THE FIRST EVER TVV INTERVIEW...

I really racked my brains thinking of a way to deliver something half-decent with my first posting in over 6 weeks. I needed some help to realise it....but thankfully Scott Hutchison of Frightened Rabbit is a really decent bloke...

I did previously try and get a hold of Scott, via his record label, at the tail end of 2008 with the aim of getting his and the band's reaction to what I thought had been a very successful year for them. But for one reason or other, it didn't happen. At the end of this gig a wee while back, I got talking to Scott and without any hesitation, he gave me his own personal e-mail address and said I shouldn't hesitate to get in touch.

At the moment, Scott is holed up in the village of Crail in Fife (click here for more info), writing the songs that will eventually make-up the third LP which will hopefully be released in early 2010, but he very kindly took a few minutes to answer an inane list of questions that I sent over to him. If I appear nervous in asking the questions, that's because I was....as the heading of the post indicates, I've never interviewed a bona-fide star before now:-

JC : You released a critically acclaimed LP and your gigs and tours have attracted ever-increasing audiences. On a scale of 1-10, how did 2008 and the first half of 2009 rate for Scott Hutchison and Frightened Rabbit?

Scott : I'd give it a solid 8. I'm never really perfectly happy with anything but it was an incredibly special and momentous 12 months for the band. Right now I'm back to my most content, writing and arranging songs for the new record - maybe I'm tickling the balls of 9/10 at this time.

JC : On the night, you said that the launch of 'Midnight Organ Fight' at Mono in Glasgow was one of the best things you had ever experienced –I'm sure you actually said it was the greatest night of your life. Still stand by that?

Scott : Its right up there. I didn't know how many people would turn up, but the response was lovely. It was a big sigh of relief in many ways - we knew the record was good and that some would like it, but it took us by surprise, not necessarily the turnout, merely the reaction of those who were there. It's never been the size of the audience that matters, its the intensity with which people respond and involve themselves that is memorable. The whole thing had a lovely feeling about it.

JC : Was there any particular moment over the past 12 months where you realised that the band had made a quantum leap in popularity from the previous year?

Scott : Perhaps T in the Park was the one which made us realise it wasn't just our friends who were into it. However, because of the relatively gradual wander we have taken toward where we are now, each step up seemed to come at the right time. It all felt correct and justified, even when you have a whole tent singing along to your words.

JC : 'Poke' has to be one of the most personal and gut-wrenching lyrics ever penned. When it was largely an unknown song, everyone stood and listened to you – then for a while it turned into a sing-a-long with you conducting a choir of hundreds (as at the Arches in Glasgow). How did you feel that such an incredibly personal song became such a firm favourite? Were you ever concerned that it was in danger of turning into something like 'Wonderwall' where the singer just has to strum a few chords and let the audience do the rest?

Scott : I've found singing that song has been the nicest way to pass all the sentiments it holds over to anyone who is listening and singing. Its not really even about me anymore, the things it deals with are long gone for me, but maybe not so long gone for people in the audience. I think that's why some people feel compelled to join in. Some cities like to do the choir thing, others just keep their mouths shut. Either way, I still launch wholeheartedly into playing that song. Its one of my own favourites.

JC : I read elsewhere (it was here on the blog 'The Pop Cop') that many of the songs were inspired by the break-up of a relationship. Have you heard what your former muse thinks of the songs on Midnight Organ Fight?

Scott : We haven't spoken for a while, but she has heard it and used to say that some days she could just enjoy it as an album if she could detach herself from it sufficiently, and others it wasn't so easy to listen to. I've been honest enough in the songs that I think it represents that time and that relationship (at least the end of it) fairly truthfully and she was always incredibly gracious about it.

JC : I’m a big fan of cover versions – and I’m wondering if you ever think of throwing in some cover versions into the live set for a bit of fun? If so, what do you reckon they would be? Indeed I heard a strong rumour that you covered a Meursault track up at the Fence Collective event at Anstruther recently....

Scott : I did do a Meursault track, simply because its one of my favourite songs of last year, or indeed any year. On out last US tour we took to playing 'Song Against Sex' by Neutral Milk Hotel. I reckon covers ought be played after the originator(s) have ceased to perform them, as is the case with Jeff Mangum from NMH. I don't have many 'idols' as such, but if I had to name the person who has influenced me most in what I do, he would be a heavy contender.

JC : Still on covers - Who would you most like to cover an FR song – and which one?

Scott : I'd love to hear The Hold Steady do one of ours. I think Craig Finn would do a wonderful take on The Twist. If that happens, I could happily call it a day and work in Sainsburys.

JC : Have you ever considered toning down some of the language or re-recording some of the songs in an effort to get more radio play?

Scott : No, but the new stuff has a lot less blue language in it. I swear constantly in conversation, so it would seem strange not to have those words in the songs I write. Admittedly, I'm in less of a 'sweary' mood this time round, so its a bit cleaner, in that sense.

JC : You're living in Crail working on new material. There's a cracking golf course up there at Balcomie and one of my all time heroes is Seve Ballesteros. So I need to ask do you play the sport? If not, have you ever been tempted to try it out?

Scott : We went out for a round (my first in 10 years), for my Dad's 60th birthday in March. My Dad, my two brothers and I went round 18 holes with varied success. I hit more good shots than bad, so I came away fairly satisfied. What an incredibly boring answer!

(I didnt think it was boring...With Scott now admitting to being a golfer, he can be part of my dream four-ball with Lloyd Cole and Iggy Pop)

JC : Are you going to head up to Nedstock (aka T In The Park) next month? If so, who are you really keen to see?

Scott : Not going, and I'm not entirely sure who's playing aside from the big guns like The Kings of David Leon and Snow David Patrol. We played last year, and all I really saw was Yeasayer and Primal Scream, but the whole 'vibe' (hate that word, but sometimes its got to be done) was a bit weird. Saw lots of cocks pissing out of their cocks as we drove round the perimeter fence, which added to the classy... vibe.

JC: If Scotland were to qualify for the World Cup Finals in 2010, would you fancy writing the official song for the squad?

Scott : Hells yeah, but I bet it goes to Glasvegas. I'll get started writing it straight away though, just in case. Maybe I'll do a duet with Lulu and get to kiss her on the lips in the video. That would make 2010 a 10/10 year!

So there you have it. An informative, honest and amusing set of answers from the bloke who fronts what I once described as the best new band to come out of Scotland this century. A quote I'm happy to stick with despite the merits of a few others to emerge in the past 12 months or so...including the afore-mentioned Meursault, whose wonderful A Small Stretch of Land was recently played by Scott.

mp3 : Frightened Rabbit - Poke (live at the Captain's Rest*)
* buy the whole album here. You'll also be able to access video footage of Scott performing a brand new and as yet unreleased song called Swim Until You Can See Land

mp3 : Neutral Milk Hotel - Song Against Sex
*from the LP On Avery Island which you can buy here.

mp3 : Meursault - A Small Stretch Of Land
* buy Meursault product direct from Song By Toad.

Thanks again Scott for taking the time to help out and at least give me a fair chance of following all of the incredible guest postings.....

I know I'm not alone in looking forward to hearing the fruits of your labours in Crail.