Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

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ChartBlog: Hi Orlando, where are you in the world right now?
Orlando: I'm by the side of some grass tennis courts in Eastbourne. The sun's shining, there's some pteradactyl-looking seagulls overhead.

ChartBlog: There is something satanic about seagulls.
Orlando: I think anything with yellow eyes could come under that heading.

ChartBlog: I have seen seagulls swoop down and steal pasties out of children's hands.
Orlando: I've seen seagulls swoop down and steal children out of the arms of their mothers...out of Patsy's hands...That's a lie.

ChartBlog: I know, but it did imply that you've lived a more exciting life than I have, which is your right as a pop star. Can I ask about the new album? 'Wall Of Arms'...that's a fairground ride that I would like to have a go on.
Orlando: Really?

ChartBlog: Yeah! I don't know if they'd be inflatable arms or real human arms, but either way it sound amazing.
Orlando: Oh good! It was kind of intended as a protection thing, cos the song 'Wall Of Arms' is kind of like a thank you for all of the people who have put up with us, and encouraged and protected us over the last couple of years. That's what it's meant to represent y'know, people protecting you.

ChartBlog: I'm not belittling that sentiment...but I'm still going to go with this fairground theme, so you'll have to bear with me.
Orlando: Yeah, can I start using that? Cos I think it's slightly more interesting.

ChartBlog: Maybe combine both? A roller-coaster that gives you a bit of a cuddle and protects you from sharp things...
Orlando: Yes, cos they are the worst, sharp things.

ChartBlog: Let's go back to basics with the Maccabees. Why have you got one too many guitarists in your band?
Orlando: Well we had one to begin with, and that didn't quite seem enough, so we got two. Then I started feeling...if you leave it too long as a singer - picking up a guitar - suddenly it looks unnatural. Like if you see someone that you've always recognised as being the singer in a band with a guitar, he always looks wrong. I'd sooner start looking wrong earlier on. And also it means that I sort of learn an instrument. Which is kind of like a bonus.

ChartBlog: You're the first professional musician I've ever spoken to who regards learning an instrument as a bonus.
Orlando: Well it means I can do it all the time, and it means I have to really...improve and get better at it. None of us would claim to be excellent musicians, we're all still learning.

ChartBlog: I like that though, the fumbling is part of the charm and romance of the music. And technique can get in the way of expressing yourself clearly.
Orlando: The other thing about being non-virtuoso is that, if you look at bands where, even if they are virtuoso you don't notice - I'm pretty sure that the whole of Arcade Fire and the whole of Interpol are scarily proficient at their instruments, and Carlos D has done courses in film arrangement. But nothing is trying to stand out, so that's why it works. If you're not really good at your instruments you're really relying on everyone helping everyone else sound better than it actually is.

ChartBlog: Isn't that a jazz thing? You're all listening to each other and reacting to what noise is being made by everyone else. You're so jazz, man!
Orlando: I never even wanted be to be jazz. We must be better than we think.

ChartBlog: You need to name-drop Miles Davis more, like "yeah, we're really aiming for that simplicity of sound, like Miles did."
Orlando: Yeah, like Miles, or MD. If you abbreviate it means you know him more.

ChartBlog: You're practically friends. Now, which of the Maccabees will be the first to do a Jonny Greenwood and put the guitar down to concentrate on the glass harmonica or something?
Orlando: I'm pretty sure, now that I've learned the guitar, that I'm going to have to learn something else. I kind of hope that the next record we make might not have any guitars, who knows? I'm pretty sure that Felix will never want to not be playing a guitar. But Hugo...the production side of things is really interesting him. He might move to sample pads or synths or something.

ChartBlog: What're you listening to at the moment?
Orlando: Well, the whole back catalogue of MD...'Whispering Pines' by the Band...

ChartBlog: See, there's an example of a band who have too many lead singers.
Orlando: You're obsessed with things there are too many of...

ChartBlog: Well, I don't mean to make this all about me, but if you're watching a lot of bands come and go, as I do, any deviation from the norm is welcome. A new indie four-piece comes over the hill, and it's no big deal, but a band with an extra guitarist is like "OMG! We've got so much to talk about!"
Orlando: [Laughs] That's all we did it for, other than the Miles Davis thing, was just so that when I spoke to you, we'd have something to talk about. I'm learning an instrument just for you, does that make you feel special?

ChartBlog: I am so happy. This is like having five new Twitter followers in one second.
Orlando: Thanks man...have a lovely weekend.

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