are enjoying it very much. There are few serious moments when not in the studio or something else that requires special attention.
What is your general approach to songwriting? What does each band member bring to the band in order to create the cohesive sound of fun.?
My general approach is to take only the best songs in my head and try to make sense of them so that everyone else can have a listen. It's a bit tedious but I think it's easier than playing an instrument. The other guys, when not writing themselves, help me out by listening to my idea of the song that is in my head and trying to help bring it out and to life. Jack, although talented at everything, is particularly good at supplying a raw energy and helping with the general rhythm of the song. Andrew is much more intricate and can be responsible for a large fraction of the 'sparkle.' These are just some example of their talents though. I truly believe the sky is the limit with those two.
Nate, I loved the The Format, because you had a knack for creating uplifting pop songs out of situations of despair. And with your debut Aim & Ignite, you haven't lost that touch. How do you do it?
Thank you. I always want to write depressing stuff but somehow it never works that way. I'm serious. Just once I'd like to make a record for the winter, or putting your windows up.
Is Sgt. Pepper your favorite Beatles record? Moments like the chorus of "Be Calm" scream Sgt. Pepper, while the record also hints at the theatrical sounds of vintage Queen.
Obviously I love Sgt Pepper, but it's #3 or 4 on my top Beatles list. My favorite is probably Abbey road. Those records, Queen, ELO, Beach Boys, Van Morrison, the list of ’60s and ’70s is endless. The real challenge is to find the modern influence. Believe it or not, there is a lot.
How does it feel to be able to sell out the Mercury Lounge in advance before your debut record was even officially released?
It was special. We were and are nervous about all that type of stuff. And NYC is my new home so I really felt the pressure. Fortunately it happened quick so I didn't have to sweat that one too long. It was exciting.
Are there any songs that you would call your favorites to play live?
Maybe “barlights.” Right now I'm enjoying all of them because it's been so wonderful playing with the band and the amazing crowds.
What do you guys do for fun in New York?
Hmmm. We spend all of our money on dinners. It's really crazy. We are just all about being with our close friends and ordering too much food.
Who makes you excited about being part of the local music scene?
The same thing that gets me excited about living in NY. You really don't know the next thing you're gonna see/hear. Anything is possible and the energy that surrounds that feeling is incredible.
