‘Motorheart’ has much praise from both critics and fans, and after a few tour cancellations during the pandemic, we’re finally able to these songs in a live setting, which as Frankie points out, feel like an album that was made for a live setting. I recently had a quick chat with Frankie Poullain about the album, as well as what it’s finally like to be back out on tour. You can also check out the remaining dates listed below, and ticket info is available via this link.
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Something that’s always been great about The Darkness, is the diversity in your music, which truly shines through on Motorheart. When you were working on writing and recording the album, did you go in with the mindset of, okay let’s not do what we do in the previous releases?
We naturally and instinctively have a need to challenge ourselves, without that we wouldn’t be on our 8th album, and we’d be cheating the fans and ourselves.
Would you say that experimenting musically is an essential aspect of your music-making and something you as a band will always continue to do?
It makes us laugh, and that’s the most important element in keeping a band together. We might not always perfect the genre that we are playing with, but it always sounds uniquely eccentric and Darknessy.
How often do you guys agree on each other’s ideas? Is there any sort of friendly rivalries, as you all seem to have different types of influences and opinions? Does that make the writing process difficult, or better would you say?
We argue a fair bit, but we try to give everything a chance. If it causes a reaction and makes us feel passionate in some way, even a passionate dislike, then we feel like we’re on to something.
Did the band have any particular influences that creep in during the writing process? For example, “Jussy’s Girl” reminds me of those great 80s stadium rock anthems. Did you grab any inspiration from bands of that era?
Damn right we do. Often it’s relatively obscure and out of fashion bands like Nitro who inspire us. They’re the band who allegedly killed hair metal by shredding ridiculously fast and playing two guitars at once.
The band’s music videos are always great, including the one for “Jussy’s Girl” playing off the silent movie era. And I know you do have a hand in the creative process with the videos. Can you tell us more about what that process was like?
Just making it up as we go along really, a lot of bluff and ultimately stress! It’s not easy making videos on small budgets.
The Darkness has always a perfect balance of producing outstanding songwriting and music, with a hint of comedy, which is something we usually don’t see a lot of in rock. Do you think it’s important not always to take yourselves too seriously?
I don’t know, I just don’t get how you can play rock n roll music joylessly and solemnly- especially if you’re British, because British, and especially English people, don’t traditionally take themselves too seriously. Probably because we get embarrassed easily. Don’t ask me why, maybe Victorian values and the hangover of that era.
What is your setlist looking like these days? I know some fans might’ve missed out on the experience of Easter Is Cancelled in a live setting, but I’m assuming it’s going to be heavily focused on Motorheart.
“Heart Explodes” from Easter Is Cancelled really feels like a classic and is a live staple now. Then we have the prog rockers and Ru-driven heavy rockers from Motorheart.
Are you finding it more challenging to develop a setlist as you guys have sizable discography now with so many fan favorites?
We just follow our gut and play the songs that make us feel like proud men of rock.
I do want to say that “Welcome Tae Glasgae” is a fantastic opener, not only to the album but also in a live setting with that great bass riff. And it’s nice now that the States get to experience this live.
This album itself seems like it’s meant to be played live. How has the new material been working out on the stage thus far?
Beautifully.
Are there any particular cities that you enjoy playing in the US? Are there any that make you feel like you’re back home?
I enjoy the midwest, nowhere kind of places and hearts of gold.
If you take a look at the legacy of The Darkness, what do you think has been the band’s greatest achievement in the rock scene?
To prove the wankers who said we were a novelty band wrong.
Thanks again for speaking with me. Is there anything else you’d like to say to the fans?
Buy a VIP Package and learn what makes us tick.
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And once again, you can get that VIP package at this link
Motorheart Tour – 2022 North American dates:
3/9 San Diego, CA @The Observatory North Park
3/10 Las Vegas, NV @House of Blues
3/12 Tempe, AZ @Marquee Theatre
3/13 Santa Ana, CA @The Observatory
3/15 Los Angeles, CA @The Novo
3/16 San Francisco, CA @The Regency Ballroom
3/17 Portland, OR @Roseland Theater
3/18 Seattle, WA @The Showbox
3/20 Vancouver, BC @Vogue Theatre
3/22 Calgary, AB @The Palace Theatre
3/23 Edmonton, AB @Union Hall
3/25 Winnipeg, MB @The Park Theatre
3/26 Minneapolis, MN @Varsity Theater
3/28 Milwaukee, WI @The Rave/Eagles Club – The Rave Hall
3/29 Detroit, MI @The Majestic Theatre
3/30 Chicago, IL @Park West
4/1 Sauget, IL @Pop’s Nighclub & Concert Venue
4/2 Kansas City, MO @The Truman
4/3 Dallas, TX @Granada Theater
4/5 Austin, TX @Mohawk
4/6 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
4/8 Nashville, TN @Brooklyn Bowl
4/9 Atlanta, GA @The Masquerade
4/10 Orlando, FL @The Beacham Theatre
4/12 Tampa, FL @The Ritz Ybor
4/13 Fort Lauderdale, FL @Culture Room
4/15 Charlotte, NC @Neighborhood Theatre
4/16 Warrendale, PA @Jergel’s Rhythm Grille
4/18 New York, NY @Webster Hall
4/19 Toronto, ON @Phoenix Concert Theatre
4/20 Buffalo, NY @Town Ballroom
4/22 Asbury Park, NJ @Asbury Lanes
4/23 Philadelphia, PA @Brooklyn Bowl
4/24 Boston, MA @Royale
