AS thousands of new bands vie for attention on a daily basis, it takes an outfit of striking originality and instinctive songwriting prowess to capture our imagination from the very moment they arrive. Starting life as the humble bedroom project of frontman Ryan Caldwell, Glasgow band Fauves have certainly made their presence known since officially becoming a fully-fledged outfit and performing heir debut live set at King Tut’s a few months ago in March.
Bursting onto the scene with a joyfully unfettered charisma and wildly exuberant energy, the five-piece may be a relatively new addition to the city’s thriving music scene but their massive potential hasn’t gone unnoticed. Now with two brilliantly upbeat singles to their name in ‘Hit Like This’ and ‘Afterglow’, the band have shown themselves to be the purveyors of impossibly catchy yet brilliantly unorthodox indie-pop. Whether it’s through their toe-tapping, funky basslines, afrobeat-tinged guitars or their frontman’s distinctively whimsical warble, Fauves are a band who adhere to their own set of rules; and that should be admired.
Continuing to make a name for themselves with every impressive live performance, the five-piece are ready to make a big impact at this year’s Tenement Trail on Saturday 30th September (tickets here) where they will appear alongside some of Scotland’s finest emerging talent. Ahead of the grand occasion, TTV caught up with frontman Ryan Caldwell to hear more about the band and what’s in store.
It’s been a big year for the band so far, what have been the highlights?
Just being able to finally play the songs live is some buzz in itself but I think it was at the beginning of the year that FatCat Records featured our demo of ‘Content (For Now)’ on their demo page, that was the first realisation that people out with our friend group liked the music.
There’s been a big reaction to the tracks you’ve put out so far. How have found the growing level of attention on the band?
Yeah it’s really cool to see some wee tune I made on ProTools in my bedroom being taken to a studio, turned into something bigger and then listened to by a fair few people. It’s really exciting for us, especially seeing people you don’t know coming along to the gigs and even buying a t-shirt etc.
Your music is an amalgamation of a lot of different sounds and influences. Do you all listen to different things? Who would you cite as your main influences?
Well I always have memories of listening to the Bee Gees in the car with my Gran as wee guy but it’s not until recently that I realised they are a pretty big influence on Fauves’ sound. I’d say my main influences are Tame Impala and Unknown Mortal Orchestra, also really into Methyl Ethyl and the new Childhood record at the moment.
I read that Fauves started with you recording demos with Ciaran. When did you make the decision to become a fully-fledged band?
These earlier demos came about due to my college course. I was studying Sound Production and had to find a band to record and trying to get a band in at 10am on a Thursday morning isn’t worth the hassle, so I thought I’d give writing my own stuff a go. I can’t play drums though, so I asked Ciaran to come play and that’s how Fauves was born. I think the decision was made when we got offered a headline show at Tuts at the beginning of the year, for the end of March and we started rehearsing as a group then. Now there’ s 5 of us – myself, Ciaran, Rory, Jonny and Gianluca.
You’re quite different to a lot of the guitar-based bands in Glasgow. Have you made a concerted effort to stand out from the crowd?
I wouldn’t say we made the effort but I’m glad you guys think we stand out. I favour using jazzier chords in the songs rather than standard major and minor. I’m not too clued up on my theory but I feel like it gives me more room to experiment with bass lines and leads parts. Maybe this make us stand out? Who knows?
What’s it like to be part of such a collaborative music scene? What makes Glasgow such a good breeding ground for new bands?
Yeah it’s really cool to be apart of, it’s probably something most of us take for granted. Theres so much going on all the time, always new bands and new music coming out.
Can we expect any more new music from the band this year?
Oh yeah, we are going to record something real nice in September and it shall be released in November, if all goes to plan. Can’t tell you what though because it’s pure top secret nd that.
You’re performing at Tenement Trail this year. Do you have any fond memories of the festival?
I’ve been the past two years I think, it’s always a class day out and you discover so much new up and coming music. The tribute to Gary last year was really touching.
What other bands are you looking forward to catching on the bill?
I’m looking forward to quite a lot of acts this year, the line up is real good, will definitely catch Sleaze Kidneys, The Ninth Wave, Crows Feet, ST. MARTiiNS, Declan Welsh and The Decadent West and LUCIA.
What can festival-goers expect from your set?
Synchronised jumping.
