TRAAMS interview: We'll be writing throughout 2016

Image: TRAAMS

TRAAMS have had a few major years since their formation back in 2011, but it is this year that promises to be their biggest yet. 

Having released their pulsating sophomore Modern Dancing last November, the follow up to 2013’s acclaimed Grin, they are now heading out on tour to showcase their latest livewire LP that plays out with fangs glaring at ear-splitting levels.

Ahead of the band embarking on their nationwide tour Sam Fawcett caught up with the Yorkshire post-punk trio to talk the transition to Modern Dancing, striking up new material, working with MJ from Hookworms and their upcoming tour plans. 

So it’s been a couple of months since you released second album Modern Dancing, and it has been critically acclaimed pretty much across the board. Musicians and bands talk about that second album struggle, did that have any effect on you or your thinking towards the album?

We were aware of the difficult second album thing but didn't really pay much attention to it. Recording Modern Dancing was very different to 'Grin' in that we didn't spend as much time on it.

We decided to record it in two weeklong sessions and really dug into it. It didn't feel like a struggle as it was such a different approach than recording 'Grin' (which was recorded over the course of a year and a bit in a handful of different sessions).

The album was a stunning follow up to Grin, how did you feel you have progressed as a band between the two albums?

Thank you, the gap between the two albums feels like a pretty huge one to be honest. The ground we covered promoting 'Grin' really took us out of our comfort zone at times. Having to adapt to all the new things that we're happening to us inevitably influenced our writing process: bigger stages, sweatier audiences, less time in the rehearsal room, playing older songs over and over and over etc.

All of these factors contributed to the process of making Modern Dancing. I guess this is a natural progression for bands, it felt right but was very different to where we we're at with Grin.

It is a few months since you released the album, have you been working on new stuff?

Yes, without trying to rush into anything we've been developing a few song ideas at our rehearsals. We're still in the process of discussing album three to be honest: how we'd like to approach it, instrumentation, direction etc.

We found that we had a clearer vision of what we'd like to do with Modern Dancing as opposed to Grin, and that that had made the recording sessions a lot more focused for us.

Things always change when making an album, especially in the studio, but getting all our thoughts together before we dive in has always got the best out of us.

We'll be writing throughout 2016 and let it come together naturally. We're looking forward to getting back into the studio when we're ready. 

What has it been like working with MJ from Hookworms on both albums, was it different working with him on Modern Dancing to working on Grin with him?

We did Grin half and half with MJ in Leeds & Rory Attwell in London. So in that we were only with him this time it was different, aside from that nothing much changed. Both times it was great fun working with him, he gets the best out of us, is full of ideas and is generally a nice chap to be around. 

It must be great to have a producer of the stature of MJ be so in touch and apart of what you want to do as a band?

Yeah, like I said, him getting the best out of us and is fun and productive to work with as a collaborator is great. The fact that we are big fans of his other projects anyway is a bonus. He is very supportive of us so I'm pretty sure he's into it, he's got a cracking poker face however.

You released new the video for 'Neck Brace' yesterday, and it features a lot of dogs. Was the whole video John Fitzpatrick’s brain child or did you have any input? It is pretty interesting aesthetically.

It was a mix of ideas, but we wanted them to take the reigns on it, we just wanted doggies. It was the first video shoot I couldn't make it along to, was gutted I didn't get to meet the hounds, they look like excellent ones. 

Playing SXSW last year must have wet your appetite a bit to get back over to the states, what was your America experience like?

Yes, it was great fun and one of the best experiences we have had as a band. Great people, music and food everywhere. Some memories are a bit blurry but as a whole it's an experience we'll never forget. We'd love to go back and have a proper stretch of dates across the US but the stars have gotta align for that to happen so hopefully someday. 

You’re heading out on a UK tour in March with Seize the Chair, are you excited to be heading out on the road with those guys?

Very much so yes, Adam and I caught them live in Leeds when we were recording Modern Dancing. They're top UK lads and it's gonna be great seeing them perform each night. We are all sharing a van so we are gonna get to know each other really well.

Eight shows in eight nights is pretty brutal really, so are you on a sort of lead up to tour detox?

Haha trying to. I guess we've got a day off in the middle which'll be nice for a pub crawl. I'm sure the other two haven't had a beer since Christmas but I've had one or two this month. Looking forward to having some rider beers as they taste nicer for some reason. 

Tour dates below: 

Leeds - Headrow House, Thursday 10th March 

Glasgow - King Tuts, Friday 11th March 

Newcastle - Think Tank, Saturday 12th March 

Manchester - Gullivers, Sunday 13th March 

London - Lexington, Wednesday 16th March 

Birmingham - Hare and Hounds, Thursday 17th March

Bristol - Start The Bus, Friday 18th March 

Southampton - Lennons, Saturday 19th March 

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