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Call them art rock, indie, post-hardcore, punk revival or just make something up… Les Savy Fav is one of the most avant-garde bands in today’s music scene. The original members formed while at the Rhode Island School of Design in 1995 and, with a move to New York City and a few lineup changes (their former drummer, Pat Mahoney, went on to LCD Soundsystem), they have been going strong ever since. Known for their on-stage tomfoolery and extraordinary live show, Les Savy Fav has toured the world numerous times and recorded five studio albums. Syd Butler, bassist and owner of Frenchkiss Records, took time to catch up before leaving for the NXNE festival in Toronto, Canada. By Maryelizabeth Carter
You just recorded a new album Root for Ruin that is coming out in September. What makes this record different from your past releases?
The songs are better! We also were just having a lot more fun in the process – there was nothing hanging over our heads. I feel in retrospect, we had to “make a record” after Inches. We didn’t have that on this one. We just made one, kept it simple.
Was the whole record recorded at Gigantic Studios? What made you decide on that studio?
Yes, the whole record was recorded with Chris Zane at Gigantic Studios. We feel it’s our home away from home. We have dreams of recording in some remote island, but we realised we are already on one. The location is perfect and there is something really nice about coming home to your bed and decompressing from the studio.
Chris Zane produced this album and also your 2007 release Let’s Stay Friends, why did you decide to work with him again?
He’s almost a member of the band. We love him and feel that he understands our ideas and where we come from. The dialogue is there and that’s important to us during the long days and or tense conversations. He’s also a foodie!
What are the challenges of being both the owner of your record label and an artist on the roster?
It’s awful! But I wouldn’t want it any other way. Thank God for Paul (label manager at Frenchkiss Records) or I would be submitted into a hospital. The big challenges come when I am in label mode and talking to my band mates about what is expected – as a label you want your band to tour and do as much as you can to work the record. My band has other plans – it’s like herding cats.
How do you feel about touring now that you have a new addition to your family?
Being a dad is the best thing in the world. How many brunches are you going to have anyway? In regards to touring – it’s hard to go longer than a weekend. You miss them something awful. But that being said – it’s nice to have at least one night of sleep!
Name your top five bands/artists of the decade and why. (They can’t be signed to your label)
The Arcade Fire – there are so many reasons to love The Arcade Fire. They are great people. They are insanely talented. They are true to themselves. They have written one of the best records ever. Oh… and have you seen them live? The Strokes – I might get some flack for this, but I was a tour manager for a band that opened for them- got to see them play every night for weeks. Their songs are well crafted – they are excellent musicians and all have a great sense of humor. It was one of the best tours I have ever been on. They treat the opening bands really well and are a pleasure to be around. Cold War Kids – This is a band we tried hard to sign, but lost out at the finish line. I spent a lot of time with these guys and their mamas raised them right. Love their music and love them as people. Wolf Parade – These guys have written amazing songs. Fantastic live – they remind me of The Clash- except they sound nothing like them. Animal Collective/The Mars Volta – Love them or hate them I am glad they exist. The world needs both these bands.
Where haven’t you toured that you want to?
We have never been to South America. I would love to tour in Brazil or Argentina. Maybe that country NZ. Maybe.
When you aren’t working at your label, spending time with your family or playing in your band, what do you like to do?
I love playing ice hockey. It’s one of my favorite things to do in the world. If I could retire and spend all my day at a rink playing hockey I would.
What is your “must have” accessory that you bring on tour?
My computer and iPod. Ear plugs, as my band mates are very chatty. I load up on movies that I have fallen behind on watching and spend the time going through them. Books on tape/iPod.
Something like one out of every four people in the US has herpes yet Tim kisses random audience members – do you avoid drinking out of the same water bottles while on tour?
Yes!
You have a pretty intense live show, has this ever led to disaster?
In 15 years of touring there have only been two mishaps. One was in the very early days, a girl was dressed in all black and sitting on the floor, and when Tim went into the crowd he accidentally kicked her in the face. She still comes to our shows, smiles and reminds us that she is the girl who got accidentally kicked in the face. The other was a giant disco ball fell on our drummer’s head. We then were proud owners of a giant disco ball and took it with us for an entire tour.
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