When you name a band fun. you had better mean it.
Consider Nate Ruess a man of his word.
Former leader of The Format, Ruess spent the past two years pushing his latest musical venture to the forefront. Known for its manic live show, fun. is an indie power pop outfit finding constant followers on the strength of the band’s 2009 album Aim and Ignite, a collection of 10 songs mixing harmonies with playful lyrics and signature sounds. Ruess formed fun. with friends Andrew Dost and Jack Antonoff, and as the band tours the U.K. and U.S. (with a mid-December date in Atlanta), he took time out of his schedule to discuss Arizona, haircuts and what fun. has on the horizon.
I know the band has been touring through Europe. How does touring in Europe differ than touring in the States? You must have an unusual story about your European trek.
NR: We’ve only been to the UK and it’s weird because it is sort of odd compared to North America. It’s not completely different, but it’s like getting a crazy haircut and looking at yourself in the mirror afterwards and thinking “this is totally me, but it doesn’t look like me” if that makes any sense. But we’ve gotten pretty used to the haircut and it’s starting to feel like any other state. Well, except this one comes with fish, chips, accents, and jet lag.
I was able to see fun. play in Athens not so long ago, and was impressed how dedicated the band is to the live show. What is your outlook when taking the stage? Are you guys like that every time live?
NR: Big time. It’s really who we are. There’s not a lot of difference in our personalities on or off stage. We’re constantly putting on a show even if it’s for each other.
Aim and Ignite has been out for more than a year now, so the band must be on its way to sending out a new album. How is that going, and what can fans expect?
NR: We’re getting there. The plan is to start recording in the spring so we’ve gotta get cracking on writing. I’m not too worried, excited actually. I’ve written a bunch of songs and I’m sure the other guys have some great ideas. But we are still trying to figure out what the album should sound like, which is always one of the funnest things in the process.
How do you go about writing new material? Does it start with a hook, or lyric, or is it a more collaborative effort?
NR: It varies. For the last record, because we had just formed, I had brought a lot of songs to Andrew and Jack, and we worked from there. I’m used to writing most things in my head — I don’t play an instrument — and then bringing what I hear as a complete song to them, and then explaining it and singing it until they start to understand it. And then once it belongs to all of us, all bets are off and the songs start to take crazy shape.
You’re based in New York now but for many years you lived in Arizona. Is there an aspect of your music that is directly influenced by your time out West? How so? How has it changed since moving to New York?
HR: Yeah. I think a huge portion of my lyrics, especially on the last album, were influenced by living in Arizona and also feeling an urge to leave it all. Even with lyrics to a couple new songs, I’m still referencing my past. I’ve since rekindled at lot of my love for certain things in the state but I’m so much happier being in New York. Now if only I had a place where I could make noise.
It comes as no surprise listening to fun. that the Beach Boys and Weezer are big influences. Is there an inspiration for you that may surprise other people?
NR: Maybe Van Morrison? He is my favorite thing of all time. Although I don’t think it shows much in the band’s music. At some point in life I would love to do something that’s focused primarily on blue-eyed soul.
It’s been a little more than two years since your MySpace letter detailing the start of fun. Are you happy with how things are going with the band? Is there anything you would do different?
NR: Yeah im happy. It’s been a long year and I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished. I just don’t spend a lot of time thinking about it. I’m very much into what’s next, and this band has been such a pleasant surprise and success that if I looked back to where I was personally when the band started, I would probably cry.
So what can fans expect from the tour in the States?
NR: A whirling dervish of sing out loud jams.
