With 2015’s debut album Class charting in the UK Top 100 and Scottish Top 10, and receiving more than three million plays on Spotify, The LaFontaines came back in fabulous fashion late last year with second album Common Problem.
The band are currently out on the road with Bedford's Don Broco. Lead singer Kerr had a natter...
You have a very unique sound. How would you describe your music style?
It’s hard to try and describe something that doesn’t really exist anywhere else - It’s the gift and curse of what we do.
Some people try to loosely lump it in with other genres because it makes it easier for the industry framework.
But we’ve become accustomed to it by now, it’s always going to be tough being the first through the door. All we know is whatever type music we make, people like it. Be it 3000 folk up in Glasgow or 200 down in St. Albans, they keep turning up to the shows.
I think at our very core we are a true rock band.
You guys have two superb albums under your belt, and you've been in control every step of the way. How has that worked out?
The only problem we have is exposure.
We’ve been 100% independent since we started The LaFontaines 10 years ago. That means everything from forming our own record label, manufacturing our own CD’s, creating our own merch, artwork, videos etc since day one – all on the tightest of budgets.
The only problem we face is finance. More money means more exposure. We’ve never had a problem with anyone not being ready for the music; our only issue has been giving them the opportunity to hear it.
That’s why live performances mean everything to us.
The LaFontaines are renowned as one of Scotland's premiere live exports - is getting people to the shows the key to future domination?
Live has and always will be our main priority – it’s where the band comes alive.
We have the best possible time at every show we play, regardless of city or venue, and I think that translates to the crowd. That’s why we have that reputation. People can tell when something is genuine, when a band is being authentic and true to themselves.
Live is where you get to witness what The LaFontaines are all about. Plus we are absolutely class live to be fair.
Your last album Common Problem showed massive growth in terms of writing and production and also explored the lighter and darker elements of the band more than ever - where do you go from there?
Common Problem was certainly a darker record than our debut. With Class, we had all our lives to write, and up to that point everything was still pretty new and exciting.
With Common Problem we had seen a lot more of the world, we had toured pretty much everywhere you could as a band, and the world was/still is in a pretty shaky state - so lyrically I couldn’t help but write about that.
I think in terms of what comes next we just carry on doing our thing. We already have a unique sound so we never need to worry about anything sounding rehashed or redundant. Just carry on making some big tunes.
How exciting is it to be headed back out on the road with Don Broco?
We‘ve never been as excited about a tour as we are for this one, genuinely.
We had a night out with the boys in Broco a few years back in Birmingham and it was total class.
They are up for a laugh and they play good tunes, what more could you want? One of the best things for us is that we get to play to a whole host of new people. Any opportunity we get to spread the music is something we appreciate and will make the most of.
Please get yourself down as early as possible and we promise we won’t disappoint.
Why should fans come along early to see The LaFontaines?
Because we promise you the best gig of your life, or a money back guarantee (terms and conditions apply).
To book tickets click here
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