BEST OF 2007: Fight Like Apes

2007 was a meteoric year for these synth-pop superstars. A load of storming live shows, some brilliant releases and an appearance at number two in the AU Hot 40 propelled FLA to the higher echelons of the Irish music scene. Here Adrian reflects on the tumultuous twelve months just passed.

How was your 2007?
Not to sound too clichéd but it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster. We started Fight Like Apes in November 2006 and things started taking off pretty much immediately. I think our initial plan was to have an EP out by January 2008 so releasing two in 2007 and a single in the UK pretty much defied any expectation we had.

What were your highlights?
I’d love to say Electric Picnic but being honest it was probably the Hard Working Class Heroes festival in Dublin in September. We had just come back from our first UK tour and to play to a hometown crowd of that magnitude felt very overwhelming. It was one of those gigs I’ll remember years from now. I remember just looking into the crowd and saying to them ‘who the fuck are you people?’ We really didn’t expect it. My other personal highlight was probably playing with the Apples In Stereo. They’ve been a huge influence on us and getting to sing ‘Ruby’ on stage with them was definitely one of those ‘pinch me’ moments.

What were your lowlights?
When Tom (FLA bassist) broke his finger a week before Electric Picnic. It was just such a disaster in terms of timing. Luckily our sound engineer David Francis Patrick Broy was able to fill his shoes for a few weeks. I guess it was one of those moments when you realise wrestling after a gig probably isn’t the best idea. Which was disappointing - I mean if you can’t beat the shit out of each other, what are friends for?

What was the weirdest thing that happened to you this year?
Getting asked for my autograph really confuses me. I mean I’m just a hairy lad that jumps around a stage like a wally and plays obnoxious pop songs. It’s really a bit strange.

Did you achieve everything you set out to at the start of the year?
Yes and more!

Did you make any new musical discoveries?
Grand Pocket Orchestra, my new favourite band. Well worth checking out.

What was your favourite album by another band or artist?
I thought the majority of records released this year were a loada cock and balls. I’m sure there were some good records that came out but nothing really that inspired me. I’m trying desperately to think of one bar re-issues and special editions. Bleh. I’m going to go with my first answer.

What was your favourite live moment (either your own or someone else’s)?
Probably cartwheeling into my keyboard at the Castlepalooza festival and knocking my keyboard over. It was honestly the stupidest I’ve ever looked.

What was the biggest musical disappointment?
When Future Of The Left started doing well. It squashed any hopes I had that mclusky might re-unite. I wish them the best and everything but damn them…

In ten years time how do you think you’ll view this year in your life?
Eventful, stressful, fun and hopefully not pointless.

Sum up your 2007 in seven words
Hat, dad, car, bag, man, friend, telephone

What are you hoping for in 2008?
A concord dog.

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