Interview: Miles Kane
Published on January 25th, 2011 | Jonny Abrams
Rocksucker caught up with guitar-dominating rush rocker Miles Kane in order to discuss his hotly anticipated forthcoming debut album, the involvement of Noel Gallagher, Gruff Rhys and Dan the Automator on said album and the future prospects of side project The Last Shadow Puppets (which also features Arctic Monkeys singer Alex Turner and James Ford of Simian Mobile Disco)…
How did the Camden Barfly gig go on the weekend?
Barfly was mind-blowing, man. We did Leeds on Friday, which was the first gig of the year, then we did that [Barfly] for Xfm – they did like an all-day event and we just went on and rocked it. The crowd were amazing. It’s only a tiny little place but it felt like we’ve taken it to the next level, really. We’re ready for that next step now. The crowd were f***ing having it, it was amazing. It’s only a couple of hundred [capacity in the Barfly] but it was wild, everyone in there was just loving it, you know what I mean? It felt boss.
How did you get Noel Gallagher to sing on your album?
It was just a little favour. I was going to put these harmonies on myself but I was in London and he was about so he just came in and did harmonies on a song called ‘My Fantasy’. It sounds boss, man. Noel’s a legend and a lovely guy.
Apparently you also worked on your album with Gruff Rhys from Super Furry Animals…
Yeah, he produced a couple of tracks and we worked on one together. He did a bit of singing as well. I’m a big Super Furries fan so that was just a f***ing dream. I learnt so much off him. He’s a lovely guy.
Does he speak as slowly in real life as he does in interviews?
When you’re around him, he’s very calming, d’you know what I mean? He has a good effect on you and that’s why I love working with him. He’s a lovely lad and his new album [Hotel Shampoo, out February 14th] is amazing, man. Have you heard the single ‘Shark Ridden Waters’? I think that’s some of the best stuff he’s done, that tune. I absolutely love it.
And you worked on it with Dan the Automator as well…
I went over to San Francisco last summer to mix four singles, so we just did some additional production and I hung out there with him and that was amazing as well.
Has he done a rap on the album?
(Laughs) No. There was talk of having a rap on one but I don’t think I’m ready for that yet!
What brought about the end of [Kane’s former band] The Rascals?
It took me a while to get used to being a solo artist or whatever you want to call it. Although, with what I’m doing, I don’t think it really sounds like that – it sounds more like a rock and roll band ’cause I’ve got my mates playing in it as well, so we look and sound like a band. That’s important for me, to be around that. That was the thing I missed the most about The Rascals, having your mates around you, so after the split it took a while to even write any decent tunes, d’you know what I mean? But now I’ve come through it, made an amazing record and I’m excited to be talking about it, having my picture taken and all that. I can’t wait [until it’s released].
Is it still on course for an April 25th release?
I think so, yeah, though it could be put back a week. There’ll be a single before it too – ‘Re-Arrange’.
Is there any future for The Last Shadow Puppets?
There will be, man. It’s just when the time’s right. He [Turner] is making a new record and I’ve got this on but it will definitely happen when we’re both on par. James [Ford] is a very clever lad, too – great producer.
Who are your top tips for 2011?
(Pause) Can I say myself? (Laughs) I suppose The Vaccines, they’re doing very well. Obviously Beady Eye are going to do well this year – we’re touring with them in March and I can’t wait to do that. I just want to get out there.
Finally – bearing in mind that your answer could change from day to day, minute to minute – what would you name as your top three albums of all time?
Let’s have The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust & the Spiders from Mars by David Bowie. Plastic Ono Band by John Lennon because I love the simplicity of that album. One more…(long pause)…let me just have a little look…Definitely Maybe. No, (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?
For more information about Miles Kane, please visit mileskane.org