Her forthcoming album ‘Fur And Gold’ is one of the most stunning things we’ve heard all year. Sprinkled with blood curdling songs like ‘Bat’s Mouth’ and next single ‘Trophy’, it’s strong, beautiful and utterly glorious. Filled with odds and ends of stories, imagery, wistful song and strong arrangements, it’s emo for people who have emotions, not haircuts. That doesn’t happen often. We talk to Bat For Lashes’s alter-ego Natasha Khan about flags, bridges and why she’s probably the only musician alive who will publicly admit to not liking Glastonbury.
What's the best festival you've ever been to?
“All Tomorrow’s Parties. I went five times before I played there (in May at the request of Devendra Banhart), because it just has the most eclectic range of artists, and you can just go there and not give a shit and hear all this new stuff without the corporate sponsored bollocks.”
What's the worst one?
“Glastonbury. I just can't stand it, Robbie Williams was headlining, but I'm not good in massive crowds of people. I got trashed and wandered around feeling lonely in a crowd. The hugeness of that means that you have to search quite hard to find somewhere you'll fit, all human beings want to find somewhere they'll feel comfortable. There was just a lot of lager louts and aggressive people about.”
What's the weirdest thing you've ever seen at a festival? (Note us not asking about drugs)
“(Laughs sheepishly) I'm not allowed to talk about drugs... Well, it was a gigantic bridge that was all lit up at that moment in time, with 20 billion people all dressed up in circus clothes... it was really intense, man.”
What's the one thing you must take to a festival?
“Some kind of flag so you can find your tent. A torch is good as well. And some really nice friends.”
What's the best band you've ever seen?
“I loved Explosions In The Sky, when they were all tranced out during their first album. Tarantula A.D.'s new album is lovely. I've seen Underworld play a fucking great set, danced danced danced - you wouldn’t think I like that sort of music, but I do. Oh, and the first time I saw Devandra play with his band it was joyous, just dancing, psychedelically.”
'Fur And Gold' is released on September 11 on Echo Records. We recommend you pre-order it, like, now, and listen to the songs on www.myspace.com/batforlashes. |
