Fontaines D.C.

From Dublin, Fontaines D.C. are a band on the rise. The Irish quintet have been causing a stir in the UK as well as Europe. Shows with the Likes of Metz and IDLES have treated those with a punk persuasion to a view of the future. Nodding to the likes of Girl Band and Iceage, Fontaines D.C. will take their raucous show on the road with Shame later this year before heading off on some headline dates in December (most of which have already sold out). Having recently signed to Partisan Records, it is expected that new output is on the horizon and we caught up with frontman Grian Chatten to talk about signing a deal, their love affair with Shane MacGowan and what we can look forward to from the band.

Q: Since we last spoke, you’ve signed to New York and London label, Partisan Records. Can you tell us how that all came together and what you hope that they can help you achieve from the band?

A: They came to see us at the Victoria in London around March. They liked what they saw and we liked them, so we decided to sign with them pretty much straight away. We think they’ll help us put out the music we really want to make. The label is built on the good spirit of humanity. When you really love someone you don’t try to change them. Partisan aren’t interested in changing us. I reckon that’s rare enough. Writing tunes with these lads is all I need. So I’ve already had success. Whatever happens next is a beautiful bonus.

Q: You’ve spoken regularly about the importance of The Pogues, MacGowan as a lyricist, The Rolling Stones and Girl Band to you as a collective. What is it about those artists, their sounds and their output that makes them so influential?

A: MacGowan pulls your guts out without being pretentious. He’s a dirty bastard sometimes but can also be as clean and romantic as Yeats.

People talk about Lennon exposing his flaws on tunes like ‘Jealous Guy’ as a big brave artistic sacrifice but Jesus Christ he hasn’t a patch on MacGowan for that. The Stones harnessed the Blues which gave them a corner to fight and I reckon we do the same with Irish trad to a degree. Girl Band are just a reminder that you can still be original and that you should be, for God’s sake. What the hell are you doing otherwise?

Q: You must be about to or be in the midst of album recording sessions. As a band who has spent so much time on the road playing live, do you enjoy the change in pace? What do you aim to capture?

A: We’re going to London for the album’s recording in September. Being on the road for extended periods of time can make putty out of your character if you let it. Your body anticipates the gig for a couple weeks after too. We’re not making Pet Sounds here though. We’re just going to do what we do in front of a desk. So I don’t think the spirit of touring has to die entirely.

Q: You’re about to join Shame on tour before heading out on your own UK headline dates in December. You must be excited? Are there any venues which particularly whet the appetite?

A: Yeah we’re looking forward to it. Of the Shame gigs we’re playing, I’m looking forward to Bristol. We played there recently and it was one of our favorite shows ever. Of our headline dates, I’m probably looking forward most to Manchester because my Nan’s coming.

Q: What can we be excited for from you before the year is out?

A: We’re releasing the lead single off our album. It’ll be recorded very soon in London itself.

Words by Sam Ford | Illustration by REN