Can you honestly see this whole "weird rock" thing getting any bigger than it is already?

Yes, it will get bigger, Oops was in part a drive to expose bands who are "weird" or what have you... I feel like "weird" is where it is at in these "weird" times we live in. I must say that these bands are no more "weird" to me than when I first heard Led Zeppelin or the Stooges though... so, it is all relative, and whatever the descriptive term is, I feel these bands are what new music should be.

Certainly with bands like Liars and Erase Errata getting a real buzz going about them over here, and the Locust stepping up to release on slightly bigger independent labels like Ipecac and Anti, it seems like it's only a matter of time before people start digging deeper into the roots of this area of music. Would you agree?

OK, the Liars... I don't know... I think the popularity of the Liars is 95% from money being spent to promote the Liars... the talent of that band lies in their publisher's pen. I feel at times that the Liars as hyped as they are were a mistake. The band sounds to me like Jesus Lizard (Down-era). I think someone thought they were the next Strokes... and typically when something like the Strokes arise (from big money gambling and a very un-alternative musical environment) the peckers who peck around are always just signing up anything that looks like it could ride the train and keep the kids into the initial (The Strokes) hype formula... This said, I think they are just in limbo but their heart musically seems to be in a very out-dated music style, which I personally enjoy at times, but the masses will not. So, God bless them, enjoy it while it lasts... I like them as people and have faith that they may write some original music that would blow people away in the future. Their pride depends on it...

Erase Errata on the other hand played some amazing shows and worked their way into a desirable position hype-wise. I think that is great because they deliver what that "scene" wants...(yes, the post-riot-grrl-neu-feminism-whateverthefuck scene) Although, I have read a few interviews with them and realise they are not 100% down with the "scene" and I feel that their music is bigger than that, I am guessing they do too. I think the hype for Erase Errata should be "wow, they kicked my ass artistically, musically" unfortunately it is more like "wow, those grrrrls are so great at whatever they are doing, lets talk about Simone De Bouvier or Sylvia Plath with them." Barf! Another pigeonhole and another mistake... but I suppose any hype is good hype... I can buy that. Erase Errata is one of my favorite bands ever, and are the nicest of nice people.

Our goal for the next record is to get it sounding irresistible to ourselves first and foremost. The thing about Anti and all these bigger labels is simply money I think, and the bands you mention deserve more money simply so they can continue to do what they do. I have seen bands try to broaden their audience through bigger labels and I think that is unlikely for these bands... these bands are there for those who are capable of getting into it... and the majority of folks aren't. If the aim is to fool them into liking it (a la Jane's Addiction, Devo) or something, then that is different... I mean if anyone wants to hire Arab On Radar for a commercial or a movie or any other out of context thing... we will do it... hopefully then our music could be heard by the herd... it is a paradox really. Those who like us are there, and we like them for it... We will always keep it raw for them, because that is what we do.

To get onto a less complex matter, what have been the last 3 great bands you've seen, the last 3 great records you've heard, and 3 great bands you think that we should know about and go and see!

Get Hustle, The Locust, Lightning Bolt
Hella's - "Hold Your Horse Is"
Olneyville Sound System's - "What Is True, What Is False"
"Dynamite With a Laser Beam", the Queen Cover album put out by 3ONEG... this record is great... I like Glass Candy's song and of course the Weasel Walter track of Bohemian Rhapsody. I listen to too much music to mention it all here, but these records are worth seeking out and buying in my opinion...

What is next for Arab on Radar?

Arab On Rad ar must write a new record. We are currently working on that in Johnston, Rhode Island... stop by and see us if you are ever in that area of the world (god bless you if you are! it is small)

Will you be making a trip back to Europe?

Yes, I think in the Spring we will be back... possibly sooner if any label like what we have to offer with the new demos we are creating... we may come over to play for some people. We are looking for some new doors to open, hopefully in Europe.

Out of interest, how do you find Europe as a place to stay?

I love it. I am 100% in agreement with Henry Miller about the facts of America (a la "Tropic Of Capricorn"), and the pleasures of Europe. I wish to live abroad someday, it is a goal in my life. Hail Sweden!

Anything else you'd like to add?

No not really, simply thanks for the interview, you are very cool.

Interview with the Locust >>

Check out the following links for more info.
www.arabonradar.com
www.skingraftrecords.com
www.oopsthetour.com

interview by Luke Younger
Live photo by Virgil Porter