Chicago band Friko play a headline show at the Workman's Club, Dublin on 14 November. We asked front man Niko Kapetan of the band the BIG questions . . .
Tickets priced €16.45 inclusive of booking fee are on sale here.
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Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I grew up with my parents owning three breakfast/lunch diners. Tequila is my drink of choice. Up until a year ago, we practiced in my parent's basement and weren’t allowed to play past 9pm
How would you describe your music?
We have the goal of making our music feel as cathartic and dynamic as possible. Those two elements allow for quieter moments and louder ones to all mean the same thing. We know it’s good when it feels like a punch to the chest.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Personally, I grew up on a lot of 60s era pop. So, The Beatles, Beach Boys, The Kinks. That really informed how I wanted to write melodies and chord progressions. Then as I got older and got into bands like Sonic Youth, Swell Maps, and the Pixies, I learned what attitude I wanted to bring to the music.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
The Who live at Allstate Arenal. We were up in the nosebleeds and could barely see anything. It wasn’t until I saw Ty Segall at Metro when I was 16 that I felt like I saw something that really impacted me emotionally and physically (I couldn’t hear properly for three days after).
What was the first record you ever bought?
I’m not 100% sure but it was definitely an older Beatles record, like Help! or A Hard Day’s Night. I still think Help! is the best Beatles record!
What’s your favourite song right now?
At this current moment, 100 by Dean Blunt. Our bassist put it on in the van during a night drive and it reeeally hit. It’s so mesmerizing, like Bill Callahan meets Mazzy Star.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Hmmm right now there’s probably a couple . . . "But the darkest of nights, in truth still dazzle" John Cain by Bill Callahan. "Well, all's not well but I'm told that it'll all be quite nice, You'll be drowned in boots like mafia, But your feet will still float like Christ's, Well, I'll be damned, They were right, I'm drowning upside down, My feet afloat like Christs," Styrofoam Boots by Modest Mouse.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Deep Blue Day by Brian Eno.
Where can people find your music/more information?
All streaming services or at our website.
Alan Corr
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